Gas vs Diesel Truck Fuel Cost Savings: The Hidden Truth 

Thank you all for the feedback and comments! I am overwhelmed trying to keep up with all of them and respond, so thank you for your patience. In the meantime I want to address the elephant in the room, the gas vs diesel resale argument, which is indeed missing from the video. First and foremost, I think the landscape has shifted more recently concerning the desirability of gas vs diesel in the HD truck resale market. As a diesel truck owner for the better part of the last decade, I would argue modern diesel trucks are getting increasingly complex with emissions as their achilles heel, trending toward reduced resale appeal, particularly as they age. On the other hand modern gas engines seem to be making a comeback, particularly GM's L8T and Ford's 7.3L Godzilla. I also think the well-known diesel resale argument, when used to suggest that the $10-14K premium paid for a diesel engine will be recovered in an advantageous manner when you resell the same HD truck 3-5 years later is often overplayed and misleading. If anything, car dealerships use the popular diesel resale argument to their advantage to rake in more profit as a canned response during negotiations. Instead I would suggest the diesel resale argument in today's changing market offers diminishing returns. I struggle to see how spending $10-$14K more on a diesel engine, only to get back a fraction 3-5 years later, gives the diesel an advantage and equates to saving money. And, I'll add that I've bought and sold 3 diesel trucks over the last decade...but, I didn't purchase those diesel trucks to save money. Instead, I bought each of them as I desired the unmatched performance and the premium experience that only diesel can deliver. If we gotta pay extra to get that unmatched diesel performance and premium experience in the end, there's nothing wrong with that, right? And that goes for whether Cummins, Duramax, & Powerstroke...they all supremely deliver in the end. This go round though, I chose to save money and go with an HD gas truck, especially given the advances in modern gas trucks. Regardless, I appreciate the comments!

There is no better video that describes the pro/cons of diesel vs gas. As the owner of three Duramax diesels and now the owner of the same truck as yours, I agree with everything you have pointed out. Vehicles are like ice cream. There are no wrong flavors, the one you like better is the right one for you.

The REAL advantages to diesel are: Grades: Less stress on the powertrain/transmission when tackling large, long uphill runs. Elevation: The turbos make it almost a non-factor, whereas gas engines will gave to work quite a bit harder and won't provide as much performance. Exhaust Braking: Going down grades, this will be a big help, especially with heavier trailers (13K+), and will put less stress on your braking system (although the engine breaking on modern gassers has gotten pretty good). Refueling: This is actually the big one for most people that they often don't even think about. Lot more accessibility for diesel pumps that will fit your setup and you don't have to fuss with, well, all the other drivers going to the gas pumps. With all that said, I still went with a gasser (Ford 7.3). I'm towing less than 12K less than 10 time a year and won't be taking any long trips out west and/or up into the mountains until after I retire (no time). Can't stand all the emissions crap on modern diesels and use my truck as an almost-daily driver so gas made the most sense for me.

The owner of our local Ford dealer whom I’m friends with told me over 2 decades ago there is no circumstance where the consumer will save money by purchasing a diesel truck. You’re spot on in your analysis. The one caveat is the Hotshot scenario. Remember at 100k a year mileage the truck will have to be replaced every year or two for reliability purposes which will lower savings and resale will go down on an high mileage truck.

This is applicable for HD trucks. But I switched from gas to diesel in the half ton segment. Diesel in my case just made much more sense. I tow and the GM 5.3L is just too anemic. That's why I upgraded to a 6.2L Silverado. When I bought that truck the 3.0L was in its first year of service, so I decided to pass on it.But when I was looking to upgrade in to a new truck earlier this year I decided on the 3.0L Duramax for several reasons. The new LZ0 was much more powerful than the first gen LM2. The 3.0L also has a very good record of reliability. The 3.0L was a $795 option whereas the 6.2L was a $2195 option. Diesel in my area is typically cheaper than even 87 octane gas and for the 6.2L it's recommended that you use premium gas, which I always did. So fuel is significantly cheaper for the diesel. The fuel filter is a 30,000 mile service at a cost of about $30. Other than that, maintenance is no different than the 6.2L. I had the max trailering package in both trucks, so I have a 3.73 axle now instead of a 3.42. But the fuel economy is amazing with the diesel. Driving my new truck home to Alaska from Idaho I was getting in the 30s. My last fill up before getting home I got 34.1 mpg over a 579.9 mile drive. Towing I was getting 14 mpg. With the 6.2L I would get 8 or 9 mpg. For me the diesel was a no-brainer.

Don't forget the diesel fuel filter changes and the extra expensive oil changes. It all adds up.

Before I got my first diesel truck, I did the same thing you did with a spreadsheet to show how many miles I would have to drive to break even. I put about 20K a year on mine, so I'll break even a little bit sooner. I think the newer gasser trucks are more than capable to tow campers/loads up to about 14K as a 5th wheel and more as a conventional trailer. But, when you start getting above the 14K as a 5th wheel, or more weight over all, that's where the diesel truck will shine. And yes, your premium benefits are the ones that helped push me into a diesel truck...esp the truck lanes and the exhaust brake. Great video with lots of great and accurate info for all of us.

I've had a Ford 6.7 powerstroke for nearly 12 years until the engine blew up at 102k miles. However, during that time, I've spent more money maintaining it than I expected. An oil change for example, 13 quarts for the diesel vs 8 for the 6.6L gas every 5k miles adds to the cost. Buying DEF all the time, Emission system sensor failures and replacements, clogged EGR repair, and finally a catastrophic engine failure with a broken exhaust valve where the only option to fix it was to replace the engine for $21k. There is a price to pay for owning one and it goes up the longer you own it.

My first diesel vehicle was a 1971 220 D Mercedes. Diesel fuel cost was at least half that of gas. Moving forward to Ford diesels in 1984 1985 diesel fuel was a little more but still less than gas. Today my 15th + diesel truck. Have 2024 Chevy 3.0 turbo diesel. Gets over 30 mpg when not towing and from 12 to 15 mpg pulling 3700 lb trailer. Same 495 ft lbs of torque as V8 diesel. So I have many arguments to your opinions. Just love diesel. John

You really need to add maintenance costs into this equation, gas will shine even more

Just got out of a 2020 2500HD LTZ L5P. I fell into the diesel hype but with so many problems we encountered with a total of 52 codes with

Great video. I have been saying this for 12 years now as i've personally owned 2 different gas Ram 2500s. First was a 12 Ram 2500 with the 5.7 Hemi and sold it with 203k miles on it and now own a 23 Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi. I love it and it tows my Jeep beautifully.

I did a comparison between two 2021 F250 Lariats, one with diesel (no high output), the other with a 7.3 gas engine. The price difference with average miles was $6,000. I agree with your assessment on which truck makes more sense. If I were buying new, it would be an F250 with the 7.3 gas engine. New diesels have way too many issues with added emissions, failing fuel pumps, and expensive repairs.

If you want to save money over the long haul, don't buy a truck.

You are going to stir up a hornet's nest with this one. Yes, IF you pull heavy, over 12 or 13 thousand pounds up the Rockies all the time, a Diesel will probably work the best for you, but all maintenance costs need to be figured in. Most people don't do that and will find a HD gas rig just fine. Now just sit back and watch the diesel owners start flying all around you.

Great content. Your viewership comments are so valuable. For the lack of use of my gasser, and the occasional use for local towing of 8,000 lbs. Of RV, gas is the answer. To each their own. Agree that DEF and maintenance costs would only increase your spreadsheet valves, but much of that could be speculative. Nice job presenting clearly.

Its even worse than what you present. That extra 10K has additional opportunity cost. That $10K is tied up in the truck, so you can't invest it. If you put that $10K in a 10% growth stock, after 5 years you would have lost about another $6K from losing that investment opportunity. So the diesel engine cost is really a little over $16K more expensive over 5 years, when factoring loss of interest gains.

There is one big factor you missed. The vehicles value when it's traded for the next one. Diesel cost a lot more new. The diesel is worth a lot more used though. So now rerun all the numbers but lose the 10k upgrade cost because it's recovered in the sale.

Well definitely helped lol.. I drive 35k a year in F150 at 21mpg, and kept looking at the 3.0 duramax claiming 28-30.. thank you for the breakdown of information

Nice work, sir. Have owned and continue to own gas-powered trucks. That said, I am also a diesel pickup aficionado, running several diesels over 30 years. I would observe that although costs and economics can be or are important, many people are willing to pay more for the additional performance of a modern turbo-diesel truck. Most vehicle purchases are not purely rational, but also emotional/feel good/want vs. need. 🤷🏻‍♂️😁. I call it "performance", you call it "premium experience"... two ways to say essentially the same thing. Agreed sir.

I have the same exact truck as yours. Searched on line for 9 months on AutoTrader and had it shipped to me in Montana. Super truck for pulling in the mountains.

Well, you left out an important point for diesel... RESALE! We're calling the $10,000 option an added "cost", but the reality is the diesel becomes a massive asset come resale. It's very common to see diesels, even used diesels with 100k+ miles, still selling for $5k-$10k above what you'd paid for similar mile used gas trucks, sometimes even more. With that, diesel starts to make more sense. For me, I just don't even consider the upgrade as a "cost", it's just something I get back at the end my ownership, like a refundable security deposit. Basically, as long I don't blow the engine up, I get my money back at the end of it. Also, there are other big benefits to diesels besides fuel savings and better resale. Diesels with exhaust brakes, particularly Cummins diesels and their strong exhaust brakes, will save you on brake pads and rotors. Over the life the vehicle, you could see thousands of dollars in savings just on brakes. This is especially true for people who do a lot of towing and/or stop and go driving. As someone who's towed a lot with gas and diesel, I can attest to that saving from exhaust brakes. Resale aside, the saving and security and confidence you get with an exhaust brake makes the diesel premium worth it. That said, I wouldn't encourage someone who doesn't really need a diesel to go out and get a diesel. There are other issues that comes with diesel ownership. The emissions stuff can be killer for people who don't use these trucks as intended. For those who'd buy diesel for no reason beyond just wanting one, they should think twice. It maybe a very expensive headache in the end.

Great points, but keep in mind that when you go sell it, the gas trucks are not as desirable (and depreciate more) than diesels. Most HD truck buyers want diesels, which is why used ones are a lot pricier than their gas counterparts. Again, great points. Thanks for doing the research to put this together. Cheers,

Few things. The $10K diesel option is usually returned at trade-in time, so that's a wash. You missed the maintenance costs between the two, with diesel being much higher than gas. And, diesel gels in the cold winter requiring more attention and maintenance than gas (which doesn't freeze). Issues; okay, you can buy an extended warranty out to 100K miles to cover the drivetrain, but after that, you are on your own for any diesel repairs. And, with the way diesels are so choked with all of the emissions stuff on them, I'd say there's a really good chance of a major repair bill after 100K. I'm a Ford guy (my 2023 F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost and 10 speed transmission is a monster towing our 7,200 lb travel trailer), but look at the Godzilla motor and 10 speed transmission in the F250... massive power and ability to handle up to around 18K towing. I'll close by saying towing above 15K, the diesel starts winning, just because of performance... but, man oh man, under 15K, these new trucks with big gas motors and 10 speed transmissions are the way to go, I think. This is creating a dilemma for us deciding our next camper... we're actually looking at staying under 15K so we can get a gas truck instead of diesel. Good topic to discuss! I'd appreciate any feedback if I'm missing anything. Cheers! Pete in Arizona - KI7LIL

The cost of maintenance is a huge factor that would be a even larger cost to the equation of Gas vs. Diesel.

I bought this exact truck because of your videos. Took a long time to find the one. Thanks for the content!

When I was configuring and buying my F450, the fleet manager ran the numbers, and we determined that the break even point for my mix of towing and running loaded was 300,000 miles for the diesel. I bought the V10 which averages 7mpg towing a toy hauler at 18,000 pounds, or 12 mpg with about 1500 pounds in the bed. If I don’t need the load capacity I take a smaller vehicle, sometimes with a small trailer. The oil changes and fuel filters are considerably less expensive for the gas engine. My diesel Jeep averaged 29 mpg with 3 fuel stops in 1500 miles on a recent trip through the northwest. It gets 25mpg towing a 5x8 enclosed trailer. The gas Highlander V6 gets 19 mpg pulling the same trailer. My actual numbers agree with your findings. Both the Jeep rated 240hp and the Highlander rated 295hp have adequate power for passing and climbing grades.

I have an '03 duramax with over 160, 000 mi I guess I made the right choice for the diesel option putting money back in my pocket and it hasn't cost me anything except regular maintenance and a couple sensors over its life and its still running strong in the injectors were done under warranty back in the day. But with that kind of savings you're showing in fuel that will pay for injectors and I'll still have money in my pocket good job on the stats.

Great video, you nailed it on the head. I currently own a cummins and im switching to a truck just like yours. Like you said though, it is an experience. That torque, exhaust brake, a night and day difference. Massive smile on the face. But boy do you pay for that experience. Maintenence costs, In the shop for emmisions issues, def, 2 head gaskets, new turbo, egr, transmission ive had enough. Im a weekend warrior and mainly city driving so the diesel has got to go. Thanks for all the time you put in 👍

I think it’s also important to consider the cost of DEF, which should be proportional to fuel consumption and easy enough to estimate. I’ve tracked every maintenance cost to my 2018 2500HD Duramax since new and am sitting at about 167k now. I’ve figured out that the cost of operation FOR ME will shake even at around 15mpg (depending on fuel cost disparity). I think a lot of people really want to hold onto the diesel resale thing, but that’s a wash in either direction…you don’t pay the premium up front, have to pay the interest, etc…not a factor for me. Pulling power…sure, if you really NEED it, will be better with a diesel.

Some times you just have to buy what you want! Which is what i did, my first diesel, used, love it. Most powerful truck I've ever had and the exhaust brake is awesome. I did the same cost comparison and knew I'd never get a break even, but i didn't care. Yolo right!! Lol

I am a huge fan of the ls line of engines. But when engineers started playing with afm dod and so on the reliability of that 200k + engine dropped to around 100k -. Chevys were eating the rear two cylinders out at between 80k and 130k I was averaging 13mpg in a crew cab 4wd. I have a dodge Cummins 3/4 ton 4wd crew cab and with a little work it gets 25 mpg. My oil changes are cheaper but I went from royal purple and a ac delco filter to cat oil and a cat filter (I work there so I get the discount.) yes initial start up was pricier but the maintenance is cheaper, and I’m not looking at having to buy an engine between 80 and 130,000 miles.

I have a 2023 LZ0 diesel Chevy 1/2ton just came back from a trip to Tennessee I live in NY round trip was 2200 miles I was towing a 14 foot V-nose trailer with two touring Harleys with a lot of gear 5,000 pounds total I was averaging between 14 to 17.5 mpg used 5 boxes of blue platinum def 20.00 a box. My friend that went with us also has a 14 foot V nose with one Harley in it total for him was around 3200 pounds he was towing it with a Dodge truck 1/2 ton with a hemi he was averaging around 8 mpg spent quite a bit more money on gas than I did. I factor the def in also. So the advantages of a diesel it is a torque monster. It’s fun to drive but it is a pain in the ass to find diesel and you have to put def in when you’re hauling something heavy. It goes through it like water! So would I but another diesel NO! (Just my opinion)

I tow about 5k miles year using my 08 V10 F250. Works fine for my needs without the worry of high repair bills of a diesel. Just put in gas and oil changes every 5k miles and it's good!

Great video. It doesnt matter what fuel mileage it gets the cost of DEF, fuel price as well as maintenace for fuel filters more oil capacity for oil changes, now factor in cost of repairs. diesels do tend to hold value at re sale compated to a gas significantly tho. I still think a Hybrid gas 3/4 or 1 ton will be the game changer. Gives you the comparible fuel mileage too a diesel, and added power while towing. Plus i like the idea of being -40C and my hybrid motor turns on and instantly warms up cab and gas motor prior to battery depletion. Your diesel "might" turn on that day. But it damn sure better be plugged in, high quality fuel or fuel additive as well as cycle the glow plugs.

I live In PA and in my area diesel is .05 cheaper than regular 87 gas. If you run premium diesel is significantly cheaper at the moment. Add in the resale value and the piece of mind of effortless towing my fifth wheel, I didn’t think twice about trading my 2015 Cummins on a 2024 Cummins HO.

I did a similar analysis back in the 80's before I bought a gas truck. I am currently wanting a HD AT4x 6.6 gasser but dealers only stock diesel. I have also heard the maintenance is more for diesel. Good choice for antenna and bed cover.

I’m towing a Grand Design Imagine 2500RL with a 2018 Toyota Tundra. I’m looking at GM 3/4 ton trucks. This is my dilemma, one month I’m thinking diesel & then the next I’m thinking gas. I keep going back & forth. Also it’s hard for me to get rid of my truck that’s never had a problem & go to something that might have problems. I’ve joined the different forums about gas & diesel problems. Seems like everything new has problems, no specific brand. Thanks for the video

Keep up the good work I wished you could’ve done a maintenance cost but good video

You forgot to add the scenario of when you delete the nannies in a modern diesel truck, you add over 10MPGs. 😅 Thanks for validating what I suspected. I was on the fence and had come to this realization, but it's nice to see numbers in many scenarios to back it up. I won't break even for another 5-6 years or so (I tow a 40' 5th wheel about 10k mile a year, so I'll actually get there)...but at least I'll get there!

Another reason for me is the availability of diesel is far greater in my area after a storm, and the ease of storage vs gas.

Great video!! One thing you did forget with the diesel, the additional cost of DEF.

The comments about diesel power are spot on. At the end of the day, there is really one big difference when it comes to power. Diesels make power effortlessly. If you love to hear your motor wrapped up to 4000 RPMs, then get a gas. If you want your engine to lumber along at 2000 RPMs (still walking away from the gas at 4000) then save the money and get a gas. An engine is a tool. I want the one that does the BEST job, no matter what it costs. As always, your mileage may vary, probably pun intended... 😂

Great video. I agree, diesel is just for towing and gas is for light to win every day driving.

Long story short, diesel trucks are made commercial level work loads.

Honest question, who keeps vehicles for five years? I keep mine for at least 10. Wouldn’t your savings increase the longer you keep the vehicle?

If you add maintenance cost the advantage to the gas truck is even greater.

I have a 2020 Chevy 1500 6.2 -10 speed ❤. With max tow. It’s awesome! GCWR 17800, 12k trailer. And rides great unlike all the 2500s. Love my MAX

For most people, a heavy duty truck is not even needed and GM made the baby diesel the same upgrade price as the 6.2L. The heavy duty trucks do have a big premium in the diesel though. Personally, I wish these automakers would go to smaller diesel engines and have that power electric motors. I built a Humvee for a DARPA sponsored project that used a VW 1.9L diesel itch ecric motors to power the axles and it was amazing. Great torque and horsepower.

Agree with you. After much studying back in 2012, I tried to justify a diesel on a 100K of mixed hauling (empty, 17K RV, GN w/10K). Couldn't justify it. Settled with 2013 K3500HD, Cab Chassis, 6.0, 6sp, original 4.10 but had OE 5.13 installed. Also, true 3" CAT back exhaust. I am not a hotrod and still can run 70mph and engine loves it. Average 14-15 empty and 6-10 loaded. The only complaint from me is refueling when towing. Yes, diesels have a premium, but I love my truck. Use it and take care of it.

If I had a job where I pulled trailers all the time, I would buy a diesel truck. So far I’m happy with my 6.6l gas 3/4 ton. I just needed something bigger to pull our camper.

You buy a diesel truck when it's the best truck for the job. I don't think your gas truck could handle my 20k lb fifth wheel.

5 year 100k warranty for Diesel 💪. If your usually buying extended warranties that is 2 grand right there. Your probably getting 5-7k more depending on mileage when selling. The real cost difference is just a few grand with above girl math. Note: IMO - If buying used you are likely getting ALL of the difference back.

I always had gas HDs and just now got a diesel HD. I’ll never go back to gas. I don’t know anyone who buys diesel thinking they save money.

I agree on HD trucks, just coming out of an F250 with the 6.2L gas engine. However, the numbers are very different for the GM 1500s. The 3.0L diesel total cost of ownership is substantially less than the 6.2L gas, starting with the engine option with the diesel engine being $1400 cheaper than the 6.2L engine.

Flexing with the tail gate😂

I’ve used a similar spreadsheet over a decade ago to justify my 04 Bravada over a 2011 Civic. I think there was enough money left over to cover two major repairs.

A few more scenarios/ variables that I think would be interesting but would add a lot of assumptions on this: Trade-in Values of the Diesel. Def Costs. Oil change costs. In the hot shot scenario, the cost of a new engine on the gas.

Setting aside the valid resale equation others have pointed out I’d say you are pretty on target and that’s not including the premium maintenance cost for a diesel either. I admittedly haven’t compared oil, filters, labor between the two but it seems (at least historically in my experience) diesel is significantly more in service costs - even diy. I’d also argue the delta in fuel mpg is more narrow due to modern diesel emissions (something I learned when I bought mine, having last been engaged with diesel technology in light trucks circa y2k’ish). Anyway, great video and valid points but if in a position to do so I’d still argue the diesel premium is worth the price to play for so many reasons mentioned already, but in your case yeah, gas was definitely the way to go. Cheers!

Add in the cost of DEF! Average the store bought $18-$25 DEF bottle and the Truck Stop/Station pump at $3-$4/gal. Be interesting how much more that would support your Gas vs Diesel scenarios.

use of the vehicle is the most important... went from a Tacoma to a ram 2500 with the 6.4l hemi ... I'm running a pop top truck camper . I needed the payload more than the towing, plus the ability to do the majority of my own maintenance and repairs. Also coming from a Tacoma on 35's to a ram on 35's ... the ram gets way better milage. just drove cross country from PA to CA and averaged 17-18 mpg (no truck camper) .. the Tacoma would get 10-12 due to the weight height of the tires and bad gearing.

2 common factors that were left out in your analysis, the resale value, and the Maintenance / repair costs. When doing my own analysis, it seems that the resale value bump and the higher maintenance costs cancel each other out if you're keeping the vehicle in the three to five year range. However, if you keep a vehicle for 10 years or more as I typically do, the greater maintenance and repair costs any resale bump you'll get

Not sure if you covered, but trade in / resale value would generally recuperate the upfront diesel cost over the gas engine.

I had a long talk with a guy driving a Ford F150 Lightning and I would definitely get one of those if I was buying a pickup. It gets 78 MPGe. I'm not going to get one though because I bought an actual car -- a 2022 Tesla model 3 long range. Last month I got 147 MPGe driving like an old man.

Wo! Someone used common sense, thank you! This is the best video out there and this is why I won’t buy diesel again.

Don’t forget to factor residual value. Gassers depreciate at a much faster rate.

There are other considerations as well first of all when you sell the diesel truck you will recoup some of that money for the upgrade of the engine and it may be easier to sell as the gas truck might depreciate more however, all you need is one major repair on a diesel truck and that will set you back big time it will cost way way way more to repair a diesel over a gas truck and that would be my major consideration in avoiding a diesel truck. With all the smog equipment they’re putting on there are a major problems that can cost you over $10,000 just to repair an incident. I think you made a wise choice.

You are right about experience. It would be like making a spreadsheet comparing RV travel over staying in a hotel. When consider RV depreciation you are way better off staying in hotels but is it the same,no?

An hotshot driver never keeps his/her truck that long…. Just get the gas people

Maintenance for new diesels is insane. One CP4 pump and you will never come out ahead. Ever!

Diesel used to always be half the price of gasoline but now that diesel is almost double of the price of gas.. I believe this is taking the efficiency out of the diesel... I think gas is the way to go now

If you're a hotshot driver - I don't see you still having a running driving diesel pickup with 500k miles on it for that scenario to really play out. 300k probably more likely the end of the road for both gas/diesel pickups, which then only puts the margin at $2,900. In my mind, end of year 3 with 300k your looking for a new pickup. At that point too, you may be better off getting a cdl and semi so you can put on the 1mil miles etc. at probably lower costs overall. Fun thought experiment and appreciate the sharing! :)

💯I agree I prefer the diesel for its power/torque/sound but sold my Duramax and got a 2500HD gasser as they look identical, fuel is far less here in Cali, registration, maintenance etc. again I enjoyed the diesel far more especially the 10x a year I tow but couldn’t justify all the additional expenses. Our state really bends you over for owning diesel but in 6 yrs when I retire out of state it will be the first thing I buy again just cause they are cool to drive loved them since I was a kid.

Okay, im a ol timer , going back 25 or more yrs ago, i had a friend that had diesel 3/4 ton may 1 ton service trucks not sure . He said the one he ran on the highway 200 mile round trips was excellent, the ones that did local service work were horrible compared to gas trucks. This was before egr and scr ,def systems, so today it would be much worse. The local trucks , lots of idle, running compressors and what not would have carbon and gumming up issues do to not getting hot enough compared to highway no low idling. So highway driving diesel good , local driving bad. I drive tractor trailer , before egr and def systems you could expect 500000 to a million miles before a overhaul , where gas powered lucky to see 150000 miles usually burned valves. Thats going back sixties early 70s . Since then these new engines i haven't heard of any paccar , Cummins, Detroit making a million miles before a overhaul. Today i would not invest my money into any diesel truck because they have become so unreliable and even minor problems will result in a $2000 tow bill before repairs are even made. And if it does need to be rebuilt costs are prohibitive and not worth doing.

Great comparison video! Only other scenario that I can think of is longevity. What if buying a diesel allows you to own the truck longer because the power train is so much more durable ( against high mileage). However modern diesel engines also require def, which adds to maintenance. Also oil changes are significantly more expensive in my diesel. Great work though.

Good video, thought i would add my experience. I owned a 2021 Duramax and pulled a 15,700 pound fifth wheel RV. I traded the deisel in and now have a 2024 6.6 gas. Both trucks are one ton dual rear wheel. Pulling with the diesel I was getting 9.5 to 11.5 per gallon. I did not drive the truck around town much and did not get a good handle on this kind of driving. The 6.6 gas pulling the same Rv gets 8.5 to 10.5 per gallon. Like you said the diesel in my case is not worth having. Gas is cheeper and the DEF for the diesel and other maintenance needed makes the gas a better buy. If i was pulling more weight and more often the diesel would be a good choice. Just my two cents....

If the vehicle is only for towing, and towing weekly, go Diesel. But expect major diesel related emission maintenance costs related to it. Otherwise don't, the emission equipment is killing the diesel engine. My Tundra pulls my 30ft camper just fine a couple times a year.

Like some commentators you need to factor in, engine cost, DEF, and the cost oil cost. Then the cost difference will shine

There is two other thing that I think should be considered. Should your truck break down, there are far more ICE mechanics than Diesel mechanics so your less likely to be back on the road sooner. 2nd, not mentioned is reliability of cylinder deactivation which is one of the reason I stayed away from the 6.2 and 5.3 GAS engine in the half tons. However the 6.6 HD Gas engine doesn't have it so that's a plus.

I just have a small gas truck that I don’t use for towing. Now if I was hauling or towing, I would go for a diesel.

You must include the resale value of diesel vs. gas over the same 5 year period. The resale value of a diesel vs. gas is night and day difference. You will easily recoup most of the initial diesel engine upgrade cost when sold compared to a gas engine.

You are correct in most of your assumptions and calculations, but you are not accounting for the cost of capital (interest) for the diesel, increased resale value of the diesel, increased diesel maintenance cost, and cost of DEF. That being said, when I do the math, a gas is still cheaper in most use scenarios.

Maintenance costs are definitely a factor. If you’re getting a work truck a tradesman basic (what I’d buy) is about $55k which compared to a decked out dually at $80-90k is a major price difference. That GMC gasser I’m assuming was probably over $60k. There’s a lot of price factors that can differ. In the end it’s whatever you think is right for you. My dad has a 2014 Ram 4500 and can go 2-3k miles on a tank of DEF. He changes his oil at 7,500 for longevity of the engine. Dave’s auto on RU-vid recommends 5k unless you get an oil sample done.

I was just told by a buddy of mine that as it stands, in California, diesel trucks have to go in twice a year and get a "clean air" check (separate from smog checks) for $100 a pop. Soon, they are gonna make it a 4 times a year thing!!! Might be a deal breaker for me.

I agree with everything you said up to a point and you didn't even factory in the maintenance cost!!!. Where you gain that money back is when you go to sell it!! you need to factory your total cost of ownership from beginning to end. A 100k gas truck will not even come close to a 100k diesel truck.

Most on here like the OP don’t work their trucks professionally and thus absolutely a gas engine is the smarter choice. A gas truck will always save you money for 99% of the guys who watch this. I bought my 2020 F450 and didn’t necessarily want a Powerstroke but that’s all that is offered with a F450. Well after 3 years and 178000 miles I will never not own a diesel truck because the power, exhaust brake and larger fuel cell is so nice!

And the cost and maintenance of DEF

Awesome video and loved your Excel work.

In the1500 series, the diesel engine option is only an extra $700 over a 5.3 and burns 30% less fuel. It will be cheaper in the long run.

I have a gas engine on my truck. Add to this argument above that diesels cost more to maintain between more expensive oil changes and DEF costs with modern diesels.

Thank you for the video. Very informative. Did you consider what impact the added cost of DEF fluid and the cost of oil changes of diesel ?

Nice cost Vs. for gas and diesel trucks. I know you can’t cover everything but, I do feel that you missed some important costs. DEF added to fuel costs and I believe GM recommends premium fuel for the 6.6 gas engine. Maintenance costs for diesel Vs. gas. Monthly payments, interest, taxes, license fees and insurance fees of diesel over gas truck. Unless you’re paying cash the diesel truck is going to put a big dent in your wallet compared to the gas version. As always stay safe and healthy.

I need to move where you are lol, our gas prices out here in vegas are $4 a gallon and up.

Good video. Buy what you want/need, but don’t disillusion yourself with the notion that diesel is saving money somehow. Other factors that work against paying a premium for diesel trucks too: you paid tax on that extra $10,000, and added interest if you financed it. Maintenance costs - extra cost DEF and higher prices for routine service. Finally, reliability - modern emissions diesels are not holding up well, though that’s hit and miss.

Solid video, agree with the analysis. However, you missed a giant part of this decision.... MAINTENANCE. Maintenance on a modern diesel with all the DEF and filters, is a nightmare. (def should be added to the fuel cost, IMO). It's pretty much agreed you'll spend a sizeable amount more (and have more downtime) with the newer diesels, solely because of the emissions requirements. More capable? ABSOLUTELY. The right fit for under 15k loads hauled 6-8 times a year? Not likely.

I agree, I had a duramax with a cold air intake, aftermarket straight exhaust and tuned for better torque, hp and mileage and I got phenomenal mileage. I am in Canada so the mpg doesn’t cross correctly but on average everyday driving on a 120L tank I would get about 850-900 kilometres and I had right around 415 hp and 875 ft/lbs torque and now I have downgraded to the 1/2 ton 5.3l with the same intake, aftermarket exhaust and the same programable tuner but for gas and my fuel mileage is only about 2/3 what I got with the diesel 3/4. The thing is the maintenance cost. The newer diesel’s in whatever GM, dodge, ford even left stock is eventually going to have head gaskets go. Unless you put out the extra money to change the head bolts to studs, which still didn’t guarantee it. On a new vehicle with a BIG “IF” warranty will cover it then it should be ok. If not, you’ll be looking at a $15-20 thousand dollar CAD repair because it destroys a few parts and is very labour intensive. Same thing with all other maintenance, you have the cost of DEF, oil filters more expensive, oil change is more volume to fill, steering parts for wheel alignment are more expensive, brakes are more expensive, basically everything on the truck is more expensive because of the fact that it is more of a heavy duty part to accept the torque of the diesel and the weight as well. Even in the hotshot situation, the diesel trucks are so much heavier and not everywhere but here in Alberta, most hotshot are for oil and gas industry and the access roads are not always the most maintained so you may need to factor in recovery charges because of the heavier truck getting stuck easier, the front end being pounded on and all the extra maintenance costs of putting on that many miles at higher costs for basic maintenance. And hotshot drivers pay through the roof for insurance, so when you also factor in insurance on a $75-80k gas or a $90-110k diesel truck (Canadian dollars). It still doesn’t make any sense unless you have the money and you like the extra power and aren’t buying a vehicle with an economic value in mind. You made a great point and with just simple things but if you’re thinking about a diesel truck and have to be money conscious, there’s a lot more reasons to look at which makes buying a gas truck so much more appealing on the pocket book than most people think of.🍻

Given the costs in my area, gas at 13 mpg vs diesel at 16 mpg... gas is 3% cheaper per mile. So today in my area, fuel prices favor gas even more than in yours. One big omission in your analysis is maintenance. Maintenance and repair costs on diesel engines are way higher than gas engines. Your 5 yr projection at 100K per year puts a half million miles on these engines. In this scenario, I'd go with diesel.

I'm going with the premium experience

You can count on a diesel being 20-30% more efficient than a nice gas hd like the 6.6 chevy with 10 speed. Getting the diesel a luxury at this point, not required. Diesel in my area is never cheaper than gas, add in DEF and more expensive oil changes and your 20-30% efficiency gain is a lot smaller. If you keep the truck a long time, just one major failure on the diesel emissions system coming out of your pocket will destroy any money saved on the fuel across the lifetime of the truck. Sort of like a hybrid car where if you drive it long enough to need to replace the battery pack a lot of your fuel savings gets eaten up by that expensive repair. Put any diesel fuel savings in the bank for when you inevitably have to do emissions repairs.

One thing you left out is for the same model truck, Diesel costs you payload. If you get a Diesel you should consider getting the 1-ton or you're always going to be close to GVWR of truck because of the diesel. Diesel power is unmatched, until electric solves a lot of it's issues. Diesel will go completely extinct with electric trucks with light, ligh capacity, fast charging batteries with a fantastic charging infrastructure, say 15-20 years from today.