slackercruster Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 I was reading a thread at another forum about problems with diesel RV's and the fuel filters. They said they get clogged up easy and you can get gas starved and the engine dies. I was thinking about getting a diesel pickup one day. But sounds like they are not as reliable as gas engines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbaraok Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 We’ve had a diesel Class A for 15 years. Not really a problem. We had a fuel filter clog and it was fixed by installing a second filter after the fuel-water separator. We also only buy diesel at places that turn over their inventory frequently, so either truck stops or grocery stores that we see have good usage of their diesel pumps. Lots of myths out there. Quote Barb & Dave O'Keeffe 2002 Alpine 36 MDDS (Figment II), 2018 Ford C-Max HYBRID Blog: http://www.barbanddave.net SPK# 90761 FMCA #F337834 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 slackercruster, talk personally to car or truck diesel owners. Driven a diesel since 1988. That was a work truck at the telephone company that at about 300 miles the "water in fuel light" came on. The utility body upfitter left the bare chassis out in the lot and it rained. Of course they all ready had the cap and fuel filler hose off. Never again a problem. Bought a 1995 Ram Cummins, put 147,000 on it before selling. Now have a 2003 Ram dually Cummins with 259,000 on the clock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, slackercruster said: I was thinking about getting a diesel pickup one day. But sounds like they are not as reliable as gas engines. I have owned a diesel car and now own my second diesel truck. I have also owned many gasoline cars and a couple of trucks as well as two class A motorhomes. In either case the reliability is pretty comparable. If you do the maintenance as called for they will be reliable but if you do not, either one will soon become unreliable. Diesel fuel filters should be changed annually or as often as the owner's manual calls for. I have always replaced the fuel filters at least annually and have never experienced a fuel filter related problem. EDIT: I should add that failure to replace the fuel filters in gasoline powered vehicles will also cause the same types of problems. Edited December 18, 2020 by Kirk W Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx & Wayne Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 We tow with a 2017 F-350 dually diesel - 6.7 L dual turbo. So far (65,000 miles) no problem with fuel. We have it serviced regularly. It is a great vehicle. Way more power than gas counterpart and better mileage. Maintenance is somewhat more expensive than gas. Quote Jinx and Wayne 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Follow maintenance schedule and it will be a better engine (diesel). They have great torque (towing capacity) and handle heavy loads better. I've had both in trucks/cars, diesels out-perform every time, BUT, if you don't follow good maintenance routines diesels can cost one heck of a lot more to repair. Regular maintenance is a little higher but worth it in performance. For general everyday driving, stick to gas. I've not had a motor-home so can't comment on that aspect. Have not had problems caused by filters in my 45 years of driving them, only caused by lazy maintenance. Quote 2022 Coachman Leprechaun, traveling around to dark sky areas and chasing the stars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 We've had a diesel truck and motorhome. No issues. Regular maintenance. Fuel at busy stations. Quote Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Got rid of my 2012 Duramax. Stayed way to much in shop over emissions failure. But I also understand they got better later. This is why I have an older HDT. Only egr and it disabled. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slackercruster Posted December 18, 2020 Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Thanks for the feedback. That diesel fuel must be filthy. Some of the people in the other thread said the filter was clogged up with debris that looked like coffee grounds. And water in diesel was mentioned as well. I've never changed a gas filter in any of my vehicles, but maybe I should. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Rick Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Put nearly 250k on a 2012 Ford 6.7. With regular maintenance no problems. Like others have said, the normal maintenance is higher. I went with the Ford 7.3 this time due to change in driving patterns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 34 minutes ago, slackercruster said: Some of the people in the other thread said the filter was clogged up with debris that looked like coffee grounds. I don't know where they are buying fuel as that is news to me. Diesel is more oily and doesn't evaporate as quickly as gasoline and if you buy fuel in little, out of the way stations that don't sell much fuel it could be more dirty, but that would also be more likely for gasoline from them. Don't believe the antidotal stories that people tell. If you still think that such stories might be true, go to a major shop and talk to the mechanics there. Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justRich Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 I've read somewhere (or heard, maybe "The Car Show" brothers Click & Clack) that when fuel stations are refueled, the incoming fuel stirs up the tank and any debris in the tank can be stirred up into solution - and if you happen to be pumping at that time - well, it goes into your tank. And yes, when I see that big re-supply tanker truck filling the station, I avoid refilling. Quote ~Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Fuel is mostly a non issue. Regular filter change and you good. Now it sit for year or so, algae can grow and cause you an expensive repair. My problem was DEF related. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Diesels require clean fuel and clean oil. The biggest issue with diesels sis coming from the emission controls. A diesel needs to be worked and not babied around town. Ken Quote Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orca Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 Gas station fuel pumps usually have pre-delivery filters. If not in the hose it will be internal in the pump housing so i doubt any debris will be pumped into your tank. The biggest problem with my 300 Cat is that when the temps get down to 32F the motor gets slow to start and when it gets to -25F it is impossible to start without the block heater being plugged in for a few hours. Quote 2004 Freightliner m2 106 2015 DRV lx450 Fullhouse 2019 Indian Springfield 2014 Yamaha 950 V-Star Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbaraok Posted December 18, 2020 Report Share Posted December 18, 2020 5 hours ago, slackercruster said: Thanks for the feedback. That diesel fuel must be filthy. Some of the people in the other thread said the filter was clogged up with debris that looked like coffee grounds. And water in diesel was mentioned as well. I've never changed a gas filter in any of my vehicles, but maybe I should. Don't you do fluids and filters changes when needed on all vehicles? Usually part of a decent toil change at reliable places, those that not needed very few months will be checked while vehicle is getting serviced. Quote Barb & Dave O'Keeffe 2002 Alpine 36 MDDS (Figment II), 2018 Ford C-Max HYBRID Blog: http://www.barbanddave.net SPK# 90761 FMCA #F337834 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 8 hours ago, TXiceman said: A diesel needs to be worked and not babied around town. I think so too. A cousin of my wife ran a company that required A LOT of travel in a years time. He had Ford diesel trucks for hauling the trailers needed for the jobs and a Mercedes diesel car to drive himself. The trucks averaged over 200,000 miles a year and got new ones every year. The Mercedes when he retired it for a newer model had over 1,000,000 miles. All he ever did was change the oil and filters, change the fuel filters, get new tires and batteries, and ALWAYS buy fuel at high volume stations. His is a philosophy I use for my own truck. If we are not pulling we use the car and once every so often if not pulling we take the truck on a road trip of a 100 miles or so to keep the cobwebs out. I always keep a spare fuel filter in the truck just in case I do end up with cruddy fuel but I have never used them yet outside of the regular change. I do not change the oil on a regular mileage schedule but I do change it when it says I need to. My two cents but for pulling a 40' fifth wheel I will take a diesel over gas any day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx & Wayne Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 2 hours ago, Chalkie said: pulling a 40' fifth wheel I will take a diesel over gas any day. Chalkie is right. So long as you are willing to pay a higher initial cost, and higher costs for fuel and maintenance, a diesel is hard to beat. The pulling power and smooth running muscle is amazing. Quote Jinx and Wayne 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 Beware of blanket statements like "diesels make more torque" and "diesels are cheaper to run". while sometimes true, such statements are often misleading, or downright false. If you're not towing or hauling heavy loads, why spend thousands of $ to save hundreds of $ (fuel)? When I bought my HDT, it allowed me to downsize my daily work truck to a F-150 EcoBoost. More power and torque than the half ton diesels, and cheaper too. And remember it's not just peak torque that keeps you going up the hill, but thw area under that toque curve. A big torque number that only registers over a couple hundred rpm (or less), won't atay with a motor that might make a little lower peak, but spreads it over a wider rpm band. And yes, the average care and feeding of a diesel is significantly more costly than a gasoline motor. You play, you pay. If you WANT a diesel just admit it and be happy. But most folks don't NEED a diesel. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinx & Wayne Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 8 hours ago, rickeieio said: When I bought my HDT, it allowed me to downsize my daily work truck to a F-150 EcoBoost. More power and torque than the half ton diesels, and cheaper too. Is it safe to assume hour HDT is diesel? Quote Jinx and Wayne 2006 Carriage Carri-Lite 36KSQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 Yes it is. Both my hdt's are diesel. And my last 12 pickups have been gasoline. I don't pull or haul a lot with my pickups, just me and my tool box, perhaps a passenger or three. I don't work a pickup hard enough to ever reap any benefit of paying up for a diesel. YMMV. My point it, diesels MAY have more peak torque, but at a price, and for most of us they simply don't pay. Are there gasoline powered trucks that could pull our rv? Sure, for a while. But they're in smaller trucks which won't safely handle it going through mountains or in the event of a brake malfunction. Thus my choice to buy a bigger truck. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 (edited) 17 minutes ago, rickeieio said: My point it, diesels MAY have more peak torque, but at a price, and for most of us they simply don't pay. I like your evaluation. I now have a diesel truck that I really enjoy using to tow my RV but I don't need one. I have owned 2 class A's and both were gasoline powered and if I had it to do over, I would still buy them with gasoline engines again. The original question was about fuel issues however and that is now a significant problem with either type of engine if you do the necessary maintenance in a timely manner. Edited December 19, 2020 by Kirk W Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 2 hours ago, Kirk W said: I like your evaluation. I now have a diesel truck that I really enjoy using to tow my RV but I don't need one. I have owned 2 class A's and both were gasoline powered and if I had it to do over, I would still buy them with gasoline engines again. The original question was about fuel issues however and that is now a significant problem with either type of engine if you do the necessary maintenance in a timely manner. Thank you for gently guiding us back on topic. Quote KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio@yahoo.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justRich Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 21 hours ago, orca said: Gas station fuel pumps usually have pre-delivery filters. If not in the hose it will be internal in the pump housing so i doubt any debris will be pumped into your tank. And then why have fuel filters in vehicles? Quote ~Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orca Posted December 19, 2020 Report Share Posted December 19, 2020 29 minutes ago, Rich&Sylvia said: And then why have fuel filters in vehicles? To keep the junk in your own tank from getting into the system, especially the stuff that develops in diesel fuels. Quote 2004 Freightliner m2 106 2015 DRV lx450 Fullhouse 2019 Indian Springfield 2014 Yamaha 950 V-Star Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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