How to Select the Best Diesel Truck

Diesel vehicles have become a go-to choice for truck owners due to their superior fuel economy and greater torque compared to gasoline engines.

Finding the ideal truck can be a daunting task. To make it easier, we’ve put together this list of the top diesel trucks available so that you can decide which one is ideal for your needs.

Table of Contents

Reliability

Reliability is an essential factor when selecting the ideal diesel truck. A well-maintained diesel truck will last a long time and function efficiently when hauling loads.

Diesel trucks offer greater reliability when transporting heavy loads, as well as saving you money on fuel expenses since diesel is more efficient than gasoline.

In addition to an efficient and powerful engine, the performance of a diesel pickup will also depend on its body. A rusty or damaged frame could make it harder for the engine to operate optimally.

The most reliable diesel trucks are those designed with years of use in mind and constructed with superior quality and longevity.

Durability

Diesel engines are known for their longevity, often lasting hundreds of thousands of miles – making them a great option for long-term truck ownership. This longevity can be attributed to their engine blocks and internals being able to handle higher compression ratios than gas engines can handle.

Diesels typically need fewer repairs than their gasoline-powered counterparts due to their simpler engine and powertrain systems, which means lower repair expenses.

However, diesel engines may break down more rapidly than their gas-powered counterparts if they’re frequently utilized for towing or carrying heavy loads.

If you’re searching for a high-mileage diesel pickup, the Duramax LBZ engine is your best bet. GM designed this engine specifically during an era when emissions weren’t mandatory and it has proven to be a dependable powerplant ever since. Plus, its ride quality was far ahead of its time; making it one of the best options available when considering pickups of this era.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an integral factor when selecting the ideal diesel truck for your requirements. Engine size and driving style can significantly influence how much mileage your vehicle will get.

Diesel trucks typically offer 25% to 30% greater efficiency than gas engines of similar size, making them an excellent choice for hauling and light duty work.

Diesel trucks tend to be costlier than their gasoline-powered counterparts due to their stronger internal parts and components.

Most new light-duty vehicles must display an EPA-estimated fuel economy on their window stickers. These numbers vary based on various factors, such as engine efficiency, vehicle weight and wheel size.

Towing Capacity

When purchasing a truck, towing capacity is an important consideration – particularly if you plan to haul a large load. It determines how much weight can be lifted without overtaxing either the engine or wheels.

Diesel trucks boast greater towing capacities than gas-powered vehicles, due to their ability to generate more torque at lower revs. This enables them to transport heavy items such as boats and trailers with ease.

However, it’s essential to remember that towing capacity should only be used as a guideline and you should always adhere to the manufacturer’s weight ratings for both your truck and trailer.

Top diesel trucks for towing include the Ford F-450 Super Duty and Chevy Silverado 3500HD. These powerful pickups have a maximum towing capacity of 24,000 pounds.