I am new to this forum and trying to learn as much as I can before getting into either an F-150 or F-250 for towing. I don't have the trailer yet, but knowing approximately what I want, and doing a lot of homework on this (and other) sites, I know that an F-250 will definitely be in consideration. In trying to learn about the benefits of the diesel engine, the issue I seem to come across often is that you can run into troubles with them (increased maintenance requirements) if you do too many short trips with them. It would certainly not be my daily driver, but may get some short trips once I get to my camping destination for sightseeing, etc, as well as some other short trips around home occasionally.
So, my question is - what constitutes these "short trips" that can cause issues. Is it a 5 mile trip, a 10 mile trip, a 20 mile trip, or something else.
Thanks in advance for any responses. I really appreciate the time that forum members take to help out people like me trying to learn before we pull the trigger.

 

i doubt you will even notice any increased unreliability with short trips. i just picked up a new 6.7 and it's awesome. if you're really worried then just get on the throttle a little bit every once and awhile and it'll blow everything out.

 

The 6.7 is a different animal then the other powerstrokes. They haven't been seein a lot of issues even with short trips. If you need a diesel it's a great choice. Just change fuel filters every 10k and you will be fine.

 

Whaaaat?! Diesels can't be driven slowly or for short trips?! That's a mans dream lol
Well expensive dream gas wise.

 

I know what they aren't meant to do. I was only trying to say the new diesel isn't experiencing issues being driven as a cowboy Cadillac that other diesels would have problems.

 

If you are towing everyday then go with the 6.7. I have had both a 6.7 and a ecoboost. I got one of the first 6.7s and had some troubles but they have worked out most of the kinks now. I am planning on going back to one next year.

 

My dad got a 2012 6.7 Superduty. Runs great but has a lot of required maintenance. Fuel filters every other oil change, radiator fluid has to be tested periodicly, DEF fluid (which is in new Duramax also). It's not too big of a deal but its more than I'm used too from having Chevys

 

Just saying but Dodge makes a pretty bada** truck with the cummins. They dont use DEF. They're also better on diesel because it 6 cyl.

 

i havent seen any "short trip" driveability problems at the dealership out of a 6.7 like other people have said though, maintenance will be a lot more on the diesels, but they are great trucks, lots of power, and will pull just about anything you hook up to them.

 

You have to be concerned with lots of idling, not with the duration of the trip.

Just get it out on the highway and get it good and heated up and you'll be fine.

That said, I bought a new Dodge 3500 w/the Cummins. No DEF to worry about. Just the freaking EGR, NOX, CAT and the oil "growing" from the egr feed. I got the extended warranty...