berty

It's really going to come down to cost of the engine. Xl and XLT are popular in fleet due to low cost. A diesel engine is generally heavier, costs more upfront, and actually costs more to maintain as well, so off the bat it doesn't look good for a fleet vehicle. The only added benefit I see for the diesel option kinda offsets the whole issue with diesel if you ask me. Diesel engine loaded and unloaded make better mpg, but when the fuel is more expensive (in most places) the maintenance is more expensive and the engine is more expensive, I'm not sure how much sense it would make for a business owner to go for that option.

Dirttracker18

My last truck was an FX4 and my current is a Lariat and I doubt there are many on this forum that use their truck more "truck like" than I.

I tow a 30' TT, my fishing boat, an 18' car trailer (more often than I care to admit), and haul everything from dirt/gravel to fire wood and minimum weekly dump runs (no garbage service out in the country

On top of this I am an avid outdoorsmen that tent camps, hikes, hunts and fishes.

I like the extra luxuries that come with the upper level trucks but that by no means indicates I do not use my truck as it was intended.

To be honest I wish I could get away without owning a truck but I use it far too often to not have it.

acadianbob

The new 3.5 Eco knocks down 470 Ft Lbs of torque at a very low RPM. That exceeds the 440 of the current 3.0 diesel. Plus it has 100 more horsepower. Me, I'm sticking with the Ecoboost. The diesel will likely get better fuel mileage however.

Dirttracker18

Just for comparison sake, the Eco puts that TQ out at 3500 rpm while the new diesel (in its current configuration for Range Rover) puts out 440 TQ at 2000 RPM, that is a huge difference in availability of that TQ.

0-60 my money is on the diesel, the eco will catch it at or near there and surpass it but from a practicality standpoint you cant beat the TQ at that low of an RPM of any diesel.

As far as MPG, the diesel is going to destroy it. I would bet money you can get 30mpg on the highway with the diesel and still be above 20 in the city.

For reference guys on the Dodge forum are see above 20 mpg while towing a 6500# trailer! The eco boost drinks gas like an old school carbed big block with a load on it putting numbers in the low teens or worse.

I will be hard pressed to make a decision with my next truck between the eco and the diesel. Both will be very capable platforms with offsetting advantages and disadvantages.

acadianbob

The Eco produces 90% of Maximum Torque at 1,800 RPM. And I call BS on 20 mpg pulling 6,500 lbs.

Dirttracker18

And the diesel will produce 90% off idle.

There is just no comparison for towing purposes. The economist is really good for towing but the diesel will be great. It will produce torque in a more usable range and still get great mpg.
Not sure why you wouldn't believe the numbers. I have a friend that actually gets better than 20mpg towing 6000# with his eco diesel. This was hand calculated. Makes me sick when I am not getting that empty on the highway!

Peter R.

I've been reading about that diesel engine a lot sice it makes for an interesting choice, but most of the info seems completely made up.


For instance, and I'm paraphrasing here, Truck Trend is reporting the engine might be the 3.0 from Jaguar-Land Rover stable as currently used in the Range and Disco .


I think this is incorrect, as :


1. the current JLR 3L is from the PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) stable. It has essentially been around since 2005 as a 2.7, and was further developed to the 3.0 around 2010.
2. That engine is on its way out. JLR is developing a whole new line of 'Ingenium' small diesels, the 2L of which as already been introduced in the lineup, with the 3L on the way.


As the 'old' PSA diesel is on its last legs, I doubt very much Ford is going to pick it up and put it in next year's F150.


I could, of course be talking complete bovine excrement. YMMV.

acadianbob

I agree that the economy is better with a diesel. Have you ever towed with an ecoboost? It's like a small diesel. There is no magic with a diesel. Without the turbo, it is a complete dog. The Eco has two turbo's. I tow a 5th wheel at 1,800 RPM. What else do you need?

And I don't want to have to worry about fuel gelling when it is -25F; etc.

SixShooter14

From what I've been reading. It's going to be a 3.0L Powerstroke.

Dirttracker18

No doubt the eco boost is a beast and great when towing.

I am just stating that the diesel would be even better and, as you must know, the eco boost mileage goes a crap when towing. Diesels are not nearly as prone to this issue. The drop off is much smaller.

For towing, the diesel will be a better platform all around. While each engine will have it's advantages and disadvantages, it will be up to the purchaser to decide which best suits their needs.