Diesel vs Gas Commercial Trucks
When you shop commercial trucks for sale, one of your first major decisions is whether you want a diesel or a gas model. Both fuel types offer unique advantages, so the right model for you will depend on which perks matter most to you. Below we compare the two models according to a range of factors, such as fuel economy and maintenance costs, to help you know which commercial truck fuel type best suits your needs. If you want more information or want to check out commercial trucks for sale, head over to DeBary Truck Sales. You will find us in Sanford, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Sticker Price
One key factor to consider in your shopping process is the initial cost of a commercial truck. While the exact cost differs depending on the model, the initial cost of diesel commercial trucks can be anywhere from $7,000 to $10,000 more than gas commercial trucks. This price gap is largely connected to the exhaust after-treatment technologies that help ensure diesel commercial trucks stay within EPA regulatory standards. The mileage breakpoint of these models is around 30,000 miles. If you'll be going more than that, a diesel commercial truck is a good fit. Otherwise, it can be more cost-effective to get a gas model.
The Running Costs
Diesel is a more expensive fuel to buy, but it will give you more miles per gallon than gas. Think about how you will use your commercial truck. If you'll be traveling longer distances with heavier loads, stick with diesel commercial trucks. For shorter distances, gas will give you a better return (and be more readily available).
The Fuel Economy
In the past, diesel models were the clear winners here. But gas models have come a long way with innovations in turbocharging, multi-cylinder controls, and direct injection. The main thing to consider in this comparison is how you will be using the commercial truck. If you'll be adding a trailer, the gas commercial truck will need to work harder to travel the same distance. This translates to needing to guzzle more fuel to accomplish the same project.
Longevity
Diesel commercial trucks tend to be more durable, thanks to the high-compression ratios and high cylinder pressure of their engines. Their exhaust system will also last longer than gas models since diesel fuel is less corrosive. But you'll need to be consistent with keeping up with maintenance tasks and also avoid overloading your commercial truck in order to get these longevity benefits.
The Costs of Maintenance
As you are building your commercial truck budget, you'll also want to consider the costs of maintenance. Diesel engines are made with more components, which make them more costly to maintain and service. You'll have to spend more to replace any parts because the parts are more complex than gas models. Many commercial truck dealerships estimate that diesel models see an average of 2.5 to 4.5 downtime days each year due to unavailability of parts or technicians. Gas commercial trucks will require more oil changes, but they won't cost you as much to maintain.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you still have questions or want to check out commercial trucks for sale, visit DeBary Truck Sales. Our expert staff is happy to chat with you and help you find exactly what you need. Let us know your budget and project requirements and we can suggest the ideal models to match. Our dealership is located in Sanford, Florida. We also proudly serve those in Atlanta, Georgia. Stop by and visit today!