ALT-1 Diesel Pickup Trucks Pros and Cons
Jokingly my die hard Ford fan father asks every time we visit if we are bringing our loud stinky Dodge diesel. Every vehicle has an acronym that relates the competitions views of the name brand, such as found on road dead for Ford. So, when asking various people what they thought the pros and cons were or diesel pickups the name brand invariably came up as well. It also became convincingly clear that just as many are loyal to a name brand they are loyal (or not) to diesel powered pickups.
The rising costs of diesel prices would be the first negative about owning a diesel if looked at on face value. Those die hard diesel fans are quick to point out that the mileage is better with their diesel pickup, especially when towing.
The fumes put off by diesels are more toxic than gasoline but with the push for a cleaner environment many diesel manufactures are looking at ways to overcome this negative consequence. While quieter now than the diesel forefathers a diesel pickup can still be pointed out in a crowd of gasoline pickups. But, while a nuisance to those around it, some diesel lovers love the louder engine. Much of the noise is no longer heard from those driving the pickup, just those around it.
The only negative regarding diesel engines that did not have a quick excuse behind it was the problem with freezing up in winter conditions. Most had to install an engine heater on their diesel pickups and keep the engine plugged in to overcome this problem.
Listening to the pros about diesel engines was like listening to a father brag about their child. Towing horsepower was at the top of the list, especially when climbing hills. The high miles racked up on some of the engines was quite impressive (with some pickups looking like the body would fall away from the engine before the engine quit).
Maintenance and an easier ability to work on a diesel engine was mentioned as well but I don't know if a mechanic would agree or disagree with this. Having more accessories to boost performance of the engine was also a favored reason for having a diesel pickup. Computer enhancing performance chips, cold air intake and turbos were just some of the accessories mentioned. These options added to higher horsepower were almost bragged about.
One thing is certain, you either really love them or really hate them, but many pointed out until you try one you really won't know.
