I agree with @smlobx. Yes gearing can help facilitate that low-end grunt which we all covet (or at least most of us). But with a gasoline and diesel engine of comparable torque outputs, the gasoline will, generally-speaking, require lower (numerically higher) gearing in order to produce driving characteristics similar to that of the diesel. The real beauty of a diesel is that the low-end torque is already inherent to the engine, so you don't need to compromise fuel economy by going too low with the gearing.
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I think in most areas of North America, the range issue isn't a huge deal. I know that in parts of Canada and Alaska, fuel stops need to be planned appropriately. I think fuel costs, more than anything else, will incentivize some, though not all, truck owners to at least consider diesel engine options. Fuel is relatively cheap now. Lots of people driving around my neighborhood with empty 1/2 ton's for the cool factor alone. The next big jump in fuel prices will likely change that trend.
The ability to lock both axles and shift into 1st low and let the diesel idle up a mountain or slowly descend a very steep hill is impossible in any gas vehicle...
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True, but ... how much torque do you need to get up a grade? Really?
Seriously, where are these 500-mile overland trails in the lower 48 that don't have gas along the way? I have yet to still need to dip into a spare jerry can, but dudes are always talking about 50-gallon tanks and having 10 jerry cans.
I'm serious, I want to go on a long route. So far the longest continuous was 270ish miles.
I choose not to live in communist countries.
Na. Not exactly but related to Poe's Law. No visual indication was given that it was a joke to the readers and the context of the thread up to this point didn't give an indication either. I was more along the lines of "not sure if serious" when I read it a few days ago.
I just sold my full size diesel. In the 2+ years of owning and driving it, I came to the realization that the "fuel cost/economy" savings was a myth.
I've driven coast to coast and in all seasons and what I noticed was that by and large, diesel prices were as much OR MORE than gasoline everywhere I went. No real savings there at the pump, maybe pennies per gallon but overall I always felt like gas was cheaper. Not talking B20 either, I'm talking good old Diesel #2. I did get better fuel economy than my Tacoma overall, but gallon for gallon the cost averages out once the significantly more expensive diesel maintenance costs (DEF, oil changes, fuel filter changes, air filters) were accounted for.
Add in the lack of convenience factor in North America where diesel is the oddball fuel that many stations don't carry and yeah, it was not as good as I had hoped overall. I do like driving a diesel (unlimited POWER!), but the driving experience was outweighed by these other factors.