Diesel vs Gas Commercial Trucks
Under the broad category of ‘commercial trucks’ are a number of different types of vehicles that are used by businesses for transportation. Under this umbrella, there are eight subcategories that are separated by their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Classes 1 and 2 are light-duty, 3 to 6 are medium-duty, while 7 and 8 are heavy-duty. If you want to get a semi truck, one of the first things you have to decide is━gas or diesel?
Here at Palmer Trucks, we know you want the best possible solutions for your business needs. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you decide between gas and diesel commercial trucks. For more information or to check out some commercial trucks for sale, visit one of our thirteen dealerships in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois. We have wide inventories and trained staff who’ll guide you through the selection process!
Initial Costs
The sticker price of a vehicle is the main concern of many buyers. A diesel semi truck can cost you anywhere from $7,000 to $ 10,000 more than gas ones. This difference is mainly the result of the exhaust after-treatment technologies that place the diesel vehicles within the EPA regulations standard. Around 30,000 miles is the mileage breakpoint of these trucks, so if you plan to go above that, a diesel commercial truck is your best bet. Anything lower than that and a gas model will suit you better.
Operating Costs
When it comes to miles per hour, it’s common knowledge that diesel will give you more in less. Remember though that diesel is more expensive. To make the best decision, think about what you can accomplish with your semi truck. If you’re going to haul heavy cargo across vast distances, you should look into diesel trucks. Gas commercial trucks will give better ROI over shorter distances. Also keep in mind that gas is more readily available than diesel.
Fuel Economy
As far as fuel economy is concerned, for the longest time diesel trucks had the upper hand. Now, though, with innovations like turbocharging, multi-cylinder controls and direct injection, gas semi trucks have caught up with them. Once again, it’s how you plan to use your commercial truck that’ll be the deciding factor. For example, if you plan to add a trailer, a gas medium-duty commercial truck will have to work much harder than its diesel counterpart to get the work done. This means it’ll use more fuel for the same task.
Longevity
Diesel engines are considered more durable than gas ones because of their high-compression ratios and high cylinder pressure. Since diesel fuel is less corrosive than gas, even the exhaust systems of diesel commercial trucks will last longer than gas ones. Keep in mind, however, that true lasting power also depends a lot on usage. If you constantly overload your semi truck or avoid its regular service and maintenance, it will give up faster than it should.
Maintenance Costs
Since a diesel engine is a more complicated machine, it takes more cash to service and maintain it. They are also made up of more expensive parts so parts replacement is often more costly for them than for gas commercial trucks. Some dealer estimates place the average downtime days of diesel semi trucks at around 2.5 to 4.5 days a year because it’s harder to find both parts and skilled technicians. While you’ll have to perform more oil changes for a gas medium-duty commercial truck, they’ll be cheaper than diesel ones.
We hope this gave you a clearer idea of the differences between diesel and gas semi trucks. When you’re ready to check out some quality commercial trucks for sale, visit Palmer Trucks at one of our thirteen locations across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois. We’re here for all your truck needs!