Opinions on Ecodiesels?

[MerriamMagician]

Recently sold my first truck which was an early 2000's model. Now looking for my next truck, which will be much more modern. Was wondering if I could get anyones opinions or personal experiences with ecodiesel trucks? It seems they are harder to research as they are somewhat new to the truck world. I did some research already on this forum and saw at least one thread where someone was having problems with fuel pumps/contamination. Sounds like the newest models tend to have less problems? I'm specifically looking at the Chevy and GMC models but open to discussion of all brands and models.

[cem3434]

I have a 2018 Dodge ecodiesel as a personal rig and have had zero issues. I just got a Chevy ecodiesel for my work truck and haven't had it long enough to comment on any issues. I will tell you that over the first 10k miles on my Dodge, I have averaged over 24 mpg combined and usually get over 600 miles per tank of fuel. They are both laggy taking off until the turbo kicks in and neither is going to win a race, but both are smooth rides with plenty of power for half tons.

[Widgeondeke]

My coworker had the Jeep ecodeisel and loved it until 70,000 miles which was about 4 years. After that it spent many days in the shop for multiple issues to the tune of $12k. Once was on a trip to MT over holidays,  got stuck for an extra week. She just got rid of it 3 weeks ago and is very happy.
Numerous sensor issues. All not covered

[Magnum_Willys]

Do not get the gen 1 or 2 ecodiesel.   2020 or newer only.   I’m on 2nd one, great rigs but I wouldn’t  keep past warranty.

Fyi With diesels any fuel pump issues dealer may blame on bad fuel which voids warranty coverage.  Happened to me twice!   First time ate $13k next time won with out of court settlement.   Usually not bad fuel but he said she said you end up fighting service techs opinion and have to force them for proof. 

[jackelope]

I’m not a believer.

Between fuel filters and DEF and more expensive oil changes, I don’t understand how they’re any better than a gas engine. I drove a 2020 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost engine to Newburg Oregon last weekend. Empty it got me 24.6mpg and on the way back with 1400 pounds of animal feed in the bed I got 22.2mpg. The Ford eco diesel oil change is almost $200 plus fuel filters at $200 every 15k miles. Add in a bunch of diesel exhaust fluid every 5k miles and the cost is high to maintain and drive if you ask me. The Dodge and Chevy shouldn’t be too much different maintenance wise.

[b23]

I’m not a believer.

Between fuel filters and DEF and more expensive oil changes, I don’t understand how they’re any better than a gas engine. I drove a 2020 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost engine to Newburg Oregon last weekend. Empty it got me 24.6mpg and on the way back with 1400 pounds of animal feed in the bed I got 22.2mpg. The Ford eco diesel oil change is almost $200 plus fuel filters at $200 every 15k miles. Add in a bunch of diesel exhaust fluid every 5k miles and the cost is high to maintain and drive if you ask me. The Dodge and Chevy shouldn’t be too much different maintenance wise.

I'm right there with you.

In a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup diesels offer pulling power no gas engine can touch, but in a 1/2 ton, I just don't see any advantage to the diesel option.

[cem3434]

I’m not a believer.

Between fuel filters and DEF and more expensive oil changes, I don’t understand how they’re any better than a gas engine. I drove a 2020 F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost engine to Newburg Oregon last weekend. Empty it got me 24.6mpg and on the way back with 1400 pounds of animal feed in the bed I got 22.2mpg. The Ford eco diesel oil change is almost $200 plus fuel filters at $200 every 15k miles. Add in a bunch of diesel exhaust fluid every 5k miles and the cost is high to maintain and drive if you ask me. The Dodge and Chevy shouldn’t be too much different maintenance wise.

I'm still skeptical and I'm not entirely sold on the ecodiesels either. I intentionally waited until early 2019 and bought a late 2018 model because they had serious problems through early 2017 with the Dodge ecodiesel from all of my research.

Therre is a big difference of one freeway road trip and averaging 24.6 mph versus going 10k miles and averaging over 24 mpg because a lot of that was city and woods. Funny enough, I traded in a 2017 Ford ecoboost that I had nothing but problems with when I bought the dodge. In the first 20k miles on the Ford, it had several electrical issues and ate up a supercharger under warranty thankfully. I also have a 2006 Duramax for my heavy hauling, but the Dodge is rated to tow a little over 12k pounds in a half ton which is impressive imho.

For most people who only tow a camp trailer or similar, the ecodiesel is more than sufficient power wise.  I usually only use my duramax to tow a mini excavator or similar equipment. My experience has been positive so far, but check back with me in another year and maybe I hate them. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Is that a 2wd tow rating?   I saw the press releases saying 12k but Ram web sites say 9200-9500. ?

[cem3434]

Is that a 2wd tow rating?   I saw the press releases saying 12k but Ram web sites say 9200-9500. ?

https://www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/2020-ram-1500-ecodiesel-pickup-truck/

[jackelope]

Cem-
Was it an early ecoboost? 2012 or 13 ish?

[cem3434]

Cem-
Was it an early ecoboost? 2012 or 13 ish?

No, we got it in new in 2016, but it was a 2017 model. My wife wanted a new F150 as she is really the main driver of our truck (I have a company truck) and liked everything else about the truck. I said no way to a Ford after my last experience with the EcoBoost thus the reason we ended up with the Dodge ecodiesel instead.

[Boss .300 winmag]

My son has the Ram 2015 that he pulls his toy hauler (currently moving to Texas, at around 14,000 pounds) long distance, no problems so far. And loves the fuel mileage.

[Magnum_Willys]

My son has the Ram 2015 that he pulls his toy hauler (currently moving to Texas, at around 14,000 pounds) long distance, no problems so far. And loves the fuel mileage.

The 1500 ?    It rated for like 9200 in 2wd and less in 4x4?

[Dhoey07]

2020 GMC baby duramax will be my next truck!

[Dirty Mike]

I have an older duramax an 05. Not a eco diesel by any means. 1 ton crew longbed and its been great oil change cost me 28 bucks for 10quarts 7 bucks for filter. And 60 bucks every 15k for fuel filter. Its pretty cheap but I also service it myself