Choosing a Work Truck: What Kind of Engine Should I Get?
Some people swear by the diesel. Other will say you can never go wrong with a V8. This is a tough question, but it’s one you’ll have to answer when you’re looking to get your next work truck.
Should you get a diesel or gas work truck?
Diesel vs Gasoline Work Trucks
There are two easy questions to ask yourself to figure out if you should get a diesel or gas work truck:
- Will I be putting a lot of miles on it getting to job sites or during my commute?
- Do I need to be able to tow more weight or store more stuff in my truck’s box?
Essentially, it breaks down to two factors: fuel economy and utility. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Fuel Economy
If you drive more than an hour to get to work each day, it’s safe to say you’re going to want decent gas mileage. While mild hybrid systems like eTorque on some newer RAM trucks help a little with performance and fuel economy, they still aren’t as efficient as a diesel. The 2020 RAM 1500 with the HEMI V8 and 4×4 drivetrain gets 15-city/21-hwy mpg. The eTorque version gets 17-city/23-hwy mpg. The 2020 RAM 1500 with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel and a 4×4 drivetrain gets 22-city/32-hwy mpg. If you have to tow things for work, the EcoDiesel’s better fuel economy will add up fast. Speaking of towing…
Towing/Payload Capacity
The 2020 RAM 1500 with the EcoDiesel engine has a max towing capacity of 12,540 lbs. The HEMI V8 with eTorque model tops out at 12,750 lbs, however, it has much lower fuel economy for only around 200 lbs higher capacity. When it comes to payload, the two engines switch places. The 2020 RAM 1500 HEMI V8 with eTorque tops out at 1,820 lbs. The EcoDiesel version has a max payload of 2,040 lbs.
Interested in the 2020 RAM 1500?
Come test a couple out at Turpin CDJR in Dubuque, IA. If you like what you see (and drive), get pre-approved to ensure the best rates. Give us a call to schedule a test drive or if you have any questions.
