1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

diesel or no diesel?

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by TundraLaw, Aug 13, 2019.

  1. Aug 13, 2019 at 8:52 AM
    #1
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw [OP] Fourth Year Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2017
    Member:
    #10505
    Messages:
    1,186
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern Nevada
    Vehicle:
    OTW 22 limited crewmax trd offroad black/boulder
    Really liking the new chevy 2500 6.6 diesel. Love my truck, but at 11mpg, just aint cutting it. I'll give it another year for the Chevy kinks to be worked out, then I'm doing it.

    Any diesel owners like the idea, or hate?
     
    Stroke250 and Mountun Goat like this.
  2. Aug 13, 2019 at 8:53 AM
    #2
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw [OP] Fourth Year Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2017
    Member:
    #10505
    Messages:
    1,186
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern Nevada
    Vehicle:
    OTW 22 limited crewmax trd offroad black/boulder
    pics for reference

    IMG_0894.jpg
    IMG_0911.jpg
    IMG_0912.jpg
     
  3. Aug 13, 2019 at 8:56 AM
    #3
    Jerry311SD

    Jerry311SD New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2018
    Member:
    #14997
    Messages:
    801
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jerry
    Ramona San Diego CA
    Vehicle:
    05 Tundra
    My dad has a 01 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel big turbo big injectors.

    He loves it.......
     
    Mountun Goat likes this.
  4. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:12 AM
    #4
    Bravohook

    Bravohook New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #30982
    Messages:
    583
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Addame
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2007 RCSB
    Cool Things
    Can't go wrong with a diesel now a days. I miss mine, not a huge fan of the Tundra's lack of towing prowess and piss poor mpg's. But I did go from a diesel to a 1/2 ton gasser, so my fault. Its only been 9 months of ownership and I want to get back to a diesel.
     
    Stroke250 and Mountun Goat like this.
  5. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:14 AM
    #5
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw [OP] Fourth Year Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2017
    Member:
    #10505
    Messages:
    1,186
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern Nevada
    Vehicle:
    OTW 22 limited crewmax trd offroad black/boulder
    For sure. I test drove one of the first in the area, and really really liked it. The old days of diesel are gone imo. No noticeable smell in the cab, quiet, powerful. good mpg. cheaper than gas.
     
    Mountun Goat likes this.
  6. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:20 AM
    #6
    Bravohook

    Bravohook New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #30982
    Messages:
    583
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Addame
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2007 RCSB
    Cool Things
    Yes besides the intial high investment of the diesel option, it is a much more capable truck. My work just got me a brand new F350 Dually with the 6.7 and its a monster, I tow a 16k boat and do not even notice that it is there. Super quiet too. I'll be in the market after this winter to get back to diesel. I like the 2019 Ram 2500's and the Ford F250/350. The work truck gets 23mpg empty and its not even broken in yet. Towing I'm getting 15 to 17 depending if I have the boat or a 4 horse gooseneck on it.
     
    TundraLaw[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  7. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:21 AM
    #7
    Metro14536

    Metro14536 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2016
    Member:
    #5556
    Messages:
    538
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brandon
    Las Vegas, NV
    Vehicle:
    2021 Army Green SR5 CM TRDOR 4x4
    Modern diesels are horrible...biggest mistake you will make if you get one.
    All of the diesel exhaust filters crap out. They are having major issues with them with every brand......
    Not under warranty but that’s not even the problem...it’ll leave you stranded and just go into limp mode
     
  8. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:48 AM
    #8
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw [OP] Fourth Year Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2017
    Member:
    #10505
    Messages:
    1,186
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern Nevada
    Vehicle:
    OTW 22 limited crewmax trd offroad black/boulder
    idk man! I've got a bunch of friends with 2015-2019 diesels from every brand and they are bulletproof.
     
    Mountun Goat likes this.
  9. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:50 AM
    #9
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw [OP] Fourth Year Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2017
    Member:
    #10505
    Messages:
    1,186
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern Nevada
    Vehicle:
    OTW 22 limited crewmax trd offroad black/boulder
    Totally agree. I love the duramax, and will likely stick with that. My friends with power strokes and cummins love theirs too. Seems like a cool club to be in. They age so well too, and hold their value like crazy.
     
  10. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:52 AM
    #10
    Bravohook

    Bravohook New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #30982
    Messages:
    583
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Addame
    NY
    Vehicle:
    2007 RCSB
    Cool Things
    Heck yeah they do. I bought my 2002 7.3 for 11k with 140k miles. Sold it 5 years later with 186k miles for 15k. Would have kept it but it was an extended cab and kiddos were pretty cramped back there. Needed something in a jam and scooped up the Tundra, should have held out for another diesel.
     
  11. Aug 13, 2019 at 9:57 AM
    #11
    JeremyGSU

    JeremyGSU New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2017
    Member:
    #10980
    Messages:
    360
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeremy
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra
    I would have to agree with this. I work in the Commercial Truck industry and this is my take. The engines themselves are for the most part solid. It's the DPF/DOC SCR systems that cause all the issues and it happens on ALL makes. It is a nightmare. Constant issues with clogged DPF's, injector dosing issues, DOC's failing, injectors, turbo's, EGR coolers, sensor failures out the ying yang. You name it. I can take you to customers who run each whether they are Ford's, Dodge's, Chevy's, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, Freightliner, or International etc and they can give you nightmare stories. Engines blowing up, DEF fluid crystallizing, etc, etc. If you're hauling very heavy loads then I get it because there is no real good alternative, but there is no way I'd get one to just drive around in.

    The days of when diesels just ran left us with pre-'07 emissions.

    This is at least my take from a Commercial stand point. Personal usage you might have better luck as they aren't used as much typically or beat to death.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2019
    CMB, Watt maker, Big J and 5 others like this.
  12. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:08 AM
    #12
    Metro14536

    Metro14536 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2016
    Member:
    #5556
    Messages:
    538
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brandon
    Las Vegas, NV
    Vehicle:
    2021 Army Green SR5 CM TRDOR 4x4
    I’ve had 2 brand new f250s...15 and 16..
    Absolute trash...clogged DPFs and limp mode constantly etc
    Modern diesels are FAR from bulletproof lol
     
  13. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:26 AM
    #13
    tmart

    tmart New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2017
    Member:
    #8463
    Messages:
    357
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Travis
    Couple grand deletes it all....dpf, def tank, egr and a new tune. Was looking into it before this tundra. I live in California so crooked smog would have to be done but I do that anyways for the tundra for a stupid intake...
     
    TundraLaw[OP] likes this.
  14. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:28 AM
    #14
    TundraLaw

    TundraLaw [OP] Fourth Year Member

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2017
    Member:
    #10505
    Messages:
    1,186
    Gender:
    Male
    Northern Nevada
    Vehicle:
    OTW 22 limited crewmax trd offroad black/boulder
    Def. Everyone in Nevada just takes their new diesels in right away and gets rid of all that bs that causes an issue.
     
  15. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:28 AM
    #15
    gupster88

    gupster88 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2019
    Member:
    #34485
    Messages:
    158
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brett
    Charleston, WV
    Vehicle:
    2019 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD Off-Road
    Unless you ABSOLUTELY need a diesel for your job or hobby (farming/camping) I would stay away from diesel trucks with the DEF/SCR systems. First of all, the added up front cost alone is steep. Then the cost to maintain is higher, and let's not get into the repair costs when, not if, you experience issues with it.

    I went back and forth between the 6.6 duramax and just getting the reliable Tundra. I tow a 28ft, 6800 pound camper and tried to justify getting a 3/4 or 1 ton truck for casual towing. For me, I'll take the crappy gas mileage for the reliability and lower risk of issues the Tundra offers. To each their own, and I know for every 5 negative stories about diesels there is 5 good ones, but I wouldn't take the risk unless you just have to have one.

    you could always delete it, but there goes your warranty too. I had a 2013 Sierra 2500 that was deleted. Loved it, but still a liability I didn't like. Plus with the CP4 HP Fuel Pump failure issue I didn't like the liability even more.
     
    Watt maker and Red Dragon like this.
  16. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:29 AM
    #16
    tmart

    tmart New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2017
    Member:
    #8463
    Messages:
    357
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Travis
    It’s the only way to go honestly. Quit choking that poor thing and let her breathe haha. I will consider it again in a year when it’s time for a new truck. They hadn’t released a tune for the newest duramax last time I looked but maybe they will eventually. L5P I believe it is??
     
  17. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:31 AM
    #17
    JH5370

    JH5370 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2016
    Member:
    #4539
    Messages:
    1,540
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Eastern WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White DC TRD PRO
    Whatever you save on gas you are going to have to put back in on maintenance and car payments. A new 3/4 ton diesel is gonna run you at least $60k if not more. I drove a 99 Cummins for a few years. 3 gallons of oil plus a filter every 3-5k miles, fuel filters, load range E tires and brakes that wear out quicker all add up pretty quickly. And with the new diesels you will need to buy DEF as well.

    Don't get me wrong Diesel trucks are awesome but unless you need one to tow or haul something heavy I would just stick with the tundra. Buying a 3/4 ton to save on fuel doesn't make a whole lot of sense. If you really want to save on gas buy a small commuter or downsize to a Taco or 4Runner. My wifes 4Runner gets 17-22mpg depending on my driving.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2019
  18. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:34 AM
    #18
    Kerch71

    Kerch71 Surgical Precision

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2018
    Member:
    #14195
    Messages:
    1,712
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Matt
    Mechanicsville VA
    Vehicle:
    2015 CM SC TRD Pro/ICON/Total Chaos Build
    CM TRD Pro glass panels, Icon 2.5, TC long travel UCA/LCA, Toyota supercharger, Airlift rear suspension, Warn winch, custom front and rear bumper, Coachbuilder roof rack, lengthened chassis 12", 37" Nitto Grapplers, custom graphics, Magnaflow Flowmaster 4" SS Exhaust
    Not a fan of diesel. Great for towing and.....nothing else. Give me gasoline, especially offroad.
     
    viha22, Metro14536 and Black Wolf like this.
  19. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:41 AM
    #19
    TomyTun

    TomyTun New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    Member:
    #5016
    Messages:
    472
    Gender:
    Male
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Off Road, Crewmax, 5.7L Non-FFV
    None
    Well crap. I was seriously considering an f150 3.0 PS, which would allow me to go from two vehicles to one. I did have some concerns prior to this post about all the emission set up nowadays, and now I may just stay put with what I got.
     
    Metro14536 likes this.
  20. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:42 AM
    #20
    BlackSheep

    BlackSheep caffeinated member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2018
    Member:
    #18406
    Messages:
    1,163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 Black DC 5.7L 4x4
    held together by duct tape and baling wire
    OP, I just wanna know how you're only getting 11 mpg in the Tundra. My 2010 gets 14.5, and that's almost all City driving with a 3" level and 37" tires on 4.30 gears. Is something wrong with your truck? Do you tow constantly? Are your driving habits just that bad on gas?
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2019
    Dag3 likes this.
  21. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:44 AM
    #21
    gupster88

    gupster88 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2019
    Member:
    #34485
    Messages:
    158
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brett
    Charleston, WV
    Vehicle:
    2019 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD Off-Road
    I'd get the 3.5 ecoboost before the 3.0 powerstroke. more HP and TQ, less of a hit on the wallet. (if you were dead set on a Ford that is)
     
  22. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:44 AM
    #22
    JH5370

    JH5370 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2016
    Member:
    #4539
    Messages:
    1,540
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Eastern WA
    Vehicle:
    2017 White DC TRD PRO
    I second this. Have you ever hand calculated the mileage? I have never got below 14 mpg in my tundra.
     
  23. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:47 AM
    #23
    Trooper2

    Trooper2 Premium Lone Star Member / SSEM #13

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2018
    Member:
    #12738
    Messages:
    6,736
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    JR
    Houston, TX (Suburban South)
    Vehicle:
    2007 Tundra 5.7 L Double Cab TRD 2WD
    TSS 20's with Cooper ATP ll's, N Fab 3 Step Nerf Bars,, Pioneer AVIC-8100NEX, Masters Tailgate Replacement Latch with Camera, 1" Maxtrac Shackles, LED Interiors/Brake/Reverse/Cargo/Fog Bulbs, Fumoto Drain Valve, Toyota Aluminium Oil Filter Housing, TRD Shift Knob, Courtesy Door Projector LEDs with Toyota Emblem, Console Tray and Lower Divider.
    My daily driver is a 2015 Duramax. 71k miles and has been reliable.
    Two issues: DEF tank replacement and fuel filters. Fuel filters not a quick or easy job.

    20190614_145927.jpg
     
  24. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:55 AM
    #24
    TomyTun

    TomyTun New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    Member:
    #5016
    Messages:
    472
    Gender:
    Male
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2016 TRD Off Road, Crewmax, 5.7L Non-FFV
    None
    Mileage is very important and it seems the EB have a hard time hitting their EPA numbers. The real world calculations on the 3.0 have been very impressive.
     
  25. Aug 13, 2019 at 10:58 AM
    #25
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Gott Mit Uns

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Member:
    #2216
    Messages:
    1,039
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dirk
    Escondido
    Vehicle:
    2008 Regular Cab Tundra
    King 2.5 coilovers Nitto Exo Grapplers
    Gas trucks have more payload and place less stress on the front axle. GO GAS!!!
     
    viha22 and Metro14536 like this.
  26. Aug 13, 2019 at 11:01 AM
    #26
    Thesandaddict

    Thesandaddict The dude

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2019
    Member:
    #28424
    Messages:
    212
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Harley
    Vehicle:
    2010 DC
    Bilsteins, methods
    Kind of the same boat. Went from a tacoma to the tundra thinking it would fit my needs perfectly. Only grabbed the tundra because at the time it seemed like a diamond in the rough (2010 with 60k on it absolutely flawless). But in hind sight I would probably go diesel. Better mpg and towing is unmatched. I like the tundra but feel like for the size and mpg I could’ve just forked out the additional cost for a duramax and had twice the truck. I pay over $400 a month in fuel and am limited to towing. I could easily have a newer diesel for the cost of the tundra payment and fuel difference. And with so many incentives and how long the drivetrains last it seems like a smart move. Initial cost is high but seems like they’ll last 400k easily.
     
    Primalbryan likes this.
  27. Aug 13, 2019 at 11:17 AM
    #27
    Primalbryan

    Primalbryan New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2019
    Member:
    #33333
    Messages:
    64
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    Vehicle:
    2019 Limited Tundra Off-Road TRD- White
    TRD dual exhaust
    As pretty much everyone said, other than the initial high cost and certain expensive repairs like fuel injectors and turbo issues, they’re phenomenal trucks. I love every make of diesel truck I’ve driven or been in. Would have one myself but I’m just flat out a Toyota person- enough to not care or look at my mpgs
     
    JH5370 likes this.
  28. Aug 13, 2019 at 11:26 AM
    #28
    Primalbryan

    Primalbryan New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2019
    Member:
    #33333
    Messages:
    64
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    Vehicle:
    2019 Limited Tundra Off-Road TRD- White
    TRD dual exhaust
    Also to everyone wondering about gas mileage. I average 10-12 in my new Tundra always. 90% city driving and I tend to accelerate pretty aggressively. If only highway driving I can get 18.
     
    JH5370 likes this.
  29. Aug 13, 2019 at 11:35 AM
    #29
    JeremyGSU

    JeremyGSU New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2017
    Member:
    #10980
    Messages:
    360
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeremy
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra
    This is true. Again, my thinking was from the Commercial side. Most companies don't mess with that stuff because there are HUGE EPA fines should they get caught.
     
  30. Aug 13, 2019 at 11:42 AM
    #30
    aggie_tundra

    aggie_tundra Always Tired

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2016
    Member:
    #5024
    Messages:
    818
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2021 2500 Custom
    You aren’t really buy a diesel just for mpg’s are you? If you want a diesel, buy it. Just know that you’ll have to change 12-14qts of oil, fuel filters, get def fluid if you don’t delete, test the coolant (ford), and drive the piss out of it if you don’t tow because they don’t like to be babied. That’s when they start having issues
     
    Trooper2 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top