Probly the most importan thing is the fuel filter changes are much more frequent, a lot of people around here including myself change fuel filters out every 10,000 miles or so.

 

I recently got into a 3/4 ton CTD and love it. I would do two things: get a 4x4 and get a 12 valve, if you can. Then you can run it on waste vegetable oil and save a bunch of money. A 24 v is not quite as suitable for that, and though the gas mileage is in fact great for the size of the truck, the cost of diesel is much higher than gas these days. So from the economy point of view, you may or may not win. From pure fun, you will, no questions asked. And if it snows or if you end up on a dirty road - you will not regret it. Also, you may want to tow something some day...
Maintenance is as simple as on a gasser, and a lot of aftermarket power toys that you can have that will give you tons more power. Mileage is not an isue for these engines, although watch out for the rest of the truck. I'd say low 100,000 miles is good for the years you are looking for.
Good luck and welcome!
-P

 

Harsh winter in Texas?

 

I guess "harsh" is a relative term. Harsh for you is different than Marty86's perception, and different from mine as well. I laughed when I read that and thought "you aught to try living in New England". I'm sure you were thinking something similar.

Back on topic, my commute is a little different than most. I work from home, and when I drive my truck, it's usually pulling the trailer. I guess you could say it's my "daily driver", but with a different twist. I do drive it around town without the trailer a lot, just because I like to drive it. I could use my wife's Lexus SUV for the around town errands, but I like the truck better.

 

I'm guessing he's in Amarillo.

 

Fort Worth actually.

I understand these things take more oil than a gasser...are the oil changes more frequent?

 

Less frequent most of the time, usually 5,000 miles with no problem. Running pure synthetic oil you could go 10,000 pretty easily. What year is your truck?

 

Actually, the owners manual for my '06 suggests 7500 mile oil changes. I agree though, that 5000 would be a better interval.

 

I have my diesel that could be a daily driver, but with the price of gas being $.50-.60 cents/gallon less than diesel, its cheaper to drive something gas powered. Ive got a little dakota that gets tha same milage of the 250, but costs less to drive b/c gas is so much cheaper in NY than diesel. In the winter, i barely drive my 250 at all, as i cant always plug it in, it takes forever to warm up, its expensive to put fuel in, brakes still stink, etc. Unless i'm going to use it to tow something, or haul with, its almost a hassle to use the truck.

 

I had a sedan, reasonable mileage but it was getting tired. My wife's van was our tow vehicle but wasn't up to the task for big hills and such, so I decided I wanted a commuter vehicle I could tow my boat with. Gassers - no way horrible mileage in a 3/4ton model. Looked at the RAM CTD and then drove it.

I got lucky, found my 4yr old truck w/21k on the odometer. In 2 years I'm up to 60k now, so averaging 20k/year. My commute is 26 miles one way, so most of the time I warm it up completely.

My reasoning: better mileage than a gas alternative, longevity of the drivetrain, ability to tow my boat (6500lbs) up any mountain without screaming like a banshee.

From the distance you posted, I'd say it makes sense for you to do it, IF you are thinking about a gas truck. If the alternate is a ricer size vehicle, it will be more fiscally responsible to go that route.

 

So then maybe I shouldn't get one? I'm so confused!

 

go ahead and get one-- i had too many people tell me i shouldn't get a diesel because of the cost, and here i am gettin better mileage than them in the long run, i drive 200 miles round trip to and from work every day, i needed something that could take abuse, and still keep running strong, my dad and his avalanche are getting around 17-18 mpg, and if i keep my foot outta it i get 20-21 easy, most of the time its around 18 tho,, danged sportscars they just tempt me too much,,
and if you get the 'diesel bug' its so cool smoking lil sportscars in a truck that weighs 3 times more,
cowboy

 

I drive mine everyday at least 30 miles round trip, I like it. You will like it alot better than a gasser pickup.

 

blah, blah, blah.... if you want a diesel, go get one. i doubt you will regret it, and re-selling should be pretty easy if you change your mind.

 

Both my diesels are daily drivers.