Eric -- Funny, that's what happened to me... I started reading about diesels and decided they were cool, now I am working towards having two diesel vanagons and selling my gas one ;) I have the same reaction to folks advocating the switch to gas. I must admit that from a totally practical perspective I have no idea which is cheaper. I'm investing $3500 in a TDI to put in my syncro westy -- it'd take a lot of gas savings to cover that cost. On the other hand I will feel better about the end result. I want that low end torque, I want that gas mileage; with the tiny vanagon gas tank, a gas-guzzler just isn't that appealing. When I go out to the Utah desert I carry 10 gallons of gas and it doesn't feel like enough (in my '81 westy). With the TDI I will gain at least 50% in range. A tow truck, huh... interesting project. Gary On Thu, 16 Dec 1999, EMZ wrote: > HI all, > Over the past 6 months, I have been building a tow truck from scratch. > I found a International diesel with a Ford cab, and have been running this > setup as I have working on installing the boom and hydrolic components for > the wheel lift. I'm convinced that diesels are the way to go. I'm even > thinking about buying a diesel Vanagon. The gas milage of this giant > truck is about 20 MPH. The heat is marginal, and it has a high output > heater. It requires 2 batteries to start in cold weather. Has tons of > power, as it can plant you in the seat with a car on the hook. > ....,.. I would like to hear more discussion on Diesel VS gas > motors. > > Eric 86-VW4x4 > vw4x4@fyi.net 72-240z > Pittsburgh, PA USA 1936-Chrysler |
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