Used diesel trucks are not just purchases. They are a power move. You get all the torque, durability, and efficiency diesel engines are known for but without taking the financial hit of buying a new one.
Why Diesel?
1. Massive Low-End Torque
To understand how a diesel engine makes a difference in towing, just imagine you're at the bottom of a steep grade with a fully loaded truck. Moving that much weight uphill requires two things: enough force to get the truck rolling and consistent power to keep it moving without excessive strain. This is where low-end torque matters.
Diesel engines produce peak torque earlier than gasoline engines (1,500-2000 RPM vs. 4000+ RPM), meaning they can start moving heavy loads with less effort. As the truck climbs, the diesel engine's high compression and turbocharger ensure a steady power output.
2. Fuel Efficiency Over Long Distance
There's a reason why long-haul truckers overwhelmingly choose diesel engines: they simply go farther on a tank. For starters, diesel contains about 15% more energy per gallon than gasoline. They also operate at a much higher compression ratio, which helps them squeeze more power from every drop. Put those two factors together, and you've got an engine that's around 30-40% more efficient than a gas-fired one.
3. Durability and Reliability
Diesel engines have fewer moving parts than gas engines. For instance, they don't need spark plugs or complex timing components, eliminating some of the most common failure points. In addition, they're built tougher to handle the extreme demands of diesel combustion. With proper maintenance, diesel engines can run indefinitely.
3 Used Diesel Trucks to Consider
1. Silverado 1500 LTZ
Before 2023, the Silverado's Duramax diesel inline-six was already a bit of a powerhouse: 277 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque, and a max towing capacity of 13,300 pounds. But Chevy decided that was not enough. So, from 2023 onward, they cranked things up, squeezing an extra 28 horsepower and 35 pound-feet.
2. Silverado 3500HD LTZ
With a 6.6-liter Duramax engine churning out 450 horses and 910 pound-feet of torque, this beast can tow up to 36,000 pounds and haul a payload of 7442 pounds, and thanks to the Allison ten-speed automatic, all that power can be put to the ground exactly when you need it.
3. Ram 2500 Laramie
Hook up whatever you want because the Ram 2500 Laramie is built to handle it. The secret behind this capability is the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel engine, which gives this truck the strength to tow up to 35,100 pounds.
If work needs doing, diesel gets it done. Simple as that. Contact Auto Kings - Bend in Bend, OR, to explore our inventory of pre-owned diesel trucks.
