gas vs diesel in a van

dancorn · Aug 8, 2009

I have been unable to find mileage differences between gas and diesel for Ford and Chevy vans. Anyone know how these two fuel sources compare? Where could this info be found? Most sites list diesel MPG as unknown.
Thanks

BillChaffey · Aug 8, 2009

I believe you will find numerous posts from different drivers on what their mileage is. I have a 2002 E 350 Diesel, gets around 22-24 mpg if I stay close to 62- 63 MPH.

highway star · Aug 8, 2009

Generally speaking, you'll see a little bit better mileage from the diesel, around 3-4 mpg better.

guido4475 · Aug 8, 2009

I'd love to get 22-25 out of my 03. The highest I have got was 19.8, of course, I dont have cruise control, either.

greg334 · Aug 8, 2009

My GMC I got a consistent 17 mpg average all the time.

But remember there is a trade off with a diesel in this business, weight. I had a 9600 GVW van that came right in at 7000 lbs with all my cr*p and equipment leaving me 2600 lbs for cargo.

guido4475 · Aug 8, 2009

That is probably why I am only getting 19.6,My empty weight is 7,500, with a gvw of 9,400.

Big Al · Aug 8, 2009

In addition to about 15-20 % better fuel mileage with the diesel versus gas (depending on conditions i.e. driver, topography etc.) I have found the diesel burns far less fuel at idle than a gas engine.

Also a gas seems to really run bad for the first 15-25 miles after an extended idle.

Big Al
Branson MO
Retired Navy

FIS53 · Aug 8, 2009

I've gone with diesels in the last 3 vans. I've found better fuel economy overall and especially during the winter (idling important). Up here we usually have diesel priced lower than gas as well and this gave me a savings that over 5 years I more than paid for the difference in cost. One other point was the difference in distance on the same size tank. The gas jobs only went 450 miles and the diesel could push over 550. That 100 miles up north and remote areas helps a lot and for me helped with reaching lower priced stations many times. It also reduced the number of fuel stops on a cross country run making my timing a little better. I could driving nice (keeping speed to 55-60mph) get over 600 miles out of my GM van (not much over mind you).
Rob