[Rhodes22-list] diesel memories

[Gardner, Douglas L. (LNG-DAY)]

Well gee...  I don't know if I should be insulted or not!  ;^)  Should I be?

It is very true that our truck is MUCH more than necessary when towing the
R22.  Truth be known, it is much more than necessary towing our Airstream
camper.  We decided to buy it because we wanted to buy a truck which could
handle whatever we were likely to throw at it over the next 15 years, and
didn't want to wait the extra 10 weeks to special order the 2500 for the
same price we could buy the 3500 that was sitting on the lot. 

I don't know a lot of people with diesel pickups who bought them for the wow
factor as they cruise through Hollywood at 5 mph.  Look to the new Cadillac
Hummer for that. The people I know with pickups either tow, haul heavy loads
(for a pickup), or both. I don't often move 600 bd ft of green oak and maple
boards, but I do occasionally.  That's why we bought the truck instead of
the suburban (which would be a better tow vehicle for camping, btw).  

I've had 3 pickups: '73 Chevy C|30 (gas, 4sp manual), '92 Ranger (gas, 5sp
manual), and '01 Ram 3500 (diesel, 6sp manual ).  Frankly, the Ram is (by
far) the best vehicle for my needs.  My needs are probably quite different
from other's, but those need to be determined by each individual.  Seeing me
fill up the truck (with the cap on the back) at the gas station does not
provide insight into my needs (unless you happen to see me do it with a load
of 12ft oak boards sticking out the back).

What is my point? Just remember that statements about people are just that.
They are about people.  If they are derogatory statements, then they are
derogatory statements about people. I'm sure you weren't trying to imply
anything about any particular individual.  However, to properly judge need
would require a lot more information than you will have watching someone
drive the thing to work.  I frankly disagree with the assertion below. From
what I've seen, most people who opt for the diesel engine get real benefit
from it.  It is too expensive to buy for vanity. I bet there are a lot more
people driving gas powered pickups who really don't need the pickup, than
people driving diesel pickups who don't benefit from the diesel. If it is
really worth the extra cost for them may be another question. ;^)

As far as need, goes... do any of us REALLY need the R22?  Probably not.
And how many of us really NEED the IMF?  Not me.  Do I benefit from it? Yes.
Am I glad to have it?  You bet!  How 'bout you?

Same goes for my truck. 

Just my 2 cents.

--Doug


-----Original Message-----
...*snip*   I think Rik is right on this one,
most of the people who buy diesel pickups really don't
need them.  Why they buy them is something only Freud
could explain (probably the same reason people put
gensets and microwaves on 22 ft. sailboats).  As much
fun as I had with the diesels, I am very happy to be
punching a GAS pedal.

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