Red diesel truck moving by a road with some freight

Why Are Diesel Trucks So Awesome?

Is your car powered by diesel? Do you have trucks that run on diesel instead of gasoline? Diesel trucks are great as an all-around vehicle for hauling heavy loads. We simply love diesel trucks. They are awesome! But what exactly makes diesel trucks so awesome? Let’s discuss each one of them below.

Efficient

Compared to engines that are powered by gasoline, diesel engines are far more efficient. They are twice as efficient as gasoline-powered vehicles. That’s why most trucks are powered by diesel. They are more cost-effective, especially when used by transport, logistics, or hauling businesses.

Clean Diesel

Due to the more stringent standards when it comes to protecting the environment, diesel today is much cleaner than they were back then. Various versions of clean diesel are available. They already have very low sulfur so they burn cleaner. 

Additionally, biodiesel is also available. The great thing about diesel engines is that they require minimal modification to use biodiesel. Most of them can readily run on high-quality biodiesel blends. 

Great At High Altitudes

Do you live or service places with higher altitudes? Diesel engines work well in those areas too. Gasoline-powered engines usually need a specific ratio of air and fuel to run properly. 

However, in higher altitudes, there are fewer air molecules per cubic foot. That is what you call thinner air.  In such scenarios, the car compensates by lessening fuel to keep the ratio. This can decrease the performance of vehicles with gasoline engines.

As for trucks with diesel engines, the turbochargers provide more air in the combustion chambers. That makes the diesel trucks perform better especially when it comes to higher altitudes.

Less Flammable

As compared to gasoline, diesel is safer to store and handle. Diesel is a more stable liquid than gasoline even in outdoor temperatures. Gasoline is more likely to have vapors that are flammable. That’s why it would ignite much faster even before the fire reaches the liquid portion of the gasoline.

No Spark Plugs Needed

Spark plugs are only used by gasoline-powered engines. The spark plug ignites the mixture of gasoline and air, which the piston compresses. 

On the other hand, diesel engines don’t require a spark plug. Heat, which is already present in the internal combustion chamber is what starts the reaction. 

Great For Moderate Speeds

You don’t really need your trucks running too fast. In fact, it would be better and safer for them to run at moderate speeds. Most trucks run at moderate speeds so that they can be better controlled. 

For peak power, most recommend keeping the engine at 2000 rpm. Moderate speeds are perfect for huge trucks. That’s why diesel engines are also a great match with them.

Taking the Diesel Offroad

HD Diesels don’t just haul stuff, apparently they can eat up some of the most difficult terrain on the planet.  Check out this article from one of our favorite blogs, Diesel Power Products on the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah…

By far, one of our favorite events of the year surprisingly isn’t even a diesel specific event, its actually originally intended as a “Jeep only” event: Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Fortunately for us, not only do we have a passion for Jeeps, but there are also several expeditions during EJS specifically tailored for full size pickups. Because of this, and our love of offroading, EJS is a perfect time for us to get out, have some fun, and test many of the products we sell.

DPP-AEV-Nomad-in-Moab

EJS 2016 is now well under way, and the hills of Moab are packed with offroaders of all kinds, including a few of the Diesel Power Products crew and several of our vehicles. One of the vehicles we have equipped to handle the rigors of the trails is a 2016 Ram 2500 sporting the 6.7L Cummins engine that we loaded with a host of products from our new found partner, American Expedition Vehicles, or AEV. Specifically, this Ram is running AEV’s 3″ DualSport SC Suspension System, 17″ Katla Wheels, Premium Front Bumper, and their soon-to-be-released fender flare kit to allow clearance for the massive 40″ Nitto tires we are running under this beast. Not only did this Ram easily and safely haul an enclosed trailer loaded with a Jeep and tons of gear all the way from Spokane, Washington to Moab, Utah, but has been tearing up the rocks and sand with only adjustments to the tire pressure.

DPP-AEV-Nomad-in-Moab-close

As EJS16 comes to a close at the end of this week, we will be sure to update with more action shots so you can really get a feel for what Easter Jeep Safari is about, and how a well equipped Ram can truly keep up with the best Jeeps out there on the trails, yet still be able to work like a truck is intended to.

To see the full range of AEV products for your Ram, click HERE.

And to see the full lineup of products for your diesel powered truck, check us out at www.dieselpowerproducts.com.