Should You Get a Diesel or a Gas Junk Removal Truck?

To buy, or not to buy? Should I get a diesel truck or a gas truck for my junk removal business? This question, among many others, can be a bit of a doozy for many junk hauling experts. I already know what you’re thinking. “Diesel is the way to go,” you might be saying to yourself. You might be surprised to learn that it’s not quite that cut-and-dry. Let’s take a look at the benefits of a gas junk removal truck, as well as the pros and cons of diesel engines. Also, be sure to check out Junk Removal Authority’s YouTube video!

My Personal Experience with Diesel

As the co-founder of my own junk removal business, Junk Doctors, I have to come clean–I’m a big, big fan of diesel. I love the torque and mileage that I get, but, above all else, I love how smoothly a diesel truck drives. If you need to hitch a trailer to the back, a diesel truck doesn’t strain the same way a truck that runs on gasoline does.

Because of this, the first handful of junk removal trucks that we bought for Junk Doctors were actually diesel. Over time, however, the disadvantages of diesel became apparent to us, so now we’re fixing our mistake by working to transition our fleet into gas-running trucks. This move will improve the cost-effectiveness of Junk Doctors in the long-run.

What Are the Pros of Diesel?

When you think of big semis on long hauls, what do you think of? Diesel, right? Diesel engines have their advantages, such as:

  • Torque | For hauling large loads, there’s no doubt about it–diesel engines simply have more torque. Try hauling a load over 1,000 lbs with a gas engine and you’ll see what I mean–it strains the engine, potentially causing a blowout!
  • Fuel Mileage | Compared to gasoline, diesel simply comes with better fuel mileage, meaning you’re visiting the pump less often.
  • Longevity | In general, a diesel engine will last you longer, meaning you’ll have to replace it less frequently.
  • Resale Value | If all that weren’t enough, a truck with a diesel engine is likely to sell for more than a gas engine.

And the Cons?

After reading all that, you might be getting your checkbook out to buy yourself a new diesel truck as soon as possible. But, we haven’t even begun to cover the downsides of diesel, such as:

  • While torque is good, many professionals–myself included–tend to overlook the fact that you simply don’t need that much torque in the junk removal business. A typical junk load almost never exceeds 1,000 lbs, which a gas engine is perfectly capable of hauling without compromising the integrity of your system.
  • Diesel might get better fuel mileage, but you have to take into consideration the fact that gas is cheaper than diesel. While you might be visiting the pump a little more often, gas is about 20% cheaper than diesel, saving you money.
  • Even though diesel engines typically last longer, it costs much, much more to replace them. A diesel engine might last 100,000 miles longer than a gas engine, but the cost of replacement is about 80% more! That’s money out of your own pocket that you could be spending on other things!
  • While a used diesel truck might sell for more than a used gas truck, you have to take into consideration the fact that diesel trucks are more expensive right off the bat! A new diesel truck costs about 15% more than a gas truck, but you will only be able to sell a used diesel truck for about 15% more than a gas truck. When taking inflation into consideration, you’re only losing money!

The Advantages of a Gas Junk Removal Truck

Now that we’ve sufficiently debunked the myth that diesel junk removal trucks are the best, it’s time to explore the benefits of a gas junk removal truck a bit more. The advantages of a gas truck are simply numerous, including:

  • Operator Error | If you’re the owner of a junk removal business, most likely you and your employees are used to putting gas into your vehicles. What do you think is going to happen when you or one of your employees inevitably puts gas into a diesel truck? The repairs and downtime required will cost a significant amount of money, assuming your engine doesn’t blow out!
  • Parts Are More Affordable | Compared to a diesel truck, the parts of a gas truck are significantly cheaper, not to mention the fact that they are more readily available at your average mechanic, whether it’s an alternator, water pump, or fuel injector.
  • Emissions, Emissions, Emissions | Those who have never owned a diesel vehicle might not know that the EPA requires a Diesel Exhaust Fluid device (DEF) to be installed in your vehicle to meet emission requirements. This adds to the cost and time spent on maintenance!
  • Less Downtime | Diesel engines are more likely to require repairs, meaning that you will constantly have to use a rental box truck, which are difficult and time-consuming to unload.
  • Easier for a Growing Business | If you’re in the junk removal business, you’re constantly looking to expand! You can do this much more easily when you buy gas trucks. With Junk Removal Authority’s advertising services, you could be adding a new truck per year. If you go gas, you could save up to $50,000 over a 4-year period! That’s money in the bank!

Gas Is the Way to Go

Even though diesel trucks have advantages in some situations, gas is simply the way to go when you’re talking about junk removal. They’re more affordable, easier to repair, and will result in a lot less downtime, saving you both time and money. You can take it from me–as the co-founder of my own junk removal business, I’ve seen it all, and gas junk removal trucks are definitely the way to go. Don’t believe me? Check out the gas trucks we offer at Junk Removal Trucks for Sale; I guarantee you’ll be impressed.

– Lee