Disclaimers

Date Published: November 4, 2026 | 4 minute read | FAQ Article by Adrian Correia at Redwater Dodge

Are Diesel Trucks Worth It? The Real Cost, Towing Reality, and Gas vs. Diesel Guide


When shopping for a heavy-duty pickup in Alberta, one of the most significant decisions buyers face is whether to invest in a diesel engine or choose a modern gas powertrain. With the heavy upfront purchase premium of a turbo diesel, often adding $10,000 to $14,000 over a comparable gas truck, alongside fluctuating fuel prices, DEF fluid requirements, and routine maintenance costs, prospective truck owners frequently ask: Are diesel trucks really worth it?

As Adrian from Redwater Dodge explains, determining whether a diesel truck is worth the investment comes down to how you actually use your vehicle. There is no single universal answer that fits every driver. 

If your lifestyle or business demands continuous heavy trailering, hauling commercial equipment, pulling multi-axle fifth wheels and campers, logging high highway mileage, or keeping your vehicle for the long haul, a Cummins Turbo Diesel is arguably the finest automotive investment you can make. Conversely, if your driving routine consists primarily of town commuting, short errands, and only towing a boat or recreational trailer once or twice a year, a gas-powered truck is often the smarter, far more economical choice.

Understanding the true total cost of ownership (TCO), duty cycle requirements, towing dynamics, and long-term resale retention will help you determine whether diesel or gas best suits your needs.


When a Diesel Truck Is Absolutely Worth the Investment

Diesel powertrains, such as the legendary 6.7-litre Cummins Turbo Diesel available in the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500, are purpose-built industrial workhorses. They are engineered specifically for high thermal efficiency, extreme torsional strength, and prolonged operation under severe physical stress.

As Adrian highlights, investing in a diesel truck delivers unmatched advantages under specific driving conditions:


1. Frequent and Severe Towing Under Load

If you regularly tow heavy loads, such as cattle trailers, multi-car haulers, commercial flat decks with skid steers, or large fifth-wheel travel trailers, diesel torque is indispensable. Unlike gas engines that require high engine revs to produce peak pulling power, a Cummins diesel generates massive torque at low engine RPMs. This allows the truck to pull steep highway grades and combat head winds without constantly gear hunting or straining the driveline.


2. Commercial Equipment Hauling and Fleet Utility

For industrial contractors, agricultural producers, and energy sector workers in Alberta, a truck is an essential revenue-generating tool. Redwater Dodge regularly hauls multiple trucks and transport trailers across Western Canada; for severe continuous hauling, the exhaust brake functionality, heavy-duty cooling systems, and sustained pulling stamina of a diesel platform are vital.


3. High Annual Mileage and Long-Term Ownership

Diesel engines are designed for commercial endurance. While a gas engine reaching 250,000 to 300,000 kilometres is often considered to be in the late stages of its primary service life, a well-maintained Cummins diesel at 250,000 kilometres is widely regarded as "just broken in." If your goal is to log 40,000+ kilometres annually or retain the vehicle for 10 to 15 years, diesel longevity offsets initial acquisition expenses.


4. Western Canadian Resale Retention

In Alberta and across Western Canada, demand for pre-owned heavy-duty diesel trucks remains exceptionally robust. Even with high odometer readings, pre-owned diesel trucks retain a significantly higher percentage of their original purchase value compared to gas trucks, allowing owners to recover a substantial portion of the diesel premium when it comes time to trade in or sell.


The Realities and Expenses of Diesel Ownership

While the performance and durability of a diesel engine are remarkable, Adrian points out an important financial truth: stepping into a diesel truck comes with expense.

Prospective buyers must account for the full operational reality of diesel ownership:  


Higher Upfront Purchase Price: A diesel powertrain represents a substantial initial capital outlay, typically commanding a $9,000 to $14,000 premium over a standard gas V8 engine on a new truck window sticker.

Fluctuating Fuel Costs: Depending on regional refining margins and seasonal demand, diesel fuel prices can sit higher per litre than regular unleaded gasoline.

Routine Servicing Overhead: Diesel engines require larger oil capacities (often 11 to 12 quarts of specialized diesel motor oil), dual fuel filter replacements at specific intervals, and recurring refills of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to satisfy emissions standards.

Emissions System Duty Cycle Requirements: Modern diesel trucks utilise advanced emissions equipment, including a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). These systems require sustained highway exhaust heat to complete passive and active regeneration cycles.


When a Gas Truck Is the Smarter, Better Option

For many truck owners, purchasing a diesel truck is driven more by enthusiasm than actual operational necessity. As Adrian notes, if you primarily commute around town, run errands, and only pull a boat, camper, or utility trailer once or twice a year, a gas-powered truck is often the far better option.


1. Urban Commuting and Short Trips

If your daily routine consists of driving 10 to 15 minutes to work, running into town, or dropping children off at school, a diesel engine will rarely reach optimal operating temperature. Frequent short-tripping prevents diesel exhaust systems from burning off accumulated soot, potentially leading to premature DPF clogging and costly dealer service regeneration visits. A gas engine, such as the 6.4L HEMI V8 or 5.7L HEMI / 3.0L Hurricane, heats up rapidly and operates effortlessly on short commutes.


2. Fast Cabin Warm-Up in Alberta Winters

In extreme Canadian sub-zero conditions (-30°C to -40°C), gas engines produce cabin heat within minutes and do not require block heater plugins for short errands. Diesel engines take considerably longer to warm up without a heavy load, making gas trucks significantly more comfortable for urban winter commuting.


3. Occasional Towing Needs

Modern gas powertrains produce over 400 horsepower and ample low-end torque, effortlessly handling recreational towing up to 10,000 to 17,000 lbs depending on configuration. If you only haul a fishing boat to the lake for long weekends or tow a camper a few times every summer, the fuel savings of a diesel will never mathematically recover the initial $10,000+ purchase premium.


Find the Right Truck for Your Needs at Redwater Dodge

Choosing between a diesel and a gas truck does not have to be a guessing game. At Redwater Dodge, our product specialists sit down with you, review your towing weights, analyze your annual driving habits, and help you determine whether the torque and longevity of a Cummins diesel or the simplicity and affordability of a gas truck makes the most sense for your lifestyle and budget.

Whether you want to build a custom lifted Rig Ready Ram diesel, finance a dependable daily commuter, or trade in your existing truck, Adrian and our team are here to help.  

Call our truck desk directly at 780-942-3629 or visit Redwater Dodge in Redwater, Alberta, to compare gas and diesel trucks side by side today!

Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. Does a diesel truck have a higher payload capacity than a gas truck?

A1. Surprisingly, gas trucks often have a higher payload capacity on paper than diesel trucks. Because the Cummins turbo diesel engine weighs roughly 800 to 1,000 lbs more than a gas V8, that additional engine weight is subtracted from the truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), reducing available bed payload. However, diesel trucks provide substantially higher maximum trailer towing capacities.


Q2. How many kilometres per year do I need to drive to make a diesel truck worth it?

A2. A common automotive benchmark is approximately 25,000 to 30,000 kilometres annually. If you drive less than 20,000 km per year, particularly on short trips, the fuel savings and resale value will rarely offset the initial purchase premium, higher diesel fuel prices, and increased servicing costs.


Q3. What maintenance does a modern diesel truck require compared to gas?

A3. Diesel engines require regular oil and filter changes using 11 to 12 quarts of heavy-duty oil, routine replacements of both the primary and secondary fuel filters, regular refills of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), and periodic inspection of the turbocharger and intercooler plumbing. Gas engines require simpler oil changes with lower oil capacity, standard air filters, and no DEF.


Q4. Can I custom build a lifted Rig Ready Ram with either a gas or diesel engine?

A4. Yes! Redwater Dodge builds custom Rig Ready Rams on both gas (such as the Ram 1500 or Ram 2500 6.4L HEMI) and heavy-duty Cummins diesel platforms. Our certified technicians calibrate suspension lifts, custom wheels, and oversized tires specifically to match the weight and driveline dynamics of each engine.

Adrian Correia -- Sales Manager at Redwater Dodge