[Cruiserdrew]

Not much to add to the deisel vs gasoline debate, but I can relate a couple of stories.

I drove a Trooper II diesel for 2 weeks in Belize last year, and I loved the thing. It was no louder than a gas motor and at the medium speeds on the mostly dirt roads we travelled, it got outstanding fuel economy. Even with just a standard fuel tank it had great range for travels out into the rain forest. I was ready to buy it and bring it home with me. I will say it did not feel powerful, more like my FJ60, meaning it would eventually run up to any speed you wanted, as long as you didn't need to have it happen instantly. Great little truck.

The second incident has to do with range as well. We recently traveled through the Maze district of Canyonlands. One of our group had an 80 series diesel with an HD-T. We had to travel 5 days unsupported, with no fuel available at any price. By the time we did hit fuel, I had less than 1/4 tank, and that included pumping my subtank into the main. I probably used 33 gallons of gasoline. The diesel was just under 1/2 of his main tank-he probably used 16 gallons or so of diesel. I really believe it's these medium speeds where the diesel really shines.

I don't really care if the truck costs a little more or the economics don't make sense. The range of the vehicle would make up for all of that. I'm hoping to convert my FJ60 one day to a 4 BT. I'm not power mad, don't drive that fast, and in the 60 at least, I'm used to the slow lane. Bring it on.