Quick Hit: Why A Diesel Vehicle Is A Good Overlanding Choice

For those of you who don’t know, Overlanding is an extremely popular hobby. Similar to camping, Overlanding is a new way to explore the outdoors across the United States. This vehicle-based exploration hobby has skyrocketed over the last few years and with the help of off-road aftermarket companies, they’re making this a much more fun and easy experience.

There has been a debate recently as to which would make a better Overlanding vehicle, gas or diesel. While both can get the job done, we want to at least offer our opinion as to why we think a diesel would be better. Before we can explain that, we need to better explain what Overlanding is. Overlanding is traveling to remote locations where the journey there is the fun part.

Here Is Why

Typically, this is in a vehicle that is set up for you to camp for extended periods of time and cover a lot of ground. That being said, comfort, reliability, and capability are a must. We won’t go into the details of what a gas-powered vehicle can offer, but we will discuss what diesel-powered vehicles can. Without further ado, let’s dig in.

With a diesel truck, especially with today’s aftermarket support, you can make pretty decent mileage. We would go as far as to say that you could even surpass the capabilities of a gas truck when it comes to mileage. Think about it, if you’re headed out for a long trip, you’re going to be thinking about fuel consumption and you’re wanting to make sure it will last.

You’ve got companies like Titan Fuel Tanks that offer larger, oversize fuel tanks that can add to your distance of travel. If you’re looking for mileage improvement, there are plenty of options out there that are guaranteed to give you better mileage. Hot Shot’s Secret’s Everyday Diesel Treatment, STA-BIL‘s Diesel Fuel Treatment, AMSOIL‘s Diesel All-In-One, and Lucas Oil‘s Fuel Treatment, to name a few.

Speaking of mileage, if you’re building a truck to be off-road capable, you probably aren’t utilizing the factory size wheels and tires. Larger wheels and tires from Mickey Thompson for example and big suspension lifts that allow you to go places that you wouldn’t normally go are detrimental to mileage. Luckily for you, the diesel isn’t nearly as affected by it as a gas truck would be.

In terms of lodging, you may have a full cab and bed worth of luggage and supplies to get you by on your big trip. Inevitably, that weight adds up and if you really load the truck down, you’re going to want something that is capable to handle it. No surprise to you, a diesel truck is literally designed to pull heavy loads so you already leap ahead of a gas truck.

Companies like Roadmaster Active Suspension help in situations like this. Their suspension support allows you to safely pull more weight without sacrificing ride height or quality.

A gas truck, while late-model rigs are becoming much more capable, is still behind simply because of their mills. To top our cons off, we think that a diesel truck is capable of more horsepower and torque output with additional aftermarket support. You can make 500-horsepower with a diesel truck pretty easily with emissions on.

These are some reasons why we think a diesel-powered machine would be a superior choice for an Overlanding vehicle. Now, there are a few downsides to this. Come back next week where we discuss the cons of a diesel truck for this scenario. For more diesel truck news, check back here at Diesel Army for more.

 

 

 

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About the author

Artie Maupin

Artie Maupin is from Southeast Missouri and has an extreme passion for anything diesel. He loves drag racing of all kinds, as well as sled pulling competitions.
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