EcoDiesel Help!

[ReconX]

Alright..time to get yelled at because I'm sure I missed this answer somewhere. I apologized if I missed it.

I'm in the market for a Gladiator and I've been agonizing over the decision as to which engine for months now. I'm hoping to build mine and my sons dream overland rig, adding an Alu Cab camper along w/ accessories like water tank, etc. We definitely want a Rubicon, but I cant decide over the Diesel or not. I know its not really a proven engine (haven't heard of any really high mileage ones) and I also heard that it'll be discontinued for 24'. I wanted the diesel for the torque and being able to move that amount of weight around, not to mention the mpg, but now that the engine will be discounted, and with the added maint costs, and coming lack of support, is it really a viable option? I'm looking to upgrade suspension as well, so do we think the 24' gas ones will be ok?

Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

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[aFatBird]

Just get a gas, run it for a while and if you ever want more power you got aftermarket options ranging from superchargers to whole engine swaps. I love my diesel but man the maintenance parts like oil and air filters cost more than the gas equivalent. Parts availability is superior for the gasser too.

 

[charliez]

had one in a truck. I wouldn't take another one for free

 

[Hootbro]

Need to keep in mind that diesel Gladiators take a hit in both payload and towing capacity compared to gas. Only advantage with a diesel is the torque factor. Savings for increased MPG's and factoring in increased upfront costs, fuel and maintenance cost, you are looking at a 100K-125K miles or more before a break even point.

Gas has it's risks also but they are usually way cheaper to deal with than diesel.

I do not think there is right/wrong decision in choosing either, just a risk/reward analysis that has to be done at a individual level before making a decision.

 

[John in the Woods]

I love my ‘21 JTRD and I’m up over 74k now. I put on a lot of interstate miles, but also a good bit of trails. I’ve been largely living out of it for a year and a half, running with a rack and RTT all this year. Mileage is great (I get 22 mpg on the highway loaded to the gills) and the low-end grunt on the diesel can pull me up and over anything.

That said, @aFatBird is right: maintenance costs are higher and diesel support at dealers seems spotty. I had to limp from Colorado to California because of some bad fuel and exhaust codes no one would look at. It can be frustrating.

You’re right, the EcoDiesel is done in the Gladiator, but this version of the EcoDiesel has been around for a few years and sits under the hood of a lot of cars and trucks, so I wouldn’t worry about parts support. Aftermarket is a little limited, but there are skids and snorkels and Most of the toys you might want for an engine under warranty. The suspension needs to be beefed up if you’re loading up, but it sounds like you’re already on that.

All in all, I’d go it again and feel comfortable recommending it. It’s an absolute joy to drive, and a mule on the trails.

 

[Koolcarguy]

Alright..time to get yelled at because I'm sure I missed this answer somewhere. I apologized if I missed it.

I'm in the market for a Gladiator and I've been agonizing over the decision as to which engine for months now. I'm hoping to build mine and my sons dream overland rig, adding an Alu Cab camper along w/ accessories like water tank, etc. We definitely want a Rubicon, but I cant decide over the Diesel or not. I know its not really a proven engine (haven't heard of any really high mileage ones) and I also heard that it'll be discontinued for 24'. I wanted the diesel for the torque and being able to move that amount of weight around, not to mention the mpg, but now that the engine will be discounted, and with the added maint costs, and coming lack of support, is it really a viable option? I'm looking to upgrade suspension as well, so do we think the 24' gas ones will be ok?

Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Your goingbtonhear horror stories about the diesel but I'm hear to tell you we own 4 3 Jt's and 1 Jl been a lifetime Jeep.owner and a used dealer not sure I'd buy another 3.6 after having my Ecodiesel. I own two 3.6 Jeeps now a 17 unlimited and a 12 . I also have a 19 Ram ecodiesel with over 200k and a 17 ram ecodiesel with 198k miles with no issues I've had more issues with my 12 jeep 3.6 then all my Ecodiesel combined. The power better the maintenance cost equalls out really in the long run and off road they are unbelievable

 

[Steven_B]

I've got 45k on my diesel and would buy another one again. Except for the free oil changes that came with my Gladiator, I have done the maintenance myself so it's really not much of an additional cost. All my gasser Jeeps get premium oil so maybe I am used to buying expensive oil. I stock up on oil filters when they go on sale.

I bought the diesel for the torque knowing the build would be heavy (I have the Alu-Cab). The engine moves the weight like it's not even there. And if I really try, I can get 23 MPG (per computer), and that's on 37's and fully loaded for multi-day trips.

If you are looking for inspiration for your overland build, check out the build link in my signature or reach out to me.

 

[Free2roam]

Minus the cost of doing maintenance. I love my JTD non Rubicon. Used to be the Rubicon had a bottoming out issue. Suspension is to soft with the additional 400+- lbs in the front. Regardless of which camper you go with. AluCab being one of the heavier ones. I believe 400+ pounds. Your next question will be what suspension system is everyone going with. The Rubicon has a lower payload than the Sport S Ecodiesel if memory serves me correctly.
The AluCab probably has the most available options to just install. Search around. There are a ton of options.

I personally went with an OVRLND camper. Jay and Maggie are great to deal with and can build almost anything into your camper you can dream of. It's also pretty basic. It's a build yourself interior. Mine weighed in at 250 lbs installed. All hand welded built in Flagstaff. Plenty of time to spend with your son tossing ideas around.
I have a 15 gallon water tank, sink, diesel heater(in progress), sliding glass window, it has a full queen size bed up top. Iceco VL60D, storage cubes etc. It's still a work in progress.
Just recently upgraded the suspension to the Clayton Overland lift 2.5 so far so good.
Here's the link to the OVRLND camper thread
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/ovrlnd-camper-roll-call.66940/

 

[ToJTornottoJT]

Need to keep in mind that diesel Gladiators take a hit in both payload and towing capacity compared to gas. Only advantage with a diesel is the torque factor. Savings for increased MPG's and factoring in increased upfront costs, fuel and maintenance cost, you are looking at a 100K-125K miles or more before a break even point.

Gas has it's risks also but they are usually way cheaper to deal with than diesel.

I do not think there is right/wrong decision in choosing either, just a risk/reward analysis that has to be done at a individual level before making a decision.

Uhmm, NO!

Have you ever driven the 3.6 and then driven a comparably equipped diesel? I own the diesel and I could not, will not, can not drive the gasser. I like having passing gear going up a mountain grade. I like idling up rock incline. I like a 500 mile range. The seat of the pants difference and the general driving pleasure with the diesel is a night and day difference from the gasser.

 

[wildtaco]

Uhmm, NO!

Have you ever driven the 3.6 and then driven a comparably equipped diesel? I own the diesel and I could not, will not, can not drive the gasser. I like having passing gear going up a mountain grade. I like idling up rock incline. I like a 500 mile range. The seat of the pants difference and the general driving pleasure with the diesel is a night and day difference from the gasser.

The numbers don't lie. The diesel definitely does take a hit on both towing capacity and payload. Beside that point, you basically said what he said. lol

 

[sharpsicle]

Uhmm, NO!

Have you ever driven the 3.6 and then driven a comparably equipped diesel? I own the diesel and I could not, will not, can not drive the gasser. I like having passing gear going up a mountain grade. I like idling up rock incline. I like a 500 mile range. The seat of the pants difference and the general driving pleasure with the diesel is a night and day difference from the gasser.

Man, it's like you didn't even read his post ?

 

[Guns_N_Rosaries]

While I know it's probably just the vocal minority of people who have had issues with the ecodiesel, I've heard way too many horror stories about it to ever think about getting anywhere near one.

 

[Hootbro]

Uhmm, NO!

Have you ever driven the 3.6 and then driven a comparably equipped diesel? I own the diesel and I could not, will not, can not drive the gasser. I like having passing gear going up a mountain grade. I like idling up rock incline. I like a 500 mile range. The seat of the pants difference and the general driving pleasure with the diesel is a night and day difference from the gasser.

I have no fu*king clue how what I said derived this response.

 

[ToJTornottoJT]

Whatever, no reason to get testy and swear about a simple post. I was merely stating that just saying the torque numbers are different doesn't really explain the difference. There is a major drivability difference between the two.

Agree, disagree, with assessment, I don't care.

 

[ToJTornottoJT]

The numbers don't lie. The diesel definitely does take a hit on both towing capacity and payload. Beside that point, you basically said what he said. lol

Actually they do lie. Trying towing up a moderate hill with the gasser. Now tow up the same hill with the diesel and the same trailer. The numbers say one thing, but the actual towing says another. I can tow my boat with the diesel no problem, I can't with the gasser.

Why is everyone so touchy here?

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