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Old 10-27-2014, 12:54 PM   #1
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1/2 or 3/4

Is it really worth it going 3/4 ton pulling my 28 ft Swift?
Right now I have a 1/2 ton Silverado and that works fine but I don't travel far. Pretty soon the wife retires and we plan on snow birding it across country. Do you think it's time to upgrade to a beefier truck?
Thanks!
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Old 10-27-2014, 01:17 PM   #2
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Yes.
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Old 10-27-2014, 01:20 PM   #3
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Agree. If you have the budget you will find towing far more enjoyable with bigger truck.
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Old 10-27-2014, 01:23 PM   #4
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How are you "on the numbers" with your current setup?
GVWR = everything in the truck, on the truck and the truck.
Loaded with people, gas, stuff and tongue weight how much have you got left from the numbers on the truck?
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Old 10-27-2014, 01:28 PM   #5
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I upgraded while towing a 26BH -- the improvement was considerable and to me well worth it. However I went diesel too.
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Old 10-27-2014, 02:59 PM   #6
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Generally speaking, the heavier tow vehicle will feel more stable. If you can afford to upgrade now, why not? If you plan on towing often when the bride retires, it makes sense to have a bigger truck.

However, if your current truck has sufficient power and payload and you are comfortable driving, that truck should do fine.
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Old 10-27-2014, 05:59 PM   #7
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Well worth the upgrade. You won't regret it.....unless you're making payments, then only once a month!
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Old 10-27-2014, 06:03 PM   #8
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I upgraded while towing a 26BH -- the improvement was considerable and to me well worth it. However I went diesel too.
And X2 on the Diesel, it makes the mountains feel like a flat road + better MPG.
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Old 10-27-2014, 06:34 PM   #9
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I would not upgrade until you have a real reason to. If you are happy with what you have stick with it. Diesel as more pulling power but is more expensive per gallon and way more expensive to maintain/repair.
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Old 10-27-2014, 07:08 PM   #10
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In this case, size matters.
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Old 10-27-2014, 07:13 PM   #11
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Our tow rig is a 1/2 ton, Yukon XL. I really wish I had 3/4. I've not put it on the CAT scale, but I'm guessing we are close to 8,000 lbs and we are maxed out. That said, I've climbed from the ocean to 10,000 feet up to Sequoia and then Yosemite and up and over Tioga pass, with out issue. Just would be nice to have a heavier rig. If you can afford it, I'd do it. If not, a 1/2 ton will get you where you want to go. We've done multiple cross-country, 3,000+ mile Summer trips.
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Old 10-27-2014, 07:17 PM   #12
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The upgrade was worth it to me. I get worse fuel mileage but the stability and braking ability of the 2500 over the 1500 is very noticeable.
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Old 10-27-2014, 08:00 PM   #13
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Diesel as more pulling power but is more expensive per gallon and way more expensive to maintain/repair.
Care to elaborate on "more expensive per gallon and way more expensive to maintain/repair."

Loaded highway travel I'm getting 18+ MPG, my former 1500 got about the same.

Towing I get typically get 12 MPG, my 1500 got 9.5. So the diesel is getting about 25% better towing MPG.

Around here diesel averages about 15% more per gallon than regular unleaded. So paying 15% to get a 25% return is still a cost savings.

About maintanence -- around here to have a shop change oil in 1500 gasser is about $40, a 2500 diesel is about $90. So if you get 3 oil changes per year, diesel is a $150 premium.

Oh, but wait there is the matter of a fuel filter in a diesel. Still assuming 3 oil changes a year, that would be 2 fuel filters. Again, have a shop do it and your spending $100 -- or $200 a year.

So if $350 a year is way more expensive in your mind then you could be right. For $350 plus an extra $400-$500 in fuel isn't way more expensive at all and so well worth it.
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Old 10-27-2014, 08:44 PM   #14
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This recent thread may interest the OP:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=22966
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Old 10-27-2014, 08:59 PM   #15
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Care to elaborate on "more expensive per gallon and way more expensive to maintain/repair."

Loaded highway travel I'm getting 18+ MPG, my former 1500 got about the same.

Towing I get typically get 12 MPG, my 1500 got 9.5. So the diesel is getting about 25% better towing MPG.

Around here diesel averages about 15% more per gallon than regular unleaded. So paying 15% to get a 25% return is still a cost savings.

About maintanence -- around here to have a shop change oil in 1500 gasser is about $40, a 2500 diesel is about $90. So if you get 3 oil changes per year, diesel is a $150 premium.

Oh, but wait there is the matter of a fuel filter in a diesel. Still assuming 3 oil changes a year, that would be 2 fuel filters. Again, have a shop do it and your spending $100 -- or $200 a year.

So if $350 a year is way more expensive in your mind then you could be right. For $350 plus an extra $400-$500 in fuel isn't way more expensive at all and so well worth it.
Give it some time, you will see...
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Old 10-27-2014, 09:00 PM   #16
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Most of the big gas engines require premium fuel. In my neck of the woods diesel is cheaper than premium gas. My Cummins pulling my fiver gets 12 mpg so even if the gas job gets identical mileage the diesel is cheaper in fuel. Plus all the other benefits of a bigger truck.

But as in everything in life, your money....your choice. Enjoy whatever you get.
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Old 10-27-2014, 09:09 PM   #17
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I was just in Calgary and diesel way way more expensive than gas just like everywhere else!
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Old 10-27-2014, 09:13 PM   #18
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Give it some time, you will see...
Maybe, but I don't think the odds of having expensive repairs on a diesel are any greater than than a gasser. This is my first diesel, but both my father and FIL have had them for >40 years and neither seem to share this opinion either.

I am very happy that you are pleased with the performance your Tundra, I too am happy with my Duramax.
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Old 10-27-2014, 09:17 PM   #19
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Premium was 15 cents a liter more than diesel today in Calgary. Regular was 15 cents a liter cheaper.
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Old 10-27-2014, 09:36 PM   #20
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My 2500 gasser uses 87 octane...manual even says using higher octane will not improve performance or milage. 87 octane in my area is roughly $2.65 a gallon while diesel is roughly $3.35 a gallon.

Point is...buy and use what suits your needs.
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