diesel or gas poll

[Jayco28BHS]

Gas here, trips are getting longer in distance and in time as the kids are getting older, so we will most likely move into 3/4 ton gas as the next TV - don't see camper getting bigger and I simply do not have experience with diesel.

3 kids; 6/8/10 yo

2005-2013:
TT = 2003 Jayco Kiwi 23B, TV = 2005 Trailblazer EXT (5.3L)

2013-present (see sig)
TT = 2013 Jayco28BHS, TV = 2010 Tundra CrewMax

[Bobx2]

Originally Posted by HooDoo

I pulled with a gasser for years and thought it did fine, but once I switched to a diesel 12 years ago, I won't go back. The mileage, power, easy to add power, but really it's just you don't ever have to floor it. Hardly ever more than 1/2 throttle. And I haven't experienced this more maintenance thing everyone talks about. Cost me $50 to change my oil twice a year.

I'm right there with ya. That's more of a non-diesel owners myth than it is fact. Oil change, fuel filter, air filter are all the same things I had to do with my gassers too.

[Camper_bob]

I'm in a 1/2 ton gasser now, but later when the roaming range increases with the kid's age, I'll likely be looking REALLY close at a diesel. I think (at least this is MY perception) that the "more maintenance" thing is a bit different for newer diesels. It's no longer just the oil (which has always been more expensive transactionally, but about the same over time), but now you have DEF to deal with along with some additional filters and various other EPA mandated add-ons. It seems with this new stuff, the "maintenance differential" between gas and diesel is spreading. Again, I have no first hand knowledge of such things, but that is my perception. With my gasser, I just change the oil when the DIC says "30% Oil Life Remaining" and knock the dirt out of my K&N once a year.

[gtsum2]

I dont understand the maintenance thing and cost comparison...I really dont. Yes diesels cost more, and oil changes and fuel filter changes, etc cost more...you also have a lot more power, and smooth torque in the diesel and better MPG. All of these things really cant be argued...bottom line if you want a diesel and can spend the money, do it...if not, stick with gas...but to justify one or the other is a waste of energy imo.

I had a 2013 Ram 1500 Hemi...I sold it and ordered a 2014 Ram 3500 Cummins and love every minute of it and cannot see myself going back to a 1/2 ton gasser ever....highly doubt I would go back to any gasser in a truck to be honest with you. Sure it cost me 8k more when I bought it and my service charges might well be $400 for oil and fuel filters, etc Whenever I need new tires on it they might well be a good bit over $1,000......I knew that going in and have no qualms about paying it...that is the cost of doing business imo and a diesel is well worth it to me. To each their own

[FPM III]

A lot of the engine (and truck) decisions are made based upon what you're currently towing. I'm sure a number of folks questioned my mental integrity when I traded in my 1989 Chevy Silverado 1500 for my first diesel, a Ford F-250 PowerStroke back in 1996, to tow a 1/2 ton Coleman Laramie pop-up. However, little did they realize at the time that my "game plan" was to eventually move up to a TT. It happened four years later when I bought the Jayco Eagle 266 FBS that has a GVWR of 8,500 pounds!

[nwminnesota]

Changed my tow vehicle from gas to a diesel!

[Clayton4971]

Diesel tow a 40 ft pinnacle with a SXS behind that !

[rick danger]

Originally Posted by Clayton4971

Diesel tow a 40 ft pinnacle with a SXS behind that ! Attachment 16179

how far can you back that rig up? Always wondered how many states allow that. I guess they only let you do that with a 5er? Or do some states let you have a double tag along train? You must have to be careful about over length too.......Anyhow......back to topic.....I bought my '04 gmc 2500hd duramax when diesel was cheaper than 87. Soon as I did it shot up higher than premium and stayed there. Worked out ok though, I've since bought a 7x14 dump trailer and for a cuople of years working on my new home ,hauled 18,000 lb loads of rock and stone (load and trailer) up an 1,800 foot hill. Now I'll use it for my new jayco Octane.

[Clayton4971]

Originally Posted by rick danger

how far can you back that rig up? Always wondered how many states allow that. I guess they only let you do that with a 5er? Or do some states let you have a double tag along train? You must have to be careful about over length too.......Anyhow......back to topic.....I bought my '04 gmc 2500hd duramax when diesel was cheaper than 87. Soon as I did it shot up higher than premium and stayed there. Worked out ok though, I've since bought a 7x14 dump trailer and for a cuople of years working on my new home ,hauled 18,000 lb loads of rock and stone (load and trailer) up an 1,800 foot hill. Now I'll use it for my new jayco Octane.

I did back up about 30 ft last year and was still straight but that was all luck . Most states it is 65ft some 70ft some not at all . In Michigan we are allowed 75Ft now and you have to have a R endorsement on your license . It is amazing how well it tows .

[tripleB]

Diesel here, haven't actually towed with it yet but bought it specifically for pulling the new RV. Ordered a 2015 Ram 2500 Limited Mega Cab and picked it up about a month ago. Really like the truck so far. Once the new Octane is delivered at the end of January I will get to see how well it does towing its first heavy load. This is my first diesel and first RV. Cant wait to get loaded and get outta town!

[NHcamper]

I find Gas vs Diesel threads tiring.
This isn't one per say but the answers are
predictable.
I have 3/4 ton for added towing stability.
I have a Gas engine because I only tow 6500-7000lbs and didn't
want to pay extra for a Diesel. Simple.
If I was towing north of 9000lbs I would want a Diesel.

I haven't driven the current crop of Diesels but have towed and driven previous versions. They tow very well.
The current crop of Gas engines also tow well.
I don't think most Gas trucks owners would deny that Diesels are a better option for heavy towing.

Whats tiring with these threads is it's treated like its a black or white answer, when there is alot of gray in between.

Off my soapbox, thank you.

[nwminnesota]

Originally Posted by NHcamper

I find Gas vs Diesel threads tiring.
This isn't one per say but the answers are
predictable.
I have 3/4 ton for added towing stability.
I have a Gas engine because I only tow 6500-7000lbs and didn't
want to pay extra for a Diesel. Simple.
If I was towing north of 9000lbs I would want a Diesel.

I haven't driven the current crop of Diesels but have towed and driven previous versions. They tow very well.
The current crop of Gas engines also tow well.
I don't think most Gas trucks owners would deny that Diesels are a better option for heavy towing.

Whats tiring with these threads is it's treated like its a black or white answer, when there is alot of gray in between.

Off my soapbox, thank you.

I started this poll and the diesel vs gas thread also. The reason why I did was because I was in the market for a new truck. However I only tow a 5000lb load. I wanted to get peoples opinion on the two trucks. After doing both threads it had enabled me to make an informed decision on what to buy. I hope these threads help others decide what to buy as well. So if your tried of it don't read them. I was excited to share what my decision was. Yes it's a diesel !!! And wanted to update my vote. Sorry if you find it tiring.

[Clayton4971]

Originally Posted by nwminnesota

I started this poll and the diesel vs gas thread also. The reason why I did was because I was in the market for a new truck. However I only tow a 5000lb load. I wanted to get peoples opinion on the two trucks. After doing both threads it had enabled me to make an informed decision on what to buy. I hope these threads help others decide what to buy as well. So if your tried of it don't read them. I was excited to share what my decision was. Yes it's a diesel !!! And wanted to update my vote. Sorry if you find it tiring.

X-2

[slabat]

Originally Posted by nwminnesota

I started this poll and the diesel vs gas thread also. The reason why I did was because I was in the market for a new truck. However I only tow a 5000lb load. I wanted to get peoples opinion on the two trucks. After doing both threads it had enabled me to make an informed decision on what to buy. I hope these threads help others decide what to buy as well. So if your tried of it don't read them. I was excited to share what my decision was. Yes it's a diesel !!! And wanted to update my vote. Sorry if you find it tiring.

x3

[NHcamper]

Originally Posted by nwminnesota

I started this poll and the diesel vs gas thread also. The reason why I did was because I was in the market for a new truck. However I only tow a 5000lb load. I wanted to get peoples opinion on the two trucks. After doing both threads it had enabled me to make an informed decision on what to buy. I hope these threads help others decide what to buy as well. So if your tried of it don't read them. I was excited to share what my decision was. Yes it's a diesel !!! And wanted to update my vote. Sorry if you find it tiring.

My intent wasn't to attack your motives of this thread. I think your thoughts are
valid.
To clarify, It's the negative responses I find tiring. I to like to get good information as well.

[rick danger]

Originally Posted by tripleB

Diesel here, haven't actually towed with it yet but bought it specifically for pulling the new RV. Ordered a 2015 Ram 2500 Limited Mega Cab and picked it up about a month ago. Really like the truck so far. Once the new Octane is delivered at the end of January I will get to see how well it does towing its first heavy load. This is my first diesel and first RV. Cant wait to get loaded and get outta town!

You should be getting your Octane about the same time as me. They screwed up the wood color on mine,as you may have noticed in other posts. My new date is Jan. 22. Have a 2 week reservation in Collier-seminiole S.P. in S.W. Fla. March 3rd. Should be plenty sick of winter by then.