Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Jayco RV Owners Forum
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-26-2015, 12:07 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northport
Posts: 4
Tow Vehicle for 2010 Jayco Eagle 351RLTS

Hi Everyone!

We are new to this forum and brand stinking new campers. This is our first camper. We are in the market for a truck to tow it. We have heard many things about makes, models, duel-lie vs. regular. We know we must have a diesel and Allison transmission. We plan to do frequent, shorter trips for now as we are not retired.

Please share your experiences and advice with us!

Thanks in advance!
mcauchon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 01:18 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
cekkk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Pahrump
Posts: 4,036
Allison? So Ford is out?
__________________
'11 Eagle 320RLDS
'02 F350 PSD Dually 4WD
DW's Ride, '13 Expedition
'14 Denali XL
cekkk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 01:24 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northport
Posts: 4
Just heard that term from a few folks. What specific features should we look for in a HD truck for towing this camper?

THanks!
mcauchon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 01:24 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Plowtoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Hamilton, MI
Posts: 429
Im not so sure you have to have a diesel... It would be nice at times, but on shorter trips, a big block gas engine will do everything you want and then some, plus not kill you on routine maintenance like a diesel will. Id say if you were frequently towing long distances, a diesel is nice, but a gas will be just fine in you case, plus save you a bunch of money up front on purchase price...

Then again, this is coming from a guy who pulls a 31' 8500lb TT with a half ton Tahoe...
__________________
'97 Jayco Eagle 314BHS

'03 Tahoe LT 5.3L
Plowtoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 01:37 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
cekkk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Pahrump
Posts: 4,036
Where does all this talk about expensive diesel maintenance come from? I've had diesel cars, trucks and tractors and the biggest diesel related expense I've had was replacing glow plugs in my 1985 F250 6.9 - in 2012!
__________________
'11 Eagle 320RLDS
'02 F350 PSD Dually 4WD
DW's Ride, '13 Expedition
'14 Denali XL
cekkk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 06:37 PM   #6
Site Team
 
norty1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: James Island, SC
Posts: 22,771
I have a 1 ton Ford PSD. I would not pull your rig with anything smaller due to the trailer specs.
If you want some actual weight figures I'll be happy to share mine.
__________________
Moderator
2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box,
2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CC
Hughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMS
Gator roll-up bed cover
B&W Turnover ball, Companion Std hitch
Can't find what you're looking on JOF? Try Jayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search
norty1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 08:01 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Edd505's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Elephant Butte, NM
Posts: 1,219
Quote:
Originally Posted by cekkk View Post
Where does all this talk about expensive diesel maintenance come from? I've had diesel cars, trucks and tractors and the biggest diesel related expense I've had was replacing glow plugs in my 1985 F250 6.9 - in 2012!
Real high maintenance on my diesel 2000 super duty 14qts of oil per change, fuel filters, air filters and no mechanical issues in 150k. Might have replaced a head light along the way. My F250 had 100K warranty on the engine when it was new. I guess the dual battery's could be considered extra expense.
__________________
2015 F350 SRW 6.7 LB 4X4 Crew
2017 Durango G353KRT
2006 F350SD 6.0 LB Crew
2000 F250SD SRW 7.3 LB Extended Cab Air Bags
2002 Western Star 4900EX 500 Detroit 13sp.
2014 Eagle 30.5BHLT (sold)
Edd505 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 11:28 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
cekkk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Pahrump
Posts: 4,036
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edd505 View Post
Real high maintenance on my diesel 2000 super duty 14qts of oil per change, fuel filters, air filters and no mechanical issues in 150k. Might have replaced a head light along the way. My F250 had 100K warranty on the engine when it was new. I guess the dual battery's could be considered extra expense.
That reminds me. At 100k miles a Ford Expedition is supposed to get new plugs. So the local Ford dealer charges 3.8 hours at $144/hr. And that's JUST labor! Wonder if they charge extra for the labor to extract a plug that breaks off, as they're famous for doing?
__________________
'11 Eagle 320RLDS
'02 F350 PSD Dually 4WD
DW's Ride, '13 Expedition
'14 Denali XL
cekkk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 12:40 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Plowtoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Hamilton, MI
Posts: 429
Im looking at the initial extra cost of the diesel, price of fuel (which is more than the price of gas these days), price of DEF, price of fuel filter(s), and the amount of oil needed, and the frequency of those services add up to way more than a gas powered rig today (years ago it was different, when gas and oil were cheep, because you would make up the difference in the additional mpg's you get with the diesel, not so much anymore).

Just to compare, I work on E450s all day long, most gas, but a few 6.0s (which im not even including the extra repairs you will spend on one of those diesels). A basic oil change costs us $42.36 (16 qts of oil and a filter) and that does not include any labor time, that's just parts. We are required to do the oil change every 7500 miles. Our gas V10s (using the same 15w40 oil) cost $15.58 (7qts oil and a filter) and are done every 5000 miles. Fuel filters, since 2008 Ford has eliminated inline fuel filters on the gas chassis so there is no need or expense for replacement (prior to 08, a gas fuel filter was $7 and some change). On a diesel, we have been able to find an in-expensive fuel filter kit (has 2, one upper and one lower, both must be changed) for $48 and some change and has to be changed every 15000 miles. Spark plugs, we change them out every 100000 miles. We use Autolite AP103 plugs that cost about $2 a plug. Ive not had any break off, however we have had one blow out. In that case, I simply threaded it back in and we have continued to drive it. Although ive not experienced it, I too have heard of them breaking off, but have heard that a local shop will extract them and repair the thread for under a hundred bucks a hole.

Longevity, today we are putting on about 250000 to 300000 miles on our gas engines (we've yet to have a 6.0 reach that mileage) before the vehicle is replaced (they are about 7-10 years old when we replace them and usually they are still in good running condition when they are sold). Ive been working on E series cutaway chassis since 2002. To date, I haven't had many major mechanical failures with our fleet (other than the 6.0s). NOT one gas engine replacement, only one transmission replacement and 2 rear axles (which both were rebuilt in the vehicle)

So unless im missing something, the numbers just don't add up own a diesel anymore (as far as I can tell). I can get the same job done with a big block gas engine as can be done with a diesel, and likely even save a bit of money in the long run. If the OP said that they were towing long trips several times a year, I would agree that a diesel is the way to go, but as the op stated, it will be short trips as they are not retired. Thus, I believe a gas engine will get the job done. Diesels need to run, run hard and run long durations to keep them happy. A gas can sit for days on end, run short trips and still be happy. Fact is, we just sold our 7.3L (we were part owners with my folks) and moved into a V10 for pretty much the same reason (and to help a friend out). Mom and dad use it to pull their 12000 lb 5th wheel a few times a year. Does the V10 have the same power the diesel did? Nope, but does it tow the 5th wheel o.k.? Yep, Dad has no complaints.
__________________
'97 Jayco Eagle 314BHS

'03 Tahoe LT 5.3L
Plowtoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 12:50 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
cekkk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Pahrump
Posts: 4,036
Plowtoy, I filled my 7.3 up two days ago @ $2.399. Most stations around here are in the 2.70s and 2.80s for 85 octane gas. Add 15 cents for 87. Station nearest my home is $3.299. Even that one is less for diesel @ 3.099.

To be fair though, the last year or so is the first time I can remember diesel being cheaper than gas since my first diesel in 1980.

But really, 6.0? Okay. Yugo! Beat that! lol
cekkk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 01:18 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Plowtoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Hamilton, MI
Posts: 429
Quote:
Originally Posted by cekkk View Post
Plowtoy, I filled my 7.3 up two days ago @ $2.399. Most stations around here are in the 2.70s and 2.80s for 85 octane gas. Add 15 cents for 87. Station nearest my home is $3.299. Even that one is less for diesel @ 3.099.

To be fair though, the last year or so is the first time I can remember diesel being cheaper than gas since my first diesel in 1980.

But really, 6.0? Okay. Yugo! Beat that! lol
Maybe we are just behind the times.... The 6.0 is the best I can compare it with right now. We don't run any Dmax or cummin's and ford never put the newer diesels in the van chassis (they used the 6.0 until 2010). You may still be getting better mileage in your 7.3, but I would almost bet its a wash after you figure out the additional money you are spending on maintenance, unless you are skipping out on that part. How's your oil pan? That was a $1200 repair on our 03 7.3L.


I think that people only see the fuel mpg's of a diesel and never bother to see what it actually cost to keep one maintained. Its kind of like the person who goes out and buys a brand new very fuel efficient car to save them gas money, when the car they were driving was paid for and getting 30 mpg's, it doesn't make sense. The money you save on gas in the new car isn't enough to make the car payment...
__________________
'97 Jayco Eagle 314BHS

'03 Tahoe LT 5.3L
Plowtoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 01:35 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
cekkk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Pahrump
Posts: 4,036
I am meticulous when it comes to maintaining my '02. Maybe that's why I've had no diesel related problems.

I had no idea the 6.0 was kept around that long in any model.

One practical reason for my liking diesels is it doesn't lose nearly 30% of its power up here.

But the real reason to go diesel is the same for going Harley - I gotta have it!
__________________
'11 Eagle 320RLDS
'02 F350 PSD Dually 4WD
DW's Ride, '13 Expedition
'14 Denali XL
cekkk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 01:43 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Camper_bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: South Texas
Posts: 7,207
I agree with Plowtoy. You should buy a diesel because you need a diesel to do what you need done. Not because you think it'll save you money (in the long or short term). My HD truck is a gasser because that fits my usage pattern, and because I didn't have the coin to lay out on a diesel. My gasser is the right tool for the job I need done at this point in my life. If I had a usage pattern that supported a diesel requirement, I would get a diesel, but NOT because I'm looking for some kind of money savings; because it would be the required (best) tool for the job.
__________________

-2018 Greyhawk 29MV
-2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (JLU) (Primary Toad)
-1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ (Secondary Toad)
-2014 Jay Flight 28BHBE & Ram 2500 6.4L CC 4x4 (sold)
Camper_bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 01:50 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Plowtoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Hamilton, MI
Posts: 429
Quote:
Originally Posted by cekkk View Post
I am meticulous when it comes to maintaining my '02. Maybe that's why I've had no diesel related problems.

I had no idea the 6.0 was kept around that long in any model.

One practical reason for my liking diesels is it doesn't lose nearly 30% of its power up here.

But the real reason to go diesel is the same for going Harley - I gotta have it!
Other than pedestal seals and oil pans, the 7.3 was an awesome engine (ive had 2). I guess to each their own, im just trying to make a point that a diesel isn't always necessary to the op. As far as the 6.0, Ford thought it was such a great engine, they put it in the hardest chassis to work on it, for a longgggggg time. I will say they have gotten better in the later models, but still not a 7.3. Its been awhile, but ive driven in the mountains of CO. I do remember the power loss of the old 2.5L Chrysler going up to Estes and the national park ;-)
__________________
'97 Jayco Eagle 314BHS

'03 Tahoe LT 5.3L
Plowtoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 02:38 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Edd505's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Elephant Butte, NM
Posts: 1,219
The few extra qts of oil isn't a great expense and they all have fuel & air filters. There is several K up front when buying but the maintenance difference, peanuts. If you pull any mountains there is no comparison pulling. How many Gasser 18 wheelers you see? The big companies buy them because they last a million miles with maintenance.

As a side Plowtoy: what issues with oil pans & pedestal seals? Should I be watching for something? The new diesel prices I'll keep payed for old cause I don't like payment.
__________________
2015 F350 SRW 6.7 LB 4X4 Crew
2017 Durango G353KRT
2006 F350SD 6.0 LB Crew
2000 F250SD SRW 7.3 LB Extended Cab Air Bags
2002 Western Star 4900EX 500 Detroit 13sp.
2014 Eagle 30.5BHLT (sold)
Edd505 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 03:15 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Plowtoy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Hamilton, MI
Posts: 429
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edd505 View Post
The few extra qts of oil isn't a great expense and they all have fuel & air filters. There is several K up front when buying but the maintenance difference, peanuts. If you pull any mountains there is no comparison pulling. How many Gasser 18 wheelers you see? The big companies buy them because they last a million miles with maintenance.

As a side Plowtoy: what issues with oil pans & pedestal seals? Should I be watching for something? The new diesel prices I'll keep payed for old cause I don't like payment.
Oil pans on the 7.3s (in the nbs trucks) liked to rust through. Really a problem in areas that receive a bunch of snow and ice melt is used on the roads. Pedestal seals were pretty common to leak on the turbos, which made for an oily mess. And lets not forget about those IDM's that like to fail (those can get expensive).

Im not trying to ruffle any feathers, but how many big rigs do you see pulling RV's should be the question (not many). Its not apples to apples, when your talking pick up's and occasional towing. As stated above, the tow vehicle is just a tool. You should use the tool that fits your needs. If a diesel fits your needs, then you should get a diesel. if a gasser fits your needs, get a gasser. If a big rig fits your needs, get a big rig. It would be kind of pointless for me to buy a big rig to tow my pop up, and at the same time, it would be pointless to put a hitch on my Impala to pull my 31 footer, when my Tahoe can get the job done...

Maybe the op left out some important info, like what other uses the truck will have when not pulling the camper, and what kind of terrain they will be traveling. Im not arguing that a diesel is a bad idea, but I am arguing that it may not be necessary and feel I have given some points that might back that up.
__________________
'97 Jayco Eagle 314BHS

'03 Tahoe LT 5.3L
Plowtoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 03:44 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Edd505's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Elephant Butte, NM
Posts: 1,219
Thanks for the info on the 7.3 knock on wood I have had no issues. I wasn't trying to say diesel was the only way, I towed with a 300ci six in a Bronco years back. Where I am I do see big rigs towing TT's by changing the 5th wheel, my neighbors one. In his words I pay 20K for a rig that will tow anything and not slow down or 45K for a new truck that I have to add stuff to. Not for me I'll keep the P/U it does all I ask of it.
__________________
2015 F350 SRW 6.7 LB 4X4 Crew
2017 Durango G353KRT
2006 F350SD 6.0 LB Crew
2000 F250SD SRW 7.3 LB Extended Cab Air Bags
2002 Western Star 4900EX 500 Detroit 13sp.
2014 Eagle 30.5BHLT (sold)
Edd505 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 04:37 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: St. Clairsville
Posts: 225
Methinks we got a bit off topic. We do need some more information. Does the OP have any experience towing? If not, then a one ton is likely to make him feel more confident than a lesser vehicle. Typically a longer wheelbase truck is going to be more stable than a shorter one. If you don't have towing experience, I might look for a longer wheelbase truck in a 3/4 or one ton model that is rated for your load, both payload and towing weight (that is generally a subject in itself). That will help keep you more stable on the highway. As far as diesel vs gas, I personally prefer diesel, but a big block Chevy or V-10 Ford can do a pretty good job also. Personally, I tow a 42 foot seismic that weighs 19,000ish with a 2000 F-350 crew cab dually long bed 4x4, so I like the diesel. And we are full timers, so always on the road.

Based on what you said, I would look for more truck than you need for this camper. When you are shopping, know your trailer's hitch weight and is gross vehicle weight. The unloaded weight is pretty meaningless. If you stick with that while new to towing you will have fewer "white knuckle" moments and can build confidence. You are not buying for a straight line easy drive. You are buying for the time you are half asleep and a semi blows by at 80 mph. That will cause white knuckle moments and raised blood pressure with the wrong vehicle. As far as brand, it's largely personal preference and you will learn through shopping what each brand's weak points are.
djtho1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2015, 08:45 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
Camper_bob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: South Texas
Posts: 7,207
Quote:
Originally Posted by djtho1 View Post
snip... You are not buying for a straight line easy drive. You are buying for the time you are half asleep and a semi blows by at 80 mph. That will cause white knuckle moments and raised blood pressure with the wrong vehicle. As far as brand, it's largely personal preference and you will learn through shopping what each brand's weak points are.
IMHO, this is some of the best advice there is. I wish I had heeded it when we were buying. I'm one of the many who put the cart before the horse, then had to get a bigger horse. In the end it worked out, but I could've avoided a lot of heartache if I had listened better. Such is life sometimes...
Camper_bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2015, 10:18 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
TWP723's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Abingdon
Posts: 6,177
Quote:
Originally Posted by cekkk View Post
That reminds me. At 100k miles a Ford Expedition is supposed to get new plugs. So the local Ford dealer charges 3.8 hours at $144/hr. And that's JUST labor! Wonder if they charge extra for the labor to extract a plug that breaks off, as they're famous for doing?



A good tech shouldn't break them off in the head, if he knows what he's doing. They make a tool for it now and if you do it right, you can do it without it.
__________________
2013 Jayco Eagle 328 RLTS
2021 Keystone Montana 3121RL
2013 F350 6.7L 4x4 CCLB
W/Air Lift air bags (front & rear)
Equal-I-Zer™ WDH & B&W Companion
TWP723 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jayco, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:06 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright 2002-2016 Social Knowledge, LLC All Rights Reserved.