truck

djvmax07 · 08-12-2016, 01:20 PM

Thinking of going to a fifth wheel I have a f-150 now but want to upgrade to bigger truck. The fifth wheel weight is 8800 lbs. Looking at f-250 or 2500HD decide to go with gas or diesel. what are your thoughts between both and will be traveling within couple of hours of house and to smokey mountians couple times a year. thanks for input.

DanNJanice · 08-12-2016, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djvmax07

Thinking of going to a fifth wheel I have a f-150 now but want to upgrade to bigger truck. The fifth wheel weight is 8800 lbs. Looking at f-250 or 2500HD decide to go with gas or diesel. what are your thoughts between both and will be traveling within couple of hours of house and to smokey mountians couple times a year. thanks for input.

If you are planning to go with a 5vr, I highly recommend getting a 1ton. 350/3500. The difference is cost is small and if you upgrade to a larger 5vr in the future, you will still be OK.

djvmax07 · 08-12-2016, 01:35 PM

Thanks

need-a-vacation · 08-12-2016, 01:36 PM

DJ,

Is the 8800lbs the listed "dry" weight? Even if so, depending on the ccc of the 5ver any of the gas motored HD Trucks will do the job with the correct gearing. Just know that they will need to rev (3k+ rpms) to do the job. If that may bother you having the motor rev like that, go diesel.

I would suggest that you seriously consider a 3500/350 for the extra payload. Cost isn't much different, and you gain a fair amount of payload. Even more so if you go with the diesel.

I know my buddy who has a ~10k lb loaded 5ver is seriously considering the 6.4 if he decides to get a new truck. Currently has a '13 Ram MCSB with the diesel. He said as long as the new truck is rated for about 12-13k lbs (due to towing jet skis behind also) he may switch back. Just doesn't tow any heavier to warrant another diesel. Though he does love it!!! Said there is nothing like picking a boat up (~8500lbs) from down south with his truck for a friend and motoring up the mountains at ~70moh without the trans downshifting. And passing cars that were struggling to get up the grade!

It is a tough decision for gas vs diesel. Think about all the non towing driving you do. And how long you anticipate keeping the truck.

Good luck!!!

djvmax07 · 08-12-2016, 01:39 PM

Yes 8800 is listing dry weight.

tularockstar · 08-12-2016, 02:10 PM

Don't forget that by the time you add cargo, and possibly water, you'll be closer to 10,000 lbs! Then, add headwinds and uphill climbing, you'll now need to think of at least a 2500 or 3500. Diesel will cost you about $9,500 more, but it's well worth it! A typical 2500 Diesel will produce at least 750 lbs of torque, which you will need climbing those steep grade mountains. We have a 2015 Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel, and we're glad we have her. She climbs those steep grades like a dream!

Quote:

Originally Posted by djvmax07

Thinking of going to a fifth wheel I have a f-150 now but want to upgrade to bigger truck. The fifth wheel weight is 8800 lbs. Looking at f-250 or 2500HD decide to go with gas or diesel. what are your thoughts between both and will be traveling within couple of hours of house and to smokey mountians couple times a year. thanks for input.

Gobbledot · 08-12-2016, 02:49 PM

3500 Diesel Bowtie would be my recommendation to you. I have a 2500 diesel and added a extra spring this year and it does all I need. It pulls my 321 with a golf cart trailer behind it (oops did I say that

) with no problem at all. Duramax coupled with the Allison is a great combo

..

eldermike · 08-12-2016, 03:16 PM

You have two more decisions. Long bed or short bed and single rear wheel or dual rear wheel. If you want to buy a truck to cover every possible future decision get the 3500 DRW long bed and you are finished. If I had done this a few years ago I would not be on my third truck in the last 6 years. Someone in your family with enough power to get their way can come up with a bad case of 2 foot-itis and you will be out shopping for a truck, just saying.

Dan · 08-20-2016, 07:25 PM

" If you want to buy a truck to cover every possible future decision get the 3500 DRW long bed and you are finished."

x2

richie t · 08-20-2016, 08:28 PM

We have a Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 long bed crew cab and we pull a 2017 Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS. It's gas 5.7L. No problems at all. You don't even feel like you're pulling anything. No complaints.

nwminnesota · 08-20-2016, 10:02 PM

I am a diesel fan. I almost forget that my trailer is back there. I drive all freeway miles to work without rush hour about 20mile 1way commute
Last time into work according to the dic it said i avg 24mpg!. However if I add a hardware store stop with a couple other stops I avg about 18mpgs in summer and 17mpg in winter.

Preacher87 · 08-27-2016, 01:01 PM

In my semi professional opinion, if you want a 5er, you want a 1 ton.
Dual rear wheel buys you on average an extra 2000lb payload (pin weight) and a touch more stability in crosswinds, but if the pin weighs less than 2,000lb, you really dont need to be buying an extra pair of tires.

As for the gas / diesel debate, i'm both feet solidly in the diesel camp. I love the torque, and how effortless it yanks 14,000lb.
Now for reality.
If you're staying semi local (less than 1000mi), or towing less than 6 times a year, go with gas.
It will burn more fuel, but the repairs and maintenance are significantly less (for example, my 6.4 diesel takes 14L of synthetic oil, at $160 a pail), and thats not considering the additional purchase price, warming it up and cooling down the turbos.

If you plan on doing mountains, or towing more than 6 times a year, the added expense and cost of repair is more than offset by the ease and confidence the added power gives you.

RedHorse1 · 08-27-2016, 08:43 PM

Lots of great experience and advice here! To add my opinion, we pull a 5er at 12700# and 3000# on the pin.
We pull with a 350 6.7 diesel, short bed 2WD and a B&W Companion hitch. To do over I'd get a slider, making a full-lock u-turn cost me a rear window. I use high caution when making tight turns now.
If you plan to pull lots of miles/years in hills/mountains then a diesel is in order. If you make shorter trips on the flat then a gasser will probably serve.
The 350 is my first pickup and first diesel. I love it!!!
As said earlier, the diesel is more $$$.
Truck X with a gasser will probably have a bit more payload vs a diesel ( diesel = heavy).

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