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Old 09-08-2014, 06:50 PM   #1
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SUV or Truck...Diesel or Gas

I think that my v8 2002 ford explorer is getting tired and I'm in the market for a new vehicle to tow with. I have a 23 foot Jayco Travel Trailer that weights about 5,000 lbs. We like the Expedition but not sure if it can handle hills and we like the F250 Diesel but not sure if the mileage and price of diesel will work for us. Right now we're getting 8 to a gallon so I guess anything might be an improvement. I appreciate everyone's advice and opinion. Mark
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Old 09-08-2014, 06:59 PM   #2
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I have no experience with a diesel, so I can't speak a lot on that. When you mention mileage, from all I have heard the diesel does get better mpg. I guess a lot of it depends on what your needs are and what you're hauling while camping.
For me, an SUV wouldn't work. We haul firewood, river tubes and other things that I wouldn't want inside of my vehicle. Not to mention, my truck is also my hunting vehicle when camping season is over. I have the 4 door with split bench seats front & back. That gives me a seating capacity of 6 with a good bit of leg room.
How many people are you hauling? And what kind of cargo?
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:00 PM   #3
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first thing to ask yourself is How many times you hook on and go in a season and how many miles

An expedition shouldn't have any issues with that trailer but then will you be moving to something bigger,smaller????
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:09 PM   #4
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Right now we're getting 8 to a gallon so I guess anything might be an improvement. Mark

If you are traveling 2000 miles a season and getting 8MPG that is 250 gallons or 900 dollars

a diesel may get 14MPG equals 142 gallons or roughly 550 dollars.....so you pay a premium of many thousands for even a use diesel to save maybe 350 dollars a year in fuel.....I would stick with gas
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:26 PM   #5
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I have a 2013 F150 crew cab with ecoboost. I can't say enough about the interior comfort and the quality of the ride. The truck is just really fun to drive and I get around 19MPG as a daily driver and around 10-12MPG towing an X23B. Just my opinion, but I don't think you can justify the expense of a diesel for the load you're towing.
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:30 PM   #6
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Great point. I do like the diesel for the longevity but then again I guess a gas engine will last as long as you take care of it.
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:32 PM   #7
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Howie, I do like the idea of a truck because I cold use it to haul mulch and other stuff around the house. I noticed that the 4 door trucks are really roomy.
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:34 PM   #8
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NB Hybrid, We will keep this one for a while and hope to take it cross country in a few years before the girls outgrow camping. The math makes a lot of sense. Thanks!
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:34 PM   #9
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Diesel pulls it better and gets better mpg. Doesn't downshift with a load on it at every hill. I've had both and doubt I would ever buy another gas truck. (I have a 2014 ram megacab 3500 cummins and interior room is cavernous and I still have a bed to haul things etc.). If you are trying to justify the cost if a diesel and if you get your money back....I can't help you there as some say you do at trade in some say you don't. I don't really care and was willing to pay the 8k price difference and higher maintenance costs going forward...it simply pulls loads better and more effortlessly and I love the smooth torque vs high rpm screaming. Ymmv
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:36 PM   #10
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The age old questions.....

I dunno, but those Expeditions are tow beasts. If you're looking for a full size SUV that can actually grunt a little, Expys are hard to beat. They could tow that 5k without even breaking a sweat.
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:36 PM   #11
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you really have to drive a ton of miles to even think of covering the costs of a diesel truck and only if it is trouble free as well. A major mechanical failure and you will never recoup the costs. Diesel is great if you need diesel but if you are keeping this size trailer for a long time stick with gas IMO..


Good luck have fun
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:39 PM   #12
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In your situation you do not NEED a diesel. If you WANT one, that`s another matter.
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:41 PM   #13
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In your situation you do not NEED a diesel. If you WANT one, that`s another matter.
X2..or can afford one sure why not.

If I win the lottery I am buying an F450 just for kicks to haul my hybrid
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:50 PM   #14
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I'm a diesel only buyer, but you only need the Ecoboost ford. My son just traded his 2014 ford diesel for the Ecoboost. He tows a 6000# boat with no problems.
He had total problems with the ford 6.7. Found out lots folks having problems. If you get a diesel get a dodge.
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Old 09-08-2014, 07:52 PM   #15
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I like having an SUV when I'm in "dad-mode", driving the family around. I would prefer a truck for "fun-mode" like camping, fishing, biking. Unfortunately, camping is a very small slice of my time, so SUV wins. Luckily for us, there are many SUVs available that are capable tow vehicles.
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Old 09-08-2014, 08:04 PM   #16
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There's so much talk about "paying" for the increased cost of a diesel. People really struggle with the decision, but it's not really that hard. If you need a diesel to pull your rig, then that's how it is. Cost is not a factor, you shouldn't buy a diesel thinking you'll recoup the cost differential, you should buy one because you need it to haul with. Cars are not investments, they're tools, and you simply need the best tool for the job purchased at the best price. Beyond that, its just spending money. Unless you have crap tons of money, then the previous comment does not apply to you.

But there's no reason you need a diesel for 5000 lbs. it's simply not the best tool for the job.
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Old 09-08-2014, 08:13 PM   #17
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I have truck and trailer noted below. The Ecoboost is a great engine, pulls well, and I don't get a lot of screaming RPM going up the hills here in WV. I too get 8 mpg cruising on the interstate in Tow/Haul at 64 mph. I'm am debating going to 2500 and then new 6.4 Hemi or used Cummins. For HD, I'm a Ram guy. I say go with the EcoBoost and put a cap or hard tonneau on it. I am a huge fan of hard coverage for the bed, and you can take it off for the things that won't fit.

Still undecided and will likely wait as camping season nearly over for us, but it is also year end clearance time, so good deals are out there.
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Old 09-08-2014, 08:16 PM   #18
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There's so much talk about "paying" for the increased cost of a diesel. People really struggle with the decision, but it's not really that hard. If you need a diesel to pull your rig, then that's how it is. Cost is not a factor, you shouldn't buy a diesel thinking you'll recoup the cost differential, you should buy one because you need it to haul with. Cars are not investments, they're tools, and you simply need the best tool for the job purchased at the best price. Beyond that, its just spending money. Unless you have crap tons of money, then the previous comment does not apply to you.

But there's no reason you need a diesel for 5000 lbs. it's simply not the best tool for the job.
AMEN!! Best response I have read, and I've read a lot on this debate over the past 2-3 weeks.
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Old 09-08-2014, 08:18 PM   #19
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I completely agree with the point that the truck is a tool. If your future plans include a larger trailer, then it makes sense to oversize your tow vehicle now for the future. While it's not the absolute rule, but what I have seen is most people who have a diesel wouldn't go back to gas.

I've had both. I had a Hemi Durango with 2.92 gears (a very stout towing capacity) then towed that same trailer with an F250 Diesel. While the Durango's Hemi and 3.92 rear had more than enough power, the overall stability of the package was far from desirable, partially due to the short (119") wheel base and the tires.

After switching to the F250 Diesel, I pulled that camper for 1 more year then traded it in for a 5th Wheel. Even though my 6.0 has NOT been trouble free (Yes, they are expensive to repair) I will get another diesel when this one is completely spent. Next time though it'll be a Dodge!

So, like it's been said above, do you need a Diesel? Probably not, but if your future plans include a larger trailer OR you want one.... I've never regretted the diesel route
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Old 09-08-2014, 08:23 PM   #20
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I have a trailer of similar size and weight and my Expedition handles it with ease. Downside is day to day mileage is so bad that it rarely gets driven.
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