Gas or Diesel

[Jerry713]

Just to add another thought even though it wasn't particular in the question, with an 8,000 lb trailer you definitely do not need a diesel engine nor do you need a 1 ton truck.

I would encourage you to look at the 1/2 ton gasoline pickups (all half tons are gas from what I have seen) as they have tow ratings well above what you would need, 12,000 lbs or more as rated and likely a better price all around. ~CA

I hear what you’re saying. GM’s 3.0 Duramax is very capable of towing loads that half ton trucks probably shouldn’t be pulling. Half ton trucks have really strong engines nowadays. But the suspension is the weak link when it comes to pulling a travel trailer. Regardless of the power the truck is still going to feel “floaty” at times and will porpoise more even with a great WD hitch. When you mention towing weights don’t forget to factor in the “travel trailer factor” which is around 20% and some say 25% which means pulling a 8k lb TT is equivalent to more like a 10k lb load. TT length is another factor that often gets overlooked. OP doesn’t mention the length of their TT. If it’s over 32’ that’s pushing it in my opinion.

I’ve pulled TT’s with half tons that were too much trailer for the truck and it can get scary fast. For me it’s not worth it pushing the limits with a half ton.

 

[gunafulltime]

I hear what you’re saying. GM’s 3.0 Duramax is very capable of towing loads that half ton trucks probably shouldn’t be pulling. Half ton trucks have really strong engines nowadays. But the suspension is the weak link when it comes to pulling a travel trailer. Regardless of the power the truck is still going to feel “floaty” at times and will porpoise more even with a great WD hitch. When you mention towing weights don’t forget to factor in the “travel trailer factor” which is around 20% and some say 25% which means pulling a 8k lb TT is equivalent to more like a 10k lb load. TT length is another factor that often gets overlooked. OP doesn’t mention the length of their TT. If it’s over 32’ that’s pushing it in my opinion.

I’ve pulled TT’s with half tons that were too much trailer for the truck and it can get scary fast. For me it’s not worth it pushing the limits with a half ton.

This is where I am, too. I want the beefier frame, brakes, suspension, payload, and added TV weight. Our trailer is 34' and 1,100-1,200 on the tongue with WDH engaged. I also want a Class V receiver; we're maxing the Class IV. I do not want another 1/2 ton. Also, they really aren't much less money, if at all.

 

[craigav]

I certainly agree for everyone to purchase whatever they want whenever possible regardless of other aspects (other aspects not including exceeding any trucks ratings. It is certainly better to have a higher rated truck than needed).

Outside of wants are the needs and requirements and with a tow vehicle you definitely need a truck that has tow ratings that exceeds what is being towed. With that in mind and as mentioned above, the length of the trailer should be considered and while I have never seen any truck manufacture specify the max length trailer it is common to find recommendations that are a bit misleading (such as a 1 ton can tow a longer trailer than a 1/2 ton disregarding other aspects). The main factor in choosing the best truck for a very long RV trailer is the wheelbase of the truck and not the springpack (assuming the truck's payload and weight ratings are not an issue for the weight of the trailer).

While it may seem incorrect, it is correct that for a 34' RV trailer that the longest F150 wheelbase being 164.1" is going to be more stable than the shortest wheelbase F350 137". In other words the wheelbase of the tow vehicle is what provides the most stability for a very long RV trailer.

In any case, I am not intending to push a half-ton over a 1 ton and back to my earlier point above, you certainly should purchase what makes you happy as that is a very important aspect of RVing anyway. ~CA

 

[JFlightRisk]

I have had a couple of diesel GMs over the years (an '80 and an '82), and I found out on one of them the hard way that diesel doesn't fair well sitting in the tank for extended lengths of time.

Algae will grow in it and plug the filter sock on the sending unit, along with the regular filter system. You can use additives to try and prevent it, but I'm not sure how much time it'll stay working. It wasn't fun cleaning the tank and system out. Personally, I'd stick with a gas-powered truck if it's going to sit for months at a time. Just my .02 worth.

 

[435-fht]

I hear what you’re saying. GM’s 3.0 Duramax is very capable of towing loads that half ton trucks probably shouldn’t be pulling. Half ton trucks have really strong engines nowadays. But the suspension is the weak link when it comes to pulling a travel trailer. Regardless of the power the truck is still going to feel “floaty” at times and will porpoise more even with a great WD hitch. When you mention towing weights don’t forget to factor in the “travel trailer factor” which is around 20% and some say 25% which means pulling a 8k lb TT is equivalent to more like a 10k lb load. TT length is another factor that often gets overlooked. OP doesn’t mention the length of their TT. If it’s over 32’ that’s pushing it in my opinion.

I’ve pulled TT’s with half tons that were too much trailer for the truck and it can get scary fast. For me it’s not worth it pushing the limits with a half ton.

I agree. I've pulled my TT with half ton that was near the max capacity, and pulled the same TT, with a 1 ton. It felt so much more secure and relaxed with the 1 ton.

I always rationalized it that my 1/2 ton weighed about half my TT, and my 1 ton weighed almost as much as my TT. It would be a lot harder for the tail to wag the dog.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

We're looking for a fresh take on gas or diesel decision-making.

Vehicle Use:

• We want to order a 1 ton SRW truck.
• We travel 3-4 times per year. The truck will sit under a cover most of the year. It will not be a grocery, supply, or home project truck.
• Our trips are 400-800 miles.
• From Birmingham, Alabama, we travel pretty flat Southern interstates and highways (mainly I59, I65, and Highways 31 and 231.
• Our trailer weighs 7,500-8,000lbs.
• We may take 1 trip to Connecticut and 1 trip to Idaho to visit family.
• We're likely to drive the truck 2000-3,500 miles per year. If we take the longer CT and ID trips, those years would be higher, but we would also not take as many trips those years (if any at all).

Questions:

• Does this warrant the extra cost of a diesel? Money is an issue for our fixed income and savings. We tend to think the diesel is not needed, and we would not get a decent ROI out of the diesel. However, there is so much diesel or bust discussion out there that we thought we'd ask the JOF experts.
• Understanding that any vehicle will suffer from a lack of use, is it true that diesels suffer more than gassers? If they do, what problems does a lack of use cause with a diesel?

You must be reading my mind...I was eyeballing the new F250's, then I spotted some 350's (gas) 7.3 engine, in the same price range, depending on options. My husband caught me.

I think a gas truck will be fine for what you want/need it for. The 7.3 engine with a good axle not sure if >3.73 would be better vs necessary, especially if you're not driving it all the time. The higher numbers make for a worse gas mileage experience, but better towing experience.

I know at some point I'm going to want a bigger truck for an eventual bigger camper. Never a 5th wheel, but something with more room, when I retire in about 2 years.

 

[gunafulltime]

You must be reading my mind...I was eyeballing the new F250's, then I spotted some 350's (gas) 7.3 engine, in the same price range, depending on options. My husband caught me.

I think a gas truck will be fine for what you want/need it for. The 7.3 engine with a good axle not sure if >3.73 would be better vs necessary, especially if you're not driving it all the time. The higher numbers make for a worse gas mileage experience, but better towing experience.

I know at some point I'm going to want a bigger truck for an eventual bigger camper. Never a 5th wheel, but something with more room, when I retire in about 2 years.

Yes, the 1 ton is our choice. We want the payload margin. The Godzilla is a making the headlines these days. From what we're reading, the 4.10 differential does not significantly change the towing mpg; some who've run 3.55, 3.73 . . . say they don't see any difference in their towing mileage. I think we want the extra acceleration and uphill grade grunt (for safety and comfort). No more white knuckles!

It sounds like you are in a similar time in life; we're still working, but we're getting closer to our "wind-down" plans.

 

[JudyK-JAY22rb]

Yes, the 1 ton is our choice. We want the payload margin. The Godzilla is a making the headlines these days. From what we're reading, the 4.10 differential does not significantly change the towing mpg; some who've run 3.55, 3.73 . . . say they don't see any difference in their towing mileage. I think we want the extra acceleration and uphill grade grunt (for safety and comfort). No more white knuckles!

It sounds like you are in a similar time in life; we're still working, but we're getting closer to our "wind-down" plans.

Yup! Im definitely a worker. I can't imagine NOT working at something. I'm looking at 2 years where I am and how I work, currently vs doing the same exact thing, but having the luxury of not having to commit to it for any length of time...-the door is there, for the day I choose for it to be my last day. Plus, we own a restaurant and we plan on going with that for another lease period. (5 years)

My deal is, even when I do change up my truck.camper, my husband still has no interest in joining (which is fine)....so it won't be an open road type retirement...just maybe longer trips a bit further out from home, in the New England area. Also, we have our daughter with special needs, who is very much grounded in our home.

I said I'd not consider a 5th wheel, but some of the shorter 30'-32' foot varieties are very nice. I have zero experience hooking and towing with one...so there's something to learn, if I ever decided to maybe go that route.

I think there are many 1/2 tons that CAN tow your camper, but sometimes a bit more stability from a well appointed 3/4 ton or nice 1 ton, can help you relax behind the wheel.

Has your newer camper turned out to be a pleasant purchase or do you think the floorplan wasn't for you?

 

[gunafulltime]

Has your newer camper turned out to be a pleasant purchase or do you think the floorplan wasn't for you?

We love our floorplan! It's the mainly the length that we aren't crazy about. We could downsize, but everything is paid for, and we've put a lot of nice work and upgrades into this unit that we probably would not get much for in a sale (blood, sweat, materials, and money).

We bought the 29rks for our vacation and holiday times with my MIL. We also bought it to use as my mobile office. That plan worked great for a couple of years until my MIL unexpectedly passed away, and my job changed. So now we have more trailer than we need, but sticking with it is the best financial decision.

 

[Camper_bob]

I'm glad someone mentioned the algae, that can become a big problem for diesel that sits, but you can treat it.

Really the things that hurt a vehicle that sits are the same whether you're talking about gas or diesel. Granted, they seem to be less prevalent in modern vehicles, but still present. Things like springs that are sitting in the same position for long periods of time (think valve springs where one is sitting compressed for months at a time, and the next one is not). Fluids also can degrade over time, and even get moisture in them (running engines will burn off that moisture). This can contribute to fluids not doing what they're designed to do.

Pretty much all engines need to be run to stay healthy. And a gas engine, in general, will tolerate shorter drives and longer storage better than a diesel.

Personally, what I would do in your case, is replace the 1/2T with a 3/4T or even 1T gasser configured for what you need out of your current 1/2T that you intend to keep.

But then I'm REALLY not a fan of a "one trick pony". If I'm purchasing a tow vehicle, it's going to have to be my DD as well. IMO, having a vehicle dedicated for one single purpose, and that situation is relatively rare, just would not work. Which is why I didn't get a diesel when I went to get a bigger truck to tow my camper. I have a 7 mile commute to work, and that would kill a diesel's emissions system. My wife just got a diesel Yukon (we work together, so have the same commute), and I am sure to take it on at least a 40 mile highway drive every week just make sure she runs hot for a while under a decent load, at minimum to keep the filters all clean.

Take a look at the "long-term storage" instructions in the owner's manual. For my E-450 chassis on my motorhome, there's a procedure that's supposed to be done if you're not going to use it for 30 days. You're supposed to change the engine oil before and after storage, and every 15 days you're supposed to run the engine for a minimum of 15 minutes, at fast idle, with climate control set to "defrost" until the engine reaches operating temp, and shift through all the gears while the engine is running.

FWIW, it kills my soul a little each day that motorhome sits, and I've honestly been terrible about going over there and running it...

 

[Dewmahurin]

We're looking for a fresh take on gas or diesel decision-making.

Vehicle Use:

• We want to order a 1 ton SRW truck.
• We travel 3-4 times per year. The truck will sit under a cover most of the year. It will not be a grocery, supply, or home project truck.
• Our trips are 400-800 miles.
• From Birmingham, Alabama, we travel pretty flat Southern interstates and highways (mainly I59, I65, and Highways 31 and 231.
• Our trailer weighs 7,500-8,000lbs.
• We may take 1 trip to Connecticut and 1 trip to Idaho to visit family.
• We're likely to drive the truck 2000-3,500 miles per year. If we take the longer CT and ID trips, those years would be higher, but we would also not take as many trips those years (if any at all).

Questions:

• Does this warrant the extra cost of a diesel? Money is an issue for our fixed income and savings. We tend to think the diesel is not needed, and we would not get a decent ROI out of the diesel. However, there is so much diesel or bust discussion out there that we thought we'd ask the JOF experts.
• Understanding that any vehicle will suffer from a lack of use, is it true that diesels suffer more than gassers? If they do, what problems does a lack of use cause with a diesel?

I have a Ford 2023 F350 SRW with the 7.3 Godzilla gas. I tow a Jayco Eagle 5er. I am very pleased with the 7.3 gas performance. I traded a f350 SRW 6.7 diesel and have no regrets. The diesel was way to expensive to operate.

 

[MJJPhotos]

Gasser would be perfect

I have a 2020 F350 Turbo Diesel 4dr Crew cab, 6 3/4' box with 3.73 axel ratio and I do absolutely love towing with it, but I often question myself on the purchase and would I do diesel again. When pulling long hauls or dragging my 8K trailer up hills and mountains it shines bright. But when it comes to maintenance, everything and I do mean everything is more expensive. Add to that, all the emissions crap they put on the trucks, they are no longer way more efficient or way longer lasting like the diesels of years ago. When running empty on longer trips without towing, I get around 20mpg, when towing my travel trailer its about 11mpg unless there's a lot of wind. When towing my 14K equipment trailer I get about 12mpg with a loaded trailer.

If you really need a diesel then get one, if you just want one and can afford it get a diesel, they are fun to drive and tow with, but by your description it sounds like a big gas engine might be a better fit. Additionally with a gas engine you actually gain a fair amount of payload capacity, because the engine and all the emissions junk on the diesels weighs down the same truck frame and body.

Mike J.

 

[gunafulltime]

Y'all are very helpful! Thank you!

 

[CHERV]

gas vs diesel

have you considered a small class c? New 3/4 ton like f250 are close to $60,000+ not far from a small class c at around $85,000+. we switched in 2019 and never looked back. DW shares the driving. we do not tow a vehicle just Enterprise rental when needed and they are great. pick us up and return us to the CG

 

[ROC-REQS]

My $0.02 FWIW

1. Get the best truck you can afford.
(have you ever heard any camper say they wish they had a smaller tow vehicle?)

2. Consider you may upgrade to a bigger trailer / fifth wheel in the future.
(never say never)

3. Regardless of what you get, drive it once a week, far enough to get the engine up to full temp.

Good Luck, I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you get.

 

[aj'srv]

Towing with a gas truck

We have a 10000lb fifth wheel which we are towing with a 2022 F350 SRW 7.3 gas motor and a 4.30 axle ratio. This is a long bed crew cab truck. We have gone to the west coast via I-90 and returned via I-70. Made many side trips along the way towing thru the mountains and the truck performed excellent. Trip average was 8.5 mpg but when you consider that our previous diesel truck only got 10.5 mpg this is not an issue. I think the key is to order the truck with the 4.30 axle ratio. We will probably never get another diesel truck!

 

[spoon059]

I can't say for other makes, but my Ford needed 3 DEF pump units in less than 60K miles over 14 years.

It actually didn't "need" any of them. My 2015 Ram had the DEF pump go out while we were coming back from a Florida trip. I got stuck paying $2800 at a dealer to get it done. If it had happened at home, I would have spent half that and deleted my truck and gotten more power, better economy and a cleaner engine as a result.

My next diesel truck will have all that removed as soon as the factory warranty expires.

 

[gunafulltime]

have you considered a small class c? New 3/4 ton like f250 are close to $60,000+ not far from a small class c at around $85,000+. we switched in 2019 and never looked back. DW shares the driving. we do not tow a vehicle just Enterprise rental when needed and they are great. pick us up and return us to the CG

Huh. I have not seen any new Class Cs for $85k. I must be looking in the wrong places. lol

I'll see what I can find. Thanks!

 

[gunafulltime]

I just found some.

I was not considering Forest River and Thor models, but I will look into them. I'll also look at very low mileage used units.

 

[bheisser]

One major advantage of having diesel is the ease of getting fuel