Opening a can of worms

[Russellvh]

I want to ask a question. I know that there are some strong opinions and each driver will know she or he is the right answer but here goes. Diesel or gas pickup to tow a 5th wheel. First of all let’s assume the truck can haul the RV, exceeds all weight and size restrictions and can perform safely on the road. Either one is well maintained and will not be driven over 150,000 miles. The owner is a full time RV’r.

Why buy diesel?
They cost more to buy. Cost more to repair. Cost more to fill up. Have the added cost of DEF fluid. Less likely repairable on the side of the road by a shade tree mechanic.

My gas truck is just over 107,000 miles, I’m starting to plan on replacing at the end of this year and will, probably, buy a late model used truck. I really would appreciate input.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Your trade in has 107. You didn't say you started having problems, only you are planning a replacement. So if you're history means anything to you! . . . Bragging rights may be the only advantage! Are they a valid reason for the added expense? No one here can validate your choice for you.

 

[Rosy]

I wouldn't buy diesel for my personal use case but I'm also unlikely to buy a trailer big enough where the added torque would be a significant benefit, even though I mostly travel to the Rockies.

 

[John&Andrea]

Well I have towed with gas and diesel, turbo diesel is better for towing. Yes diesel cost more to fuel up these days and maintain. If it’s a daily driver will factor in as well. But you will need to decide is the cost worth it. I have a motorhome today and did not keep the diesel truck, I sold fifth wheel and truck. Diesel is a lot of truck to sit around if your not heavy towing. I have the new Ford 7.3 gas in the MH I’m sure it is strong in the 250. Good lock.

 

[DKRITTER]

Here is the absolute best answer to this type of question;

It Depends!

There is really no perfect answer to the question, it's why HD Truck companies offer both.

 

[GTS225]

If it’s a daily driver will factor in as well.

IMO.....THIS is the biggest factor in your upcoming decision.

And that's why DKR (below) answered the way he did.

Here is the absolute best answer to this type of question;

It Depends!

There is really no perfect answer to the question, it's why HD Truck companies offer both.

If it's also your daily, then I'd go gas.

Roger

 

[Russellvh]

The truck I’m now driving has had no problems at all. Just that with 107,000 miles I don’t want to wait until I start having issues.

As for daily driving it’s the only vehicle we have. We stay in a park 10 days to 2 weeks with normal shopping / touring then drive, towing the fiver, about 300 miles to the next park.

Retired full timers neither work.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

The truck I’m now driving has had no problems at all. Just that with 107,000 miles I don’t want to wait until I start having issues.

As for daily driving it’s the only vehicle we have. We stay in a park 10 days to 2 weeks with normal shopping / touring then drive, towing the fiver, about 300 miles to the next park.

Retired full timers neither work.

You might consider the old adage "if it ain't broke don't fix it ". The truck you have ain't broke. There is no guarantee a replacement will serve you as well!

 

[FL-JOE]

Based on my personal experience one of the main advantages to towing a large RV with a diesel is the fact you can fuel up easily where the big rigs fuel up. If you are towing a large fiver with a gasser then you are forced to squeeze into the gas pumps, or just don't fill up while hooked up.

More reasons that diesel would work better is all around fuel economy. I suspect if you are towing with a 3/4 to 1 ton diesel you would be looking at getting 10 to 13mpg. Pulling the same fiver with a gasser you would probably be looking at 6 to 8mpg.

If you travel elevations you will certainly want the torque that a diesel will provide.

The bottom line is you obviously could get by with a gasser but why would you want to?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Interesting topic. Doing some research on the topic, most articles claim that "for towing" a diesel pickup is the better choice. That said, my experience with diesel vehicles 300,000 miles and 15 years, diesels like to run. They are not well suited for short trips like a short commute or to the store and back, especially in the winter.

An example of my research Is a Diesel or Gas Truck Better for Towing?

 

[Ringer]

I have a 2015 duramax 3500 GMC and it towed my 14k fiver for 1400 miles last month and didn't really know it was back there. Right now diesel is 80 cents less than gas here and my mileage without the trailer is over 16mpg on average and I drive it like a molested monkey. It is my daily driver and I just like big trucks.

 

[DKRITTER]

I was thinking about this and I still think: It Depends, is the best answer.

From my perspective based on having a few tow behind trailers and a fair amount of weight in the bed. 3 Super Duties, all pulling larger trailers and all my daily drivers. The first 2 were F250's one with a 6.0 and the other with a 6.7. The 6.0 was lets say temperamental the 6.7 was great. I enjoyed the trucks and pulling with a diesel was easy. Next truck was a F350 LB pulling a 40ish' Cedar Creek the F350 didn't care the CC was back there, excellent towing. On the other hand whipping into a parking place in a LB F350 was out of the question. Living in DFW with a LB was a PIA.
4 years ago I sold the F350 and the 5th wheel for a Dutch Star and a F150. What a difference running around town in a half ton was a joy. Hooking it to a MH with a bed, fridge and potty is wonderful. I traded recently for a Ram 1500.

In the end I am near the limits of a half ton in bed weight so I think I'll be going back to a 3/4 ton and since I'm not pulling anything it will most likely be gas. If I was pulling all the time it would be a diesel.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

The truck I’m now driving has had no problems at all. Just that with 107,000 miles I don’t want to wait until I start having issues.

As for daily driving it’s the only vehicle we have. We stay in a park 10 days to 2 weeks with normal shopping / touring then drive, towing the fiver, about 300 miles to the next park.

Retired full timers neither work.

We full time as well. Moving day is considered work!

Darrell

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Interesting topic. Doing some research on the topic, most articles claim that "for towing" a diesel pickup is the better choice. That said, my experience with diesel vehicles 300,000 miles and 15 years, diesels like to run. They are not well suited for short trips like a short commute or to the store and back, especially in the winter.

An example of my research Is a Diesel or Gas Truck Better for Towing?

Hope you did more homework! The article has to many flaws to give it any weight! Clearly not written by someone with a technical background.

 

[GTS225]

The truck I’m now driving has had no problems at all. Just that with 107,000 miles I don’t want to wait until I start having issues.

As for daily driving it’s the only vehicle we have. We stay in a park 10 days to 2 weeks with normal shopping / touring then drive, towing the fiver, about 300 miles to the next park.

Retired full timers neither work.

Russell; I see it's an F250. By chance, is it a Triton 3-valve engine? If so, then perhaps it is time to start looking for a different pulling truck.
The Triton 3-valve engines are known for having problems with the cam phasers, and yours, (if applicable), is approaching the mileage limits where they start having issues. My '04, with a 5.4, did quite well, but at 170K, it's time for me to do something. I'll pull off a highway, and at the stop sign at the top of the ramp, she'll rattle like a diesel for a bit. That's the cam phasers slowly dieing on me. (Yes, I'm on the lookout for a 3/4T Dodge or Ford.)

In your case, I'd say it's a toss-up which direction to go. You're probably pretty close to a 50/50 mix of towing/not towing driving, so I suspect it would balance out in the end. I think I'll change my position, (for your circumstances), to a 3/4 ton diesel, unless you see a larger/heavier load in your future.

Just my non-professional opine.....Roger

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Russell; I see it's an F250. By chance, is it a Triton 3-valve engine? If so, then perhaps it is time to start looking for a different pulling truck.
The Triton 3-valve engines are known for having problems with the cam phasers, and yours, (if applicable), is approaching the mileage limits where they start having issues. My '04, with a 5.4, did quite well, but at 170K, it's time for me to do something. I'll pull off a highway, and at the stop sign at the top of the ramp, she'll rattle like a diesel for a bit. That's the cam phasers slowly dieing on me. (Yes, I'm on the lookout for a 3/4T Dodge or Ford.)

In your case, I'd say it's a toss-up which direction to go. You're probably pretty close to a 50/50 mix of towing/not towing driving, so I suspect it would balance out in the end. I think I'll change my position, (for your circumstances), to a 3/4 ton diesel, unless you see a larger/heavier load in your future.

Just my non-professional opine.....Roger

Yah I keep being told gas mileage is bad! (Obvious I said gas). However my gas mileage is reflective of all mileage I put on the RAM. When it is 50/50 driving, average is about 20mpg, right now I haven't towed in about 8 months and 21.1 is what the trip meter displays. For the record 109k is the mileage that that meter average registers for. My estimation is 50/50 from first day the truck went private owner. I will/am planning to run the truck into the ground! The way it runs I'm thinking 300k

 

[Russellvh]

Not sure about the Triton 3-valve engine. It’s a 6.2. Gas burner. No problems when stopping etc.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Regarding quality of posts on Diesel vs Gas pickups for towing , Unfortunately this is the quality of the average article available on the topic. you can complain all you want about technical quality or take the general theme of the article. You are welcome to do your own research as well. You will find articles supporting both sides of this debate. Depending on your usage of the vehicle outside of towing will be the deciding factors.