The time finally has arrived

jq1031 · 03-20-2011, 05:15 PM

Heading up to Goshen, IN. friday morning to pick up the new Laredo. Yes we're excited but VERY apprensive. I bought the TV last September (not knowing that it would be a tow vehicle, just comfortable transportation), thinking we were done with RVing after being diognosed with prostate Cancer. Well, had the surgery, recovered 100% & again have the urge to head west to Yellowstone, Zion & Brice Canyons & on to Portland, OR, alot of mountains & 6% grades.
THE DELIMA: I'm almost convinced that I need a bigger TV, 3/4 ton diesel with an exhaust brake. My Yukon is about maxed out & ok for the average haul, BUT, this trip may need more, especially in the brake department!
The trailer GVW is just shy of the Yukon towing capacity 8300 lbs.
GIVE ME THE TRUTH GUYS!
JOE

Handysam · 03-20-2011, 07:33 PM

Joe, first and foremost, congrats. on your surgery. Honestly, I had a 1/2 ton dodge hemi with a tt similar in size. We towed to florida and back a few times from Ohio. Knowing what I know now I would never do it again. Your Yukon is capable, but going out west would make me very nervous with that setup,IMO. I would if you can go with a 3/4 ton diesel, makes a world of difference. Happy Camping, Sam

Maxzd · 03-20-2011, 07:56 PM

Joe, always glad to hear someone fight the fight and recover.

Sounds like you need to be thinking about a bigger tow vehicle. That's alot of weight for a Yukon like you say, braking being part of it.. Being from the Northwest the peaks and valleys put the tow vehicle through it's paces.

All the best, maybe we'll see you out there on your Western Roadtrip. Oregon is becoming one of our vacation destinations 2-3 times a year.

jq1031 · 03-21-2011, 04:48 PM

Looking into the GMC 2500HD diesel/allison 6 speed tranny. YOUR THOUGHTS?

Handysam · 03-21-2011, 05:25 PM

Very good truck, will handle the TT with ease. You wont be sorry for the diesel,bigger breaks and rotors, exhaust brake, all working together for a better towing experience. I just happen to like the Dodge and the Cummins. Happy Camping,sam

jq1031 · 03-21-2011, 06:18 PM

Thanks Sam, trading out of an almost new vehicle to another vehicle is not a good idea, however, ya can't take it with ya, if you know what I mean! Yellowstone, here I come ready or not! I'll be broke but HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! & in my DIESEL!

66ken · 03-22-2011, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jq1031

Looking into the GMC 2500HD diesel/allison 6 speed tranny. YOUR THOUGHTS?

I have had no problems with mine. Plenty of power, just set the cruise and go, you hardly notice you are pulling a trailer.

campingcpl · 03-22-2011, 04:56 AM

We just bought an 04 Chevy 2500HD diesel this last year and so far we love it. It's a big change from towing with the 1/2 ton. I hardly feel our trailer behind the truck. The only bad thing is the $4.00 a gallon for diesel around here specialy when regular unleaded is as low as $3.36 a gallon.

Flyguy · 03-22-2011, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campingcpl

The only bad thing is the $4.00 a gallon for diesel around here specialy when regular unleaded is as low as $3.36 a gallon.

I did some figuring on fuel prices, using $3.50/gal for gas and $4.00/gal for diesel here's what I got; I get 12mpg towing, divide that into 3.50 and you get 0.29 cents per mile. Most diesels will do better, say 14mpg towing (and that's pulling a much larger 5ver), divide 14 into 4.00 and you get the same cost per mile 0.29 cents per mile. I tell you the oil companys have it figured down to a frog's hair. Might as well buy the diesel and get more power for your towing mile!

jq1031 · 03-22-2011, 09:34 AM

Took the step yesterday, after a full day of juggling with three GMC dealers, one local, one in Atlanta & the third in St Louis (plan on being in both cities within the next 10 days) I traded for a 2011 GMC Duramax Diesel 2500HD Sierra Denali. The local dealer finally won!

No more worry about tongue weight or braking!

Handysam · 03-22-2011, 01:10 PM

Congrats, the new Denali's are nice looking trucks. Now get out there and camp

jq1031 · 03-22-2011, 05:39 PM

Will do SAM.....excited about it, never towed a TT before, but I believe the 3/4 ton diesel will make it a pleasure!

campingcpl · 03-23-2011, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyguy

I did some figuring on fuel prices, using $3.50/gal for gas and $4.00/gal for diesel here's what I got; I get 12mpg towing, divide that into 3.50 and you get 0.29 cents per mile. Most diesels will do better, say 14mpg towing (and that's pulling a much larger 5ver), divide 14 into 4.00 and you get the same cost per mile 0.29 cents per mile. I tell you the oil companys have it figured down to a frog's hair. Might as well buy the diesel and get more power for your towing mile!

I agree with you. It was worth getting the diesel for the extra power and the better fuel economy. I was only getting about 9 - 10mpg with my 1/2 ton GMC towing and now getting around 13 - 14mpg with the diesel and a lot less stress.

Handysam · 03-23-2011, 12:16 PM

Joe, I remember when we first got our 30' TT about 5 years ago after trading in the pop up. We had a trip planned to Florida in the beginning of August and decided to get rid of the PU in the middle of July to have the TT for Florida. Well, in that two weeks we had to find a new TT we liked and a new truck to pull it, (and I'm picky about my trucks). Anyway long story short, got it all together a couple of days before leaving on our trip, and I was nervous about driving the TT because I had never towed anything but the PU. The day before we left I drove it around town for about two hours to sort of get used to it, it helped a lot. You too will get used to it the more your tow it. Happy Camping, Sam

jq1031 · 03-23-2011, 01:18 PM

Took delivery today Sam, yes it's big but easy to handle, especially after driving a 40ft motor home accross the country a couple times. Looking forward to the TT. JOE

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