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Old 09-02-2013, 09:12 AM   #1
On_THE_ROAD_AGAIN
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Gas or Diesel?

We did it, we went and decided to buy a 295RKD mountaineer. we are pretty
excited and are waiting to go pick it up. I need advice on a vehicle to tow it though. I figure a 3/4t would work fine but others think I need a 1T..I am also not sure if I need diesel or can use gas..what mpg should I be getting used too? All advice is welcomed as this is our first 5er.
I have been spending lots of time reading post here on this forum and am trying to learn..
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Old 09-02-2013, 11:11 AM   #2
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Price out the same vehicle in 3/4 and 1 ton. They are not much difference, at least in the past. If you really get into RVing and want a bigger trailer as many do, you will not need to trade in the TV.
A ford manager once told me they sell 100 diesels to 1 gasser in the 1 tons. If that is true or not who knows. Diesel costs more and has more value at trade in time. 20 years ago that was not true. The only gasser I have pulled with that is close in power to a turbo diesel is the ford V10. It is a good engine. I found it got 6-8 mpg when my listed truck doing the same thing gets 10-12mpg and has a edge over the gasser in power on hills. This topic is beated to death, and many have good points regarding what and why they purchased their trucks. My bottom line is the best would be a 1 ton diesel of Chev, Dodge or Ford. Test drive them all.
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Old 09-02-2013, 11:34 AM   #3
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X2, well said.
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Old 09-02-2013, 12:43 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia View Post
This topic has been beaten to death, and many have good points regarding what and why they purchased their trucks. My bottom line is the best would be a 1 ton diesel of Chev, Dodge or Ford. Test drive them all.

Ken -

Yes, we've had 1 perhaps 2 discussions on this topic before . I'd like to be able to say that "you have the last word" but we'll talk about this again, and again, and again.

Another "bottom line" might look like this -----

The best TV would be a properly equipped Dodge, GMC, Ford or Toyota 1/2T, 3/4T or 1T that can safely tow your TT or 5th wheel.
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Old 09-02-2013, 01:08 PM   #5
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A lot depends on your needs: How much is gvwr of fiver you are buying? How many miles per year will you tow? How long will you realistically keep the truck? Will the truck also be your daily driver? How much do you plan on spending.

For me: My fiver weighs 12,400 loaded with pin weight of 2500. 1 ton is needed to stay within truck payload.
I tow about 2000 miles year.
My 1 ton is my daily driver.
I put about 20k miles per year on truck.
I trade every 3 years or so.
For me, 1 ton SRW gasser with 4:10 axle works well and sufficiently tows my fiver. I would never recoup the extra $8k for diesel in the 3 years I keep my trucks.
When the time comes that the wife and I purchase a fiver for retirement and plan on many miles towing I will then consider diesel.
In my opinion it is merely a matter of choice based on personal needs. The only two recommendations I have are get at least a one ton SRW (you won't regret it) and if you get a gasser, make sure rear axle is suited for loads you plan to tow. In my case I needed a 4:10 axle. You will need to likely factory order any one ton truck with gas to get axle and options you want. Most 3/4 and 1 ton gassers in stock at dealers have 3:73 which limits gas engine towing capability.
Good luck
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Old 09-02-2013, 03:16 PM   #6
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Thanks everyone for getting back to me, Having said that I am as confused as ever. I will try to answer all the questions.
I have driven a chev and gmc 2500HD. Plan on testing a Ram 2500 but no sales person wanted to give me the time, Just wanted to know if I was buying that day. Our plan is to get out a few times this year just to get our feet wet in it and next year starting in April or early may, every other weekend and one long 3-4 weeks. For the first few times, we will stay 1 from home and after that up to 4 hours away. As we live in southern alberta, we will go into BC (festus's country) and into Montana..so their will be a few mountains. Our long hauls that we will be gone for 3-4 weeks will be 6 or more hours away.

Our 5th wheel, which we just bought (still waiting to pick it up) will be ready hopefully this week. Here are the spec's you asked for.
shipping weight 10137
Carrying Capacity 4008
Hitch 2145

On a side note. We picked up a PDI sheet in the keystone questions forum we plan on using when we pick it up. I would never have thought of 80% of that. Great Great info..
Since we are new to 5th wheel, I am trying to learn what the best pulling unit would be and from there what the best hitch would be to use. I want to use my box like a regular box when not pulling.

Many thanks to everyone who have left articles for all of us newbie's to learn from
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Old 09-02-2013, 03:44 PM   #7
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Based on info you provided, the loaded fiver weight will likely fall into the 12 to 14k range. Factor in 20% pin weight and the pin will weigh 2400 to 2800 lbs loaded. The payload ratings 3/4 tons vary from around 2800 to 3000. Once you add loaded pin weight, hitch, tools, gear in bed, passengers, pets, firewood, etc you will likely exceed most 3/4 ton payload ratings. The general rule of thumb is any fiver exceeding 11,000 gvwr is suited for a 1 ton truck.
With that kind of weight and your planned towing, I believe a diesel is a good call.
Steve
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Old 09-03-2013, 03:32 AM   #8
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I have been looking at trucks the past week, on the lot 250's have a 6.0 that tows 12,200 and has a payload of 3250. F350's that have a 6.0 tow 12,100 and have a payload of 3800. Some F350's had a 6.7 and some were diesel, not sure the towing as they are too much $$ and truck for me. Most all had the 3.73 axel. I am looking in the $40,k range or lower if possible but cost can eaily get up in the 50's or 60's on the sticker. Based on your numbers you might want to look at the 1 ton and might need better than the 3.73. Good luck and enjoy the new trailer.
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Old 09-03-2013, 07:02 AM   #9
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Hi there! I am going along with others, that you really should look at a 1 ton. you will not be sorry and i feel diesel is better but that is just my opinion. which brand? I'm not touching that one! they are all good they all have some issues. pick the one YOU like best and go camping. Enjoy.
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Old 09-03-2013, 07:34 AM   #10
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So, it seems the final opinon reads something like this:

Gas or diesel? Yes, choose one or the other.

GM, Ford or RAM? Yes, choose one or the other.

In the end, the opinion seems pretty much that it's more a personal choice than a "this is the only way" choice.

As said above, "choose one and go camping"
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Old 09-03-2013, 08:54 AM   #11
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wow! Did we really get through this thread with out a shot being fired? I know John the day ain't over. Ha Ha Ha! Just go back from a week at the campground hot and humid but who cares away from work for a week and no cell phone
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Old 09-03-2013, 09:33 AM   #12
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wow! Did we really get through this thread with out a shot being fired?
OHHHHHHHH Barney, methinks you may be dreaming LOL Glad you enjoyed the week away. It's always refreshing to have no cell service Mine often doesn't even work at home
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Old 09-05-2013, 11:17 AM   #13
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ON THE ROAD AGAIN I've been looking at Chevrolet.com a lot lately. The best I can tell you will be pushing the limits of the 3/4 ton. Looking at Chevy and GMC one tons, it seems the diesels comes only with 3.73 gears and the 6.0 gasser is standard with 3.73 or 4.10 option for $100. The diesel apparently has enough grunt for the 3.73's. I would lean towards single rear wheel just so I can drive through car washes. Yeah I'm getting lazy!
GOOGLE the owners manual for whatever brand you are looking at and you will see the towing capacities.
If you get the chance to test drive a short bed vs. a long bed, please report back on how you think they ride.
I'm sceered to test drive either.
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Old 09-05-2013, 05:50 PM   #14
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Thumbs up

I want to thank all of you for you input and advice. As I have never owned a 5er I knew nothing about hitch weight. I went and asked a saleperson who was pushing me towards a 2500 and he admitted yes I was pushing the envelope. But he looked at me and said.."I do not have a 3500 just a 2500 to sell you Because of your great advice I am looking at a Diesel and a 3500 Thanks for all your help


Today we went and used the PDI sheet we downloaded from here with our new 5er. The dealer was very good about it and the person who went through it with us was super happy we wanted to go through it so meticulously. He showed us everything and said everything would be fixed (two small things) and when he delivers it on saturday he wants to be there when we set it up so he can help us....I was so impressed..
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Old 09-06-2013, 11:37 AM   #15
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My hitch weight is about 600 lbs. less than yours, and I have a 3/4T Silverado with the Duramax diesel. We recently completed a trip to Alaska and averaged 12-13 mpg for the entire trip. Much better than I expected for pulling a 10,000 lb. trailer. Hills were no trouble at all. I would never go back to a gas rig for towing. One disadvantage is not every station carries diesel, but with proper planning it's not a problem. Happy trails!
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Old 10-05-2013, 07:24 PM   #16
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It has been a while since I have been on here. Thanks every for their input and knowledge. I took it all in purchased a 2013 f350 diesel 6.7
Today I finally had the opportunity to have a friend show me how to hook up using the B&W 18K companion hitch. man it was super slick. I found I had one slight problem. While out learning how sharp my turns could be without a sliding hitch I noticed when turning too sharp the pin box will hit the side of my truck box. I am still not sure if this is a good thing or not. I did find out I do not need a sliding hitch though..Any thoughts?
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Old 10-05-2013, 08:04 PM   #17
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It has been a while since I have been on here. Thanks every for their input and knowledge. I took it all in purchased a 2013 f350 diesel 6.7
Today I finally had the opportunity to have a friend show me how to hook up using the B&W 18K companion hitch. man it was super slick. I found I had one slight problem. While out learning how sharp my turns could be without a sliding hitch I noticed when turning too sharp the pin box will hit the side of my truck box. I am still not sure if this is a good thing or not. I did find out I do not need a sliding hitch though..Any thoughts?
Is your trailer riding level or slightly downward in the front? If slightly downward in the front you need to raise the hitch up a notch or so. I have never had a fiver where the pin box would hit the side of the truck box.
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Old 10-06-2013, 09:56 AM   #18
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How do I raise the hitch up? The B&W is a under the box frame with just the hitch on top.? My trailer seems to ride just slightly down..not that obvious
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Old 10-06-2013, 12:11 PM   #19
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How do I raise the hitch up? The B&W is a under the box frame with just the hitch on top.? My trailer seems to ride just slightly down..not that obvious
Instructions
http://www.turnoverball.com/sites/de...07_26_2010.pdf
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