Late model truck for hauling a 5th wheel.

[skrandle]

Like most people, (I’m guessing) I don’t have deep pockets to pay for a new truck to pull my Keystone 5th wheel. 1,200 tow weight.
So, my question is in two parts. What is the best diesel engine to have and part #2, what late model truck will give me the lest problems?

[Logan X]

Stay away from the 6.0 Powerstroke Diesel from Ford (actually made by Navistar). They used this engine from 2003 to 2011 if I’m not mistaken. This engine is notorious for having catastrophic issues stemming from emissions controls. There is a company, Bulletproof Diesel, that has solved this problem. If the Ford 6.0 has been “bulletproofed” then it should be ok.

[77cruiser]

Duramax is all you need.

[skrandle]

So this company rebuilds them, to “correct” the issue?
Am I right in saying you have a F250, what a bigger power stroke engine?
You feel the F250 has enough to handle it I take it.

[skrandle]

I’m a little gun shy from being burnt too many times by good ole GMC

[Logan X]

Originally Posted by skrandle

So this company rebuilds them, to “correct” the issue?
Am I right in saying you have a F250, what a bigger power stroke engine?
You feel the F250 has enough to handle it I take it.

I would want at least a F350/3500 if I were towing a fifth wheel. Personally, I would get a dually if I were towing a fifth wheel.

Bulletproof Diesel has re engineered the problem parts and uses the new parts to rebuild the 6.0 engine.

Since 2011 Ford has been producing thier 6.7 liter Powerstroke Diesel engine. This is a good engine with a positive track record. I think my 2017 is the third generation of the 6.7 liter Powerstroke and I have been very happy with it.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by skrandle

I’m a little gun shy from being burnt too many times by good ole GMC

Same here with Ford's!!
Bulletproofed or not I would NEVER EVER consider that Ford 6.0 for anything more than a boat anchor. Their 7.3 was/is a good diesel, but as for hp/torque the 3.5 Eco Boost has it matched or beat, but you don't want a F150 for your needs.
Any of the big 3 diesels from the last few years will get the job done. Personally prefer the Duramax/Allison combo, but its a coin toss on which is better, so let the truck wars begin.
Any rv over 10k, IMO, needs a 1 ton diesel, any over 14k needs a 1 ton diesel dually, again let the wars begin.

[JRTJH]

Ford used the 6.0 from about 2003 through 2007 and installed the 6.4 from 2008 through 2010. In 2011 Ford introduced the "in house designed and built" 6.7 diesel AND the "in house designed" 6 speed automatic transmission.

There were problems with every diesel installed by Ford but primarily, the 6.0 was the most problematic. Prior to that, even with the "reliable old 7.3" there were problems with the transmission. There were still problems with the transmission in later years, but the engine issues took the spotlight off the transmission.

It wasn't until 2011, when Ford introduced the 6.7 diesel that they started to climb out of the hole. With 8 years of "better than average reliability" behind them, the 6.7 has proven to be a reliable engine. Just as important, the transmission behind the 6.7 has proven to be a significant improvement as well.

I know the above sounds like a Ford commercial, but if you're looking for a Ford diesel, if your budget allows, I'd limit my search to the 6.7 AND the 6 speed transmission. The improvements in both engine and transmission make it a remarkably better choice.

[Frank G]

The other consideration to owning a Diesel is the ongoing maintenance requirements, Oil and filter changes including fuel filters. The cost changes between your three choices, Ford, GMC, or Ram. These costs well exceed maintaining a gas engine. The cost for oil and filters for my 2016 Ram is about $175 every 6 months. I will not skimp on quality.

Then there is the emissions system on the Diesel, the systems have improved with age so the newer the better, I would stay 2014 or newer.

For towing purposes you cannot beat a diesel powered vehicle, but if $$$ gets in the way a gas power vehicle will drop the price about $10,000 for identical vehicles. Properly matched they will do a good job.

Good Luck

[Canonman]

Ram has been putting the Cummins 6.7 in their trucks since mid year 2007. That's bullet proof! To be sure there have been improvements and refinements made over the 12 years this engine has been in use, but it's basically the same engine now producing 1,000 lb ft of torque. My 6.7 Ram pulls our Cougar (10,000 lb) just fine. When I upgrade I'll definitely go 1 ton and get the Ram HD with the newer Cummins Aisin power package, but it will be used, to save cost. If you are towing 12k lbs. of 5th wheel, you really want to go 1 ton as well. Roughly the same cost as the 3/4 ton with a much better GCWR and payload capability.

[FlyingAroundRV]

From the research I did before buying my truck, I'd agree to stay well away from the 6.0L powerstroke hand grenades. When a whole industry is created to correct design flaws in something, you're best to stay well away from it. Likewise the Ford Triton gas engines that tended to spit out the spark plugs that were held in an aluminum head by 3 threads. I can't remember when they stopped producing those, but I wouldn't consider one of them either if you decide to go for a gasser.

[GMcKenzie]

If we are talking about ones to avoid, I'd skip the early Duramax. From 01 to 04.5. Injectors are a bit iffy and a major PITA to swap out. Which is too bad as otherwise, GM did a great job on the truck and I'd still have mine.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by skrandle

Like most people, (I’m guessing) I don’t have deep pockets to pay for a new truck to pull my Keystone 5th wheel. 1,200 tow weight.
So, my question is in two parts. What is the best diesel engine to have and part #2, what late model truck will give me the lest problems?

Please define what "Late Model" means to you.

[notanlines]

The V-10's spiting plugs went away in 2005. It happened in my DW's Excursion after 250K and my F250 after300K . $275.00 repair bill at Ford to repair.

[Ken / Claudia]

It would help pinpoint a type and year of truck if you give a price range your able or willing to spend.

[CaptnJohn]

If staying on flat roads gas is good to about 10k pounds, 7k if hills involved. Will receive my 4th Ford diesel all 6.7, August 3. I'd keep the current 2016 f350 but my wife says I don't need 2 trucks. Holding out but guess it will be sold.