Diesel or gas?

[MSgtNobody]

I just sold my diesel pusher and plan on down sizing to a 5th wheel. From experience does it matter if I buy a gas or diesel to tow the 5th wheel?? Just for information I have never owned a 5th wheel. I have always owned class A rv's.

[wolfe10]

What size/weight 5th wheel?


Depending on answers, a 1/2 ton could work, or you could need a 1 ton.


Will also make a difference in engine recommendations.


Also, flat land or mountain driving?

[NLOVNIT]

I agree w/Brett. We need more info.

I had a smaller (30ft) 5'r & pulled it with a gas Chevy Crew Cab 2500HD. But that was about the limit for that truck.

[Yosemite77]

Advantages of a diesel engine include more power, better mpg, they run at lower rpm’s than gas engines, and the exhaust brake.

Diesels provide more power, which in turn means they are better able to pull heavy loads (think semis). So the bigger the fifth wheel, the more likely you would need a fifth wheel.

If you are towing in the mountains, a diesel will be vastly superior. Going up the mountain, a gasser will be running at high rpm’s, often searching for the best gear. In comparison the diesel will have much lower rpm’s, with few gear changes. Exhaust brakes on diesels make for safer descents, taking some the burden off the transmission and brakes.

The disadvantages of diesels mainly comes down to money. Diesels cost a lot more at the outset. You’ll get some of it back when you sell though. Maintenance costs are higher. My Duramax for example, requires 10 quarts of oil for oil changes. In addition diesels require DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) for pollution control. You can buy DEF in jugs, or at a truck stop. Just like gas or diesel, you won’t get very far if you run out.

Gas is more easily found than diesel. In winter temperatures, diesel fuel can gel up unless an additive is put into it. You’ll want to buy it from stations that sell a lot of it, as it’s possible for algae to grow in diesel. My local station puts in additives to take care of both these issues.
Because of the heavier weight of a Diesel engine, a diesel truck will have a lower payload.

I would suggest deciding on the fifth wheel first. Once you have that figured out, check back in and people can help you decide on the best truck configuration for you. Personally, I wouldn’t opt for anything less than a 1-ton truck. They really don’t cost much more than 3/4 tons, and they do have a big payload advantage.

Best of luck!

[dadnjesse]

Originally Posted by MSgtNobody

I just sold my diesel pusher and plan on down sizing to a 5th wheel. From experience does it matter if I buy a gas or diesel to tow the 5th wheel?? Just for information I have never owned a 5th wheel. I have always owned class A rv's.

Imagine driving that class A with a gas engine.

[OTH]

All great info. I agree on going straight to a 1-ton. There is no such thing as too much truck. I never really understood people buying a new 3/4 ton truck cause it's just enough. In my opinion, the deciding point really comes down to the payload needed based on wet pin weight, passengers, cargo etc. New 3/4 ton trucks do have better payload than those of a few years ago, but still.. More is better, because before you know it, you'll be buying a bigger heavier 5th wheel in a year or two anyway.

[Nwcid]

How big of a 5th wheel?
What kind of terrain?
How offend/how many miles do you plan on towing?

[CapnJustice]

I have recently gone from Class A to 5th wheel. Reflection 320MKS, about 15k loaded. Pulling it nicely with a F-350 7.3L gas motor.

[ecampbell]

Originally Posted by wolfe10

What size/weight 5th wheel?


Depending on answers, a 1/2 ton could work, or you could need a 1 ton.


Will also make a difference in engine recommendations.


Also, flat land or mountain driving?

A half ton almost never works.

[bfisher003]

When we decided to make the move from an F150 3.5 Ecoboost to pulling a travel trailer to a fifth wheel I kept it simple. I never even considered a 3/4 ton and went straight to a new F-350 diesel. We ended up getting a new 35’ Montana fiver and have so far towed it over 35,000 miles effortlessly and that includes many trips in the Rocky Mountains. No problems. The diesel braking systems on the downhills is fantastic and sure saves the brakes.

[dave22554]

Originally Posted by OTH

All great info. I agree on going straight to a 1-ton. There is no such thing as too much truck. I never really understood people buying a new 3/4 ton truck cause it's just enough. In my opinion, the deciding point really comes down to the payload needed based on wet pin weight, passengers, cargo etc. New 3/4 ton trucks do have better payload than those of a few years ago, but still.. More is better, because before you know it, you'll be buying a bigger heavier 5th wheel in a year or two anyway.

In some states registering a 1 ton is significantly more some over $1000 or $1500

[Camp CA]

One word.............diesel!! Diesel offers more hp for towing, more engine torque for upgrades, exhaust brake for down grades, way better fuel economy and longivity.

[move on]

A diesel will be more expensive up front but cheaper in the long run because of its fuel economy and longevity. This is the reason all large commercial trucks use diesels. Also many people fond driving a diesel more enjoyable thanks to its low end torque.

[dave22554]

Originally Posted by OTH

All great info. I agree on going straight to a 1-ton. There is no such thing as too much truck. I never really understood people buying a new 3/4 ton truck cause it's just enough. In my opinion, the deciding point really comes down to the payload needed based on wet pin weight, passengers, cargo etc. New 3/4 ton trucks do have better payload than those of a few years ago, but still.. More is better, because before you know it, you'll be buying a bigger heavier 5th wheel in a year or two anyway.

Well in our case it was the only thing available. Try finding a F350 on a dealers lot and good luck with ordering one, you might get it in 8 mos.