Community Forums

Msmoto · 06-09-2021, 01:59 AM

In my past I have towed over 70,000 miles with 2008 Dodge RAM 2500 Cummins 6.7, slightly chipped. Three different Airstreams, longest total length, 53 feet.
Had auxiliary fuel tank in bed for a total of about 90 gallons diesel, also 4000w Honda generator in bed, configured to operate with bed cover closed…. thus I could be air conditioned over night in truck stops. Average mpg about 14.
With proper planning, I never had an issue with fuel purchase. And I often used an app to find the least expensive fuel, but usually preferred busy stations where turn over is high, less chance of bad diesel.
Having towed across the Rockies multiple times, I can attest, a turbo Diesel engine is fabulous.
While initial cost is higher, the resale value is also much better with a diesel TV, mine selling with 130,000 miles for about 1/3 of original cost and performing perfectly.
Just my opinion…. but I also went with diesel in my current RV.

Jack Klompus · 06-09-2021, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhagfo

Well when making that decision to get a gas TV, one should consider towing mileage and size! Having a 26 gallon tank on a TV that get likely than 10 mpg, yea less than a safe 200 miles of travel.
I have a diesel, but when we picked up or current 5er it was a 250 mile trip to the dealer. We didn't fill up before going to the dealer. We knew we would not make it home so we saw a sign for fuel off the freeway and headed that way.

Just a regular station not an issue, 2001 Ram 2500 LB Quad Cab pulling a 32' 5er.

I sure did consider it, and I would make the decision the same way again! Love my Gas Superduty.

(My tank is 34 gallons)

consolenut · 06-10-2021, 05:30 PM

I'll make it easy plan your routing truck stop to truck stop. Between pilot, flying J, and TA aka travel america. 3 apps and use of the interstate highways stay off the back roads and you'll be okay. I'm bigger then most. MDT gas powered and 45ft of 5th wheel. Never an issue. If you run across a truck stop I mentioned and at half a tank stop and top off. Keep resetting range in case you get to a jog without one.

tuffr2 · 06-10-2021, 05:44 PM

Ok, stopping at a truck stop is not all cheeries and pie. Most truck stops are hot black top. So a mid-day stop is hot, did I mention hot black top?. You pull up to the pump then need to know the pump number as you walk 150 yards over the hot black top up steps and into the store. Then give them your credit card and walk back 150 yeards over the hot black top to pump your diesel. It only takes 45 - 60 seconds with the big nozzle which is great. Now for the 150 yard walk over hot black top to the store to get your credit card and the charge. This is when I grab a muffin or slice of pizza and pop. I pay and walk 150 yards over hot black top to my truck pulling the 5th wheel. I am now good for another 320 miles.

Getting diesel at a truck stop is not that easy. Been there done that.

Nwcid · 06-10-2021, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Ok, stopping at a truck stop is not all cheeries and pie. Most truck stops are hot black top. So a mid-day stop is hot, did I mention hot black top?. You pull up to the pump then need to know the pump number as you walk 150 yards over the hot black top up steps and into the store. Then give them your credit card and walk back 150 yeards over the hot black top to pump your diesel. It only takes 45 - 60 seconds with the big nozzle which is great. Now for the 150 yard walk over hot black top to the store to get your credit card and the charge. This is when I grab a muffin or slice of pizza and pop. I pay and walk 150 yards over hot black top to my truck pulling the 5th wheel. I am now good for another 320 miles.

Getting diesel at a truck stop is not that easy. Been there done that.

Not if you have a TSD card. Put card in, enter pin, pump fuel, pump DEF if needed, drive away.

The having to go in was one reason I rarely used truck stops in the past. That and the very high price compared to other surrounding stations.

capt who · 06-10-2021, 07:05 PM

Two trucks, 1 gas, 1 diesel, both with the same size tank. The gas truck will need to stop twice as often. With the TSD card diesel can be cheaper than gas. I am new to towing with diesel but so far I am liking it.

kdauto · 06-10-2021, 09:36 PM

This is amazing. Now diesels are getting TWO times as much fuel mileage as a gasser. By the end of the thread, the die hard fanatics will boost this to 5x as much.

My gasser will go anywhere from 800-1300km before fueling when hauling.There will be advantages and disadvantages for gas AND diesel no matter what.

Massparanoia · 06-10-2021, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdauto

This is amazing. Now diesels are getting TWO times as much fuel mileage as a gasser. By the end of the thread, the die hard fanatics will boost this to 5x as much.

My gasser will go anywhere from 800-1300km before fueling when hauling.There will be advantages and disadvantages for gas AND diesel no matter what.

Lmao I know. They both literally get the same 6-8 mpg.

Jshopes81 · 06-11-2021, 02:14 AM

[QUOTE=Massparanoia;5786828]Lmao I know. They both literally get the same 6-8 mpg.[/QUOTE

Ive used both and my diesels usually pull almost double the mileage towing. If someones getting 6 out of even the new diesels somethings broken.

kdauto · 06-11-2021, 07:44 AM

Well, I get anywhere from 8 to 10 U.S. MPG hauling the 13k 5er, and it's tall and not very aerodynamic. I doubt any diesel will get close to 15 to 20 MPG pulling that.

When my buddies' claims were put to the test we ran calibrated tests and they were getting 10 to 11 MPG with their diesels, sometimes close to 12 in ideal circumstances, and that was with similar loads.

Dave Pelletier · 06-11-2021, 10:02 AM

I agree that some of the claims get carried away but diesels definitely get better mileage; I have 10 trucks ( 5 diesel, 5 gassers) and 8 trailers and with my typical load the diesels get 13 - 16 mpg and the gas powered trucks get 8 - 10 mpg.

Dave

Cumminsfan · 06-11-2021, 10:23 AM

I've towed my current TT with a gas and a diesel truck.
2018 Ram 2500 6.4, 4.10, CC LB. 8.5 mpg average towing. 16-17 @70 mph empty.
2019 Ram 3500 CTD CC LB 12+ mpg towing. 19-21 @70 empty.
The part about the 3500 CTD thats nice is the added range I get. 31 gal tank @12=372 miles.
31 gal tank @8.5=263. 100 miles extra on a tank. Fuel prices aside it's nice to have an extra cushion for fuel range.

Dieselguy4 · 06-11-2021, 11:23 AM

Diesel is the way to go in the long run. I have a 48 gallon fuel tank(stock) and get 9-11 mpg with my 13300 lb fifth wheel. I can go 300-350 miles or more before fueling. I go to Pilot/Fly J. I have their camper card. Pull in to the truck pumps, swipe the card and enter pin. Fuel and go. Easy using the truck pumps. A gasser will not touch the ease of towing with a diesel. There is more cost involved to buy a diesel but as I am running 70 MPH with the cruise on enjoying the drive while the gasser will be screaming up and down the rpm range trying to keep up with traffic.

timjet · 06-11-2021, 11:38 AM

The criteria for considering Gas vs Diesel should not primarily be which are easier to fuel. For the same size RV a gasser will give you the same comfort level while camping that a diesel will without the more expensive purchase and maintenance costs. However a diesel will generally be more comfortable to drive.