Community Forums

RyanZ71 · 08-01-2021, 02:43 PM

Hello everyone. I’m looking to maybe upgrade to 3/4 ton truck. I currently have Sierra 1500. This truck pulls my trailer just fine but I feel it’s going to put a lot of wear and tear on it, and probably won’t get as much out of it later on. So looking for 3/4 either diesel or gas. Haven’t decided yet hopefully you all can help me make my choice easier. So my trailer is 6400 dry up to 7600 max. We go out 5-6 times a year. Would like to go more often and probably will if I get the bigger truck. So what’s everyone opinion on the 6.2 7.3 6.7 Fords, the 6.6 gas and diesel GM or the 6.4 hemi and Cummings? Just would like to get some real world numbers and thoughts on performance.

Thanks

1st-tt2018 · 08-01-2021, 02:52 PM

We pull our 11000 lb 5th wheel just fine with the ram 2500 6.4l hemi....

jleonard · 08-01-2021, 02:54 PM

Any of those 3/4 ton trucks will do fine with a trailer that size. They will be more stable than a 1/2 ton.
I'm using a Ram 2500 Diesel for a similar sized trailer. I was using a 1500 and the difference is pretty big.

That said there is no G in Cummins.

Good luck with your decision.

tuffr2 · 08-01-2021, 03:43 PM

There is a post on the Ford 7.3 Godzilla engine talking about EPA economy. Turns out it is not the gas hog I thought it would be.

I test drove the Ford 7.3 10 speed and really liked it. I also drove the GMC with the 6.6 gas and also liked it. I would pick either one over the Ram 6.4 Hemi I test drove.

I test drove the new Ford F-250 6.7 diesel 10 speed and will say it is very powerful.

I would expect an easy 10 years of use out of any of the gas engine trucks.

The diesel engines have a lot more emissions equipment to clean the exhast. I had a gen 1 2012 F-450 Ford 6.7 diesel for 6.5 years without any problems. I switched to a F-250 Ford 6.2 gas. DEF has been used in diesel trucks since 2011. I believe the EGR process is bad. Also when the truck goes into 'regen' that is also bad. Best to understand all the emissions. It amazes me that any of the diesel trucks are very powerful, even with the emissions.

The longer wheelbase of the bigger trucks plus their added weight will easily tow and control that trailer better than your 1500 series truck.

bneukam · 08-01-2021, 04:36 PM

Or, you could downsize the trailer. Have met several people along our travels that have moved up to an HD truck, from a 1/2 ton, especially in this past year. Even though they admit its a lot more comfortable towing their trailer, it’s utilitarian for everything else.

But if I was to move up to an HD it would be the Ram, or Chevy 3/4 with the diesel. Powerful, better mpg’s, but yet somewhat of a decent ride.

That would probably never happen for us, as we would go back to a DP first, and have a more desired towed vehicle.

It’s important to ask yourself how it will effect your overall use of the truck, besides towing.

Another thing to consider is fuel prices, as we all know where they are going. If you do go gas HD make sure you have a decent size fuel tank.

RyanZ71 · 08-01-2021, 08:51 PM

Lol I didn’t realize I put the G in there! Thanks for the info

AlaskaKeller · 08-12-2021, 01:24 PM

I upgraded from a 2020 Chevy 1500 with the 5.3 to a f250 with the 7.3. My camper is around 6500 loaded and I have usually have 1000 pounds in the bed additionally.

The difference between the two trucks is quite substantial. The Chevy 5.3 had no problem pulling the camper but did not give the confidence I get with the f250. I also upgraded because I pull my mini ex on a flatbed that is about 12k gross. That was to much for the Chevy 1500.

The 7.3 and 10 speed is so nice. I get better millage pulling with the 7.3 than I did with the 5.3. I always like to have a bigger TV if I can.

jimcumminsw · 08-13-2021, 08:50 AM

Another thing to think about when choosing a TV is how to fuel the truck up on the road as you travel. Most stations are not truck/trailer friendly in design, by this I mean that fueling islands are pointed towards the store. Thus, it may be difficult to maneuver the truck and trailer in and out of the station. I am 55 foot in overall length, truck and trailer connected, which makes this extremely difficult to get in and out of gas stations.

So, this is one of the reasons I tow with a diesel engine truck. I can use the semi-truck fuel islands which allows easy in out access for me.

As far as emission issue on diesel trucks the older designs did have some issue. But as time and design improvements have come about the reliability has improved tremendously. From what I have read on Turbo Diesel Register. Com (which is a dedicated Ram/Cummins truck site) there have been less complaints in the new 2019 and up trucks than the earlier models’ trucks had. I have a 2008, 6.7L Cummins which is very early in the emission design phase, before DEF was allowed by the EPA for diesel emissions compliance.

Now the real question is with what all I know about the 6.7L Cummins engine in the Ram trucks, would I buy another Ram Diesel truck! Yes, when my 2008 6.7L Cummins Dodge Mega Cab is ever sold. I am now at 140,000 + miles with the truck running great and pulling my 5er with ease.

Dave Pelletier · 08-13-2021, 10:11 AM

Any 3/4 ton or heavier is a MUCH better choice for your trailer than your current half ton. Brand and diesel vs. gas is a personal choice and is based on usage, expectations and budget. I don't think any of them are bad trucks.....diesels are great for towing but have complex and expensive pollution control systems to think about if you plan on keeping it out of warranty.

For the size trailer you have and based on your described use, if I was in your shoes, I'd probably look at an F250/F350 with the 6.2 or 7.3......the F350 with the 6.2 gets the 10 spd - power will be better with the 7.3.

2 cents,

Dave

RyanZ71 · 08-13-2021, 06:57 PM

What are you getting for mileage not towing? I did test drive the 7.3 yesterday and loved it. Tones of power and plenty of option. Problem was it was 69 G which is just as much as the diesel. I’ve tested everything but the Ram diesel. So far I’ve liked the Ford 7.3 then ram 6.4 then the 6.6. For the gas. Diesel were basically the same for the Chevy and Ford. Ford seemed to have more get up from what I remember. So many decisions hard to go with just one right now. I guess know it’s going to come down to who has the right price. Thanks for all the info

Gammel · 08-13-2021, 11:01 PM

My new F350 6.7 Powerstroke barely knows there's a 8500-9000 lb/950 tongue wt TT behind it. Keep it below 65 mph and I get 13 mpg.

Jayc71 · 08-14-2021, 08:18 PM

We just upgraded our RAM 1500 Hemi to a RAM 2500 Cummins. Our trailer is in the same ballpark as yours at ~7600lbs max but we never fully load it. The 1500 was very close to max payload with the TT hooked up and us + our gear in it, it pulled the TT well enough but struggled a bit on hills and I could feel us getting pushed around quite a bit by the wind/large vehicles. With the 2500, I can hardly feel that the TT is even there. The Cummins doesn't even break a sweat when pulling it, I don't feel like I'm getting pushed around hardly at all and we gained another ~700lbs of payload capacity to work with.

Having towed quite a bit with the 1500, I know it can do the job but with a 2500 diesel (in my experience) the towing is much better and you're not having to work nearly as hard to drive down the road.

RyanZ71 · 08-17-2021, 09:07 PM

Ok so I just got done driving the new 6.7 Cummins and wow. That thing rode so nice and smooth and got up and went like crazy. But I still ask myself do I need that engine for an extra 12 Gs. The Hemi rode pretty good as well. Man decisions decisions!!!!

tuffr2 · 08-17-2021, 09:32 PM

12G's now but 8 or 9G's down the road when you trade it in. So net cost is 3 or 4 G's.

But to answer your question. With new gas engines from Ford and GM and new transmission from Ram coupled with the 6.4 hemi the gas options are alot better than just a few years ago.

So it depends on how far and often you tow. If far and often the diesel (even with all the emissions) will be a great option.

If not far and not as often then I would vote for the gasoline option.