Forum Discussion

Alannyiri's avatar
Alannyiri
Explorer
Mar 30, 2014

Deisel vs. Gasoline

We bought a new 41 ft Redwood last fall (16,400 GVWR) and plan to start FTing next winter, after retirement. I'm planning to buy a Ram 3500 (or perhaps 4500) crew cab dually chassis, and put a hauler-style bed on it. I've been planning to fit the truck with the 6.7 L Cummins, but I have to wonder if the new 6.4 L Hemi might be sufficient for the job. We'll have a small car with us for day-to-day exploring, and plan to move around infrequently and seasonally - two months here, four months there - so there won't be a lot of annual mileage ; perhaps 12-15,000 a year for the tow vehicle, max. The $8K savings of the Hemi over the Cummins is tempting, but the extra torque and exhaust braking is equally desirable. Anyone with real-world experience out there who'd like to share the wisdom of your experience with us? (PS: my last rig was a Ford 350 dually with the 7.3 deisel, pulling a HR 30 ft TT, used for extended work trips - I'm a photographer. We have a lot of 3-6 month trips under our belt, and know the lifestyle we're about to move into.) Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and advise.
  • Alannyiri's avatar
    Alannyiri
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    therink wrote:
    For 16k gvwr and full timing, I would go diesel. While gas burners are becoming more and more powerful and an attractive option, they simply don't have the torque and the fuel economy. If you were only Towing on flatlands, I would say possibly.
    Steve


    Thanks for your viewpoint. That was my initial read as well, from my own experience, but since I have no experience with the new big gas hemi's, I thought I'd ask. Other people must be making the same inquiry.
  • Alannyiri's avatar
    Alannyiri
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    ford truck guy wrote:
    You stated that you will have a small car with you for the running around..... Will you be double towing with the truck?? No brainer if double towing.... diesel.... BTW - I would do diesel either way... I moved from the V-10 to the diesel and will never go back....


    No, thanks, we won't be double towing the car - my wife will drive behind, or scout ahead.
  • Alannyiri's avatar
    Alannyiri
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    Wow! Quick responses! I'd never even considered a gas engine until a friend pointed out that I might be overlooking a workable option - and he's a deisel mechanic! Even with a $130K + investment in the 5'er and truck, that $8K would buy a lot of solar panels. But it sounds like my initial judgement to go with the Cummins will be the correct path for a happier FT experience.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    For 16k gvwr and full timing, I would go diesel. While gas burners are becoming more and more powerful and an attractive option, they simply don't have the torque and the fuel economy. If you were only Towing on flatlands, I would say possibly.
    Steve
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Mar 30, 2014
    You stated that you will have a small car with you for the running around..... Will you be double towing with the truck?? No brainer if double towing.... diesel.... BTW - I would do diesel either way... I moved from the V-10 to the diesel and will never go back....
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    Personally for a 16,400# GVWR trailer I'd want the diesel. It's the right tool for the job. The new 6.7 L Cummins should run circles around the old 7.3 L.

    Just for perspective a 53' van semi trailer weights around 14,000# empty and a refrigerated is around 16,000# empty.

    Between the torque and engine braking, I'd go diesel.
  • pugslyyy's avatar
    pugslyyy
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    I would go with the diesel every time. Btw that new Dodge Ram seems to be a helluva truck.
  • ArcticDodge's avatar
    ArcticDodge
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    I would think that "saving" 8k after spending around 100k for a new 5'r and new truck is such a small percentage to be almost meaningless given the diesel will be the superior powertrain for your application.
  • AZ_T_T's avatar
    AZ_T_T
    Explorer
    Mar 30, 2014
    I would recommend the diesel, you won't be disappointed. As far as the extra expense, you will recoup that when you sell or trade the truck in some day.

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