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Jasdms54's avatar
Jasdms54
Explorer
Aug 01, 2017

Gas or diesel

I am ready to purchase a fifth wheel. The one I'm really looking at is 15,500 gvwr. I'm also purchasing a ram 2500. But do I need a diesel or gas. I want to travel states. Mostly west. What are the pro and cons ? For right now, it is part time, but eventually this will be full time. Hopefully about 4 years. Thank you

34 Replies

  • I drive a ram 3500 srw 6.7 mostly as a daily driver and love it.

    It legitimately tows like a beast, and although exactly the same truck as my 2500 has so much more payload for the money.

    If you're getting a big fw, it's essentially easier to be on the road and fill up where semis do. In fact, where does one even fill up with a gasser, and still be able to maneuver around a station?

    What fw are you considering? Im on my 3rd season with a 42'er, i couldnt imagine fueling with th passenger traffic.

    Anyhow, with ram, you'll be deiving and pulling with Cummins, so you're covered in any unforeseen circumstance.

    Seriously though, get the 3500.
  • For towing through any mountains or hills I'd recommend diesel. Gassers just don't have the umpf.
  • 3500 for sure good argument for a dually.
    Diesel for sure if you want to travel more than a few short trips a year.
    15500 is heavy and if you plan to drive around in the mountains you will love the diesel. If you plan to full time you will love the diesel. Because we now almost exlusively use our TC we switched from our 2011 3500 duramax to a 3500 6.0 gas. There is a huge difference in the two pulling a heavy trailer.
    In my opinion a 2500 is out of the question.
    Also in my opinion ask all the questions you would like. If people don't want to comment they can just go to the next post.
    JMHO
  • You didn't ask my opinion but that trailer is too much for a 2500 with 3,000 lb on the pin. Go 3500 dually or a lighter trailer.
    Now to your question. With that size trailer you will be a lot happier with the torque and fuel economy of the diesel. Maintenance is more expensive but intervals are fewer so that's a wash. Gas is cheaper up front and is fine if the truck is also to be used as a daily driver but fuel stops will be more frequent when towing. After towing with diesel I will never go back.
  • Are you going fulltime or just parttime. IF fulltime I would say get a 3500 and the diesel. If you just plan on a trip west now and then get the gasser I would still go with a 3500.