Gas vs Diesel for Towing a Fifth Wheel!!!

deltabravo wrote:
Ask the guys that transport RVs from factories to dealers... rarely will one say "gas is better for heavy towing".

I did summer time transport in 2014 and 2015. DIESEL all the way, even though I wasn't towing heavy. Units I hauled were 21-25 feet most of the time. I had a very easy route too, with minimal change in elevation, but I still prefered diesel for that route.

Again, this is a commercial application where other things are driving the choice:
- Most will at least occasionally get a heavy trailer where they need that extra power to stay within the ratings. (you also dont' need a 1ton dually to pull a 23' trailer but most will have that)
- Most are doing a ton of miles towing where the fuel efficiency really makes a difference to the bottom line. They can amortize the upfront cost of the diesel with fuel savings.
- If you are putting 50k miles per year on a truck, in 10yrs they would be at 500k miles and yeah, they probably would be on their second gas engine and considering if they need a third.

By contrast your average RV buyer with a 23ft travel trailer:
- Doesn't need the diesel power due to weight limits.
- Usually only does a couple thousand miles per year and the fuel savings might buy a dinner out once a year. It will never cover the up front cost of a diesel. (I'm talking the big diesels not the new 1/2ton small diesels)
- Usually only does around 12,500 total per year giving 250k gas engine a 20yr lifespan, so either engine is good for the life of the truck.