looking at trucks
Good morning, I know I`m going to open a can of worms here but here it goes. We have a 2015 Keystone Outback 296FRS that we really love and next spring we will be looking to buy a new truck to tow wi...
Forum Discussion
We're half-way through a cross country trip (Buffalo, NY to West Coast), with A 2012 Tundra (5.7) pulling a 8,987 lb. Rockwood 5th (weight certified on "CAT" scale). Running 93 octane this "small block" "gaser" has no problems maintaining 55+ (@ <3,000 RPM) on grades less than 5%. Yes, the rig runs a little slower on steeper grades but ....THOSE GRADES REPRESENT A FRACTION.... of the roads "MOST PEOPLE" travel!
Now, will diesel rigs "pull" better on steep grades, no doubt about that fact but at what cost??? My Tundra rides better than every diesel P/U out there, is assembled by AMERICAN WORKERS in Texas, AND contains more American MADE components than do; Dodge, Ford, or GM. Also, my Tundra costs let to maintain (oil changes for diesels are not cheep) AND cost more than $20,000+++ less any diesel!!! Plus, I get 20+ MPG while not towing and average 10 MPG while pulling. Also, the Tundra's turning radius is less than the other P/U's and it's front end driver's visibility can't be beat.
To be fair, Tundra's 10,000# towing capacity is perfect for just the two of us. If you have a larger rig or have a large family a diesel or GM's 6.0 liter are your only options for 5th towing. I'm not a fan of "turbo" gas engines.... life-time maintenance costs may be questionable... so I'd stay away from that option!
This posting should set off some interesting comments!!!
Now, will diesel rigs "pull" better on steep grades, no doubt about that fact but at what cost??? My Tundra rides better than every diesel P/U out there, is assembled by AMERICAN WORKERS in Texas, AND contains more American MADE components than do; Dodge, Ford, or GM. Also, my Tundra costs let to maintain (oil changes for diesels are not cheep) AND cost more than $20,000+++ less any diesel!!! Plus, I get 20+ MPG while not towing and average 10 MPG while pulling. Also, the Tundra's turning radius is less than the other P/U's and it's front end driver's visibility can't be beat.
To be fair, Tundra's 10,000# towing capacity is perfect for just the two of us. If you have a larger rig or have a large family a diesel or GM's 6.0 liter are your only options for 5th towing. I'm not a fan of "turbo" gas engines.... life-time maintenance costs may be questionable... so I'd stay away from that option!
This posting should set off some interesting comments!!!
