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rayroof10's avatar
rayroof10
Explorer
Dec 07, 2014

truck

l have a 35 ft Fleetwood camper 7800 lbs l have been pulling it with my 1996 f150 ent. cab 4x4. it pulls it ok but can tell it is back there, l am looking to buy a 3/4 or 1 ton. what l need to know is should l get a gas or diesel

14 Replies

  • You should know that diesels generally cost more to maintain. Example-the Ford 6.0 takes 15 quarts of motor oil and a more expensive oil filter. Also-diesel prices have not been kind over the past 9 years as compared to gas prices. Parts are also more expensive because they are heavier duty. In Illinois the cost for plates, inspections, extra winter additives to prevent fuel gelling add up fast. But personally I am very happy with my 1 ton dually because that is what I really need for my rig.

    I say this because you mentioned fuel economy but I think you should instead be looking at overall operating cost. Your trailer isn't terribly heavy so many 3/4s should do a fine job with either a diesel or gas engines. I haul an 8,000 lb utility trailer, truck and trailer fully loaded, with a ¾ with no problem. So buy all that you need but if you are also looking at cost per mile be aware that costs can escalate.
  • rayroof10 wrote:
    would the diesel be better on miles per gal.


    Yes, I get more MPG on our diesel. BUT... at what price? You have to break down to "cents per mile" if your looking at costs. Not unusual to see 40 cent spread between gas and diesel in my state.

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