Advice needed on new truck

B3yond Iris wrote:
1) For reliability from the big three I would say they're all pretty much equal.
2) For gas vs. diesel it mostly depends on personal preference, a diesel will pull a bit better and get better mileage while towing then a comparable gasser. But a gasser will pull whatever it is rated for but at a higher RPM to keep it in its powerband.
3) It used to be true that diesels would get much better MPG then the gassers of that year, but with the new emission equipment on diesels that gap has narrowed to maybe 1-4 MPG stock-for-stock
4) I have no experience around CNG trucks but would imagine that it would be very similar to towing with a gas engine. The worry I would have with that is finding fuel stations that stock it as I know of only one around the area I live that sells it.

Agree completely. CNG produces less horsepower but has other advantages for fleet vehicle use where they can access a central filling station. Diesel sells for more than premium and you need to buy both diesel and DEF when you make fuel stops.

Diesel is worth the higher price with very heavy loads that exceed 10,000 lbs. where the greater torque and greater engine braking are important. Over 15,000 lbs. and you need a diesel. Under 10,000 lbs. and there is little reason to do so.

On the road you will have more places selling regular gas and at 90 cents less a gallon than ones selling diesel. Easier to get a gas engine problem diagnosed and repaired and easier to get a new hose or belt at the nearest auto parts store should you have a breakdown on the highway while traveling.

With a 2500 or 3500 class truck you have a stronger frame and at least with GM and Ram (and possibly with Ford) you do not need a weight distributing hitch. They will also have better braking and it is a good idea to have a tow vehicle that can stop with its trailer even if the trailer brakes malfunction for any reason.

Commonly people will associate reliability only in terms of the engine and overlook the other components like the AC and brakes and electrical system which can all necessitate a trip to the shop. Do not expect any of the three American trucks to be as reliable and trouble free as your Toyota. The Toyota trucks are exceptional.

There are also differences in the towing capabilities in the real world with these trucks. The industry as a whole as refused to go with the J2807 SAE testing procedure where trucks are tested with actual loads on actual roads - what a concept. The only such testing with full size trucks I have found is the one done for 2012 model year 1-ton trucks by Car and Driver.

This article explains the value of J2807 testing for tow vehicles.

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/that-dam-towing-test-new-sae-trailering-standards-explained-tech-dept

Whichever truck you get also evaluate the ride, ease of entry for you and your passengers, sound levels at highway speeds, and other comfort factors.