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hyattjlbb's avatar
hyattjlbb
Explorer
Jan 22, 2015

Another Diesel vs. Gas topic...

Okay all, first of all, I am a Chevy man so no comments trying to convert but here is the story.

Currently towing the 5vr in my signature with a 2009 CC LB 3500HD Duramax/Allison. This is where it gets sad. I was in an accident yesterday (w/o 5vr) where I got broadsided in the drivers side cab, needless to say with frame damage, pushing the cab 4" toward the passenger side, etc, she is totaled. We are all okay, just sore.

Enough doom and gloom, time for happy thoughts with ideas of a new TV. I really want another 3500HD Diesel but my wife has me thinking about a gasser because gas is cheaper. I know I will lose gas mileage when towing and not towing compared to my diesel but what will I lose in power/torque? Will I be upset if I go with the 6.0 gas? While the diesel is my daily driver, I use it on the farm as well and drive down the highway 164 miles round trip 3-4 times a week. We have a 2011 2500HD gas at the farm and I know she doesn't pass a gas station she doesn't like as she gets about 15 mpg at best empty. I currently get about 18-19 empty with the diesel.

If you guys could give me your thoughts, especially if you have towed with both and offer maybe some pros/cons or whatever, it would be great. We live in ND, so not a lot of mountains obviously but we do the occasional run to South Carolina and other possible long runs in the future. Thanks in advance!

34 Replies

  • I have towed with both engines extensively. Based on the size of your fiver, I would say diesel. For extensive towing, I would say (my experience), that the 6.0 gasser is good for up to 11,000 lb rv. Don't forget the awesome breaking ability the Dmax provides that the gas can't touch on grades.
  • That's what I am afraid of. With the diesel I have plenty of "extra" power if needed.
  • Sorry to hear about the accident, but at least no one was seriously hurt.

    It appears the FW is a fair sized one, but without knowing loaded weight, it is hard to say. My best guess, you would not be happy pulling that FW with the 6.0, after towing with the diesel.

    The 6.0 may work for shorter trips, but I doubt you'd be happy on long trips.

    Jerry
  • If you don't mind the engine revving to get to it's power the 6.0 gas I believe has as much power as the D-max. Depending on the loaded weight of the 5er I believe it will do just fine but it will be at the top end of the tow rating.