Best truck for Northern Lite 10-2

TCjeff wrote:
And I was leaning towards srw and gas.

No def fluid to worry about with gas. Less complicated engine. I understand that gas engines are more efficient than they used to be. More powerful as well. Thinking about Fords new 7.3 litre gas engine. But still nowhere near the performance and torque of the diesel. But I’m hauling 4500lbs or so. Not towing 20,000 or more. So I’m really conflicted.

From all accounts the 7.3 is going to be a very capable gas engine. Keep in mind it's still a gas engine with the typical torque and hp curves found in most naturally aspirated, big-block V8 gas engines. Max torque 4,000 and max hp 5,500. These numbers (more or less) define how it will respond in conjunction with the tranny while under heavy load. Gas engines are very tranny dependent---they need to be to keep the engine in the sweet spot--especially on hills. As long as you don't have an issue with this M.O., then you'll be happy with any of the big-block gas engines (especially with an 8-10 speed tranny). On the flipside, the big-block diesels will rarely downshift with a camper onboard, even on very steep hills. That's the beauty of 800++ ft.lbs. of torque at less than 2,000 rpms. Whether the added costs for a diesel is worth this beauty is your call. Happy shopping!!