Forum Discussion

Hgreen's avatar
Hgreen
Explorer
Mar 01, 2015

Buying a new truck

Currently we have an F250 4wd supercab 7.5L gas engine with a 2008 Northern Lite 10-2 camper with Rancho XL9000 and fast guns. Our truck has no problems with weight of camper as it rides perfectly level, but we have to pack light, minimal water, and basically carry about 5 gallons of gas in rear tank to stay within tire ratings. We thought about doing upgrades to tires but gross weight of truck is still rated at 8800 pounds and of course are over that so are wanting to purchase a 2015 F350 dually. The dilemma is whether to go the gas engine or diesel as we will want to flat tow a jeep in the future as well. We know the diesel is the powerhouse. What we want to know from all of you is realistic mileage that you are getting with your setup. Please post mpg, speed that you are traveling to achieve this, truck brand, size, engine, etc and what camper. We appreciate your input to this and fully understand about weight ratings and pulling lots of weight as we have had large travel trailers for many years.
Truck Campers
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Mar 01, 2015
    The biggest issue is where and how far are you going to tow. A diesel is going to get better mpg under a large load IE: headwinds, steep hills, heavy towing. If you are on mainly rolling hills, light load, short trips either engine will be fine although gas engines are probably better at short trips. If you think that at anytime in the ownership life of the truck you are going to go to a heavy camper and tow heavy the Diesel in the right choice hands down. My older diesel gets pretty much the same mileage towing heavy or no trailer 13.5 on the highway at the speed limit and 12 in the mountains. I scale with just the truck and camper between 12,000 and 13,000 depending on how many toys are loaded on board. my horse trailer scales between 6-8000 depending on how many horses and hay is on board

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