Here is my current set-upTow vehicle is a 2017 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4GVWR 7,300 TV Tow Rating 8400 (HD Trailering package) 5.3 L V8 w/ 3.4 rear axleTrailer: 2017 Cruiser RV – MPG 2400BHLength: 29 ftDry Weight 5,005 lbsWith a wife and 3 kids loaded up I am getting pretty close to my max payload (luckily I have young kids). I am considering getting a diesel but I am wondering if that is overkill for my situation.I drive roughly 30,000 miles per year and 28,000 of that isn't towing anything. When we do take the trailer somewhere we like to go to the mountains and I am getting 8 MPG on flat land at 60 MPH in the Tahoe and about 4 - 5 MPG in the mountains.Would upgrading to a 1/2 ton truck make that big of a difference over the Tahoe? Would jumping up to a 3/4 ton diesel sacrifice too much the other 28,000 that I'm not towing.Is the F150 diesel worth considering in my situation?Any and all thoughts are welcomed and appreciated.

Shocked your towing MPG is that low with that small of a trailer. You are well within the capacity of a 150/1500 platform which is what you already have. I like the 3.0 diesels that are available in the light duty trucks. It certainly would increase your MPG at the cost of higher fuel costs.

We went from OKC to Silverton CO in August and an 11 hour drive turned into a 15 hour drive. The Tahoe was right around 3,000 RPM's between OKC and Albuquerque and that's pretty flat land. It was probably around 3,500 RPM's the rest of the way. Am I risking burning up the tranny in the Tahoe? We are considering doing a long trip to Lake Tahoe this summer and I am wondering if I am asking the Tahoe to do too much. Plus I think I am about a year away from being over payload with the camper and family packed for a trip like that.

Diesel will get better fuel milage, but will also cost you more at each fill up. With three kids a SUV is likely your best option. But, finding a 2500 Suburban or an Excursion diesel might be harder than you think.

I have a 3/4T 2500 4x4 crew cab but I tow trailers in the 12-13,000 lb. range. For your TT a half ton will work just fine. A friend of mine has a 2014 F150 crew cab regular bed 4x4 w/V6 ECO boost engine and a 2018 29' Ultralight TT (about 6,000 lb.) He gets 21-22 MPG empty and 12-13 MPG towing. IMO This would be a good option since you only tow a couple thousand miles a year. Most any 150/1500 brand of truck will tow your current TT. If you plan to get a larger TT a 3/4T may be better as they come with better suspension and braking and all should get better MPG than your Tahoe. Check the payload cap. of each. If you think you are close to max then 3/4 or 1T will be better. The diesel trucks I have owned did get better MPG than the comparable gas truck. Diesel truck maintenance is slightly higher than gas too.

You definitely don't need an HD diesel for that truck but it would absolutely do a better job towing that trailer plus allow for more upgrades in the future without changing the tow vehicle. I use my CTD as a daily driver and it's great - very comfortable and gets around just fine. The only dimension that's larger than an equivalent half ton is the height, so it has the same footprint. Personally I think you get a lot more truck for pretty much the same money when you go to an HD model so that's all I'm going to buy going forward. Other than a little bit stiffer ride I don't see how they're any less comfortable than a half ton.

Considering a new tow vehicle | Good Sam Community

Bionic_Man
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
Shocked your towing MPG is that low with that small of a trailer. You are well within the capacity of a 150/1500 platform which is what you already have.

I like the 3.0 diesels that are available in the light duty trucks. It certainly would increase your MPG at the cost of higher fuel costs.
SoonerWing03
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
We went from OKC to Silverton CO in August and an 11 hour drive turned into a 15 hour drive. The Tahoe was right around 3,000 RPM's between OKC and Albuquerque and that's pretty flat land. It was probably around 3,500 RPM's the rest of the way. Am I risking burning up the tranny in the Tahoe? We are considering doing a long trip to Lake Tahoe this summer and I am wondering if I am asking the Tahoe to do too much. Plus I think I am about a year away from being over payload with the camper and family packed for a trip like that.
donn0128
Explorer II
Feb 07, 2019
Diesel will get better fuel milage, but will also cost you more at each fill up. With three kids a SUV is likely your best option. But, finding a 2500 Suburban or an Excursion diesel might be harder than you think.
George3037
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
I have a 3/4T 2500 4x4 crew cab but I tow trailers in the 12-13,000 lb. range. For your TT a half ton will work just fine.

A friend of mine has a 2014 F150 crew cab regular bed 4x4 w/V6 ECO boost engine and a 2018 29' Ultralight TT (about 6,000 lb.) He gets 21-22 MPG empty and 12-13 MPG towing. IMO This would be a good option since you only tow a couple thousand miles a year.

Most any 150/1500 brand of truck will tow your current TT. If you plan to get a larger TT a 3/4T may be better as they come with better suspension and braking and all should get better MPG than your Tahoe. Check the payload cap. of each. If you think you are close to max then 3/4 or 1T will be better. The diesel trucks I have owned did get better MPG than the comparable gas truck. Diesel truck maintenance is slightly higher than gas too.
IdaD
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
You definitely don't need an HD diesel for that truck but it would absolutely do a better job towing that trailer plus allow for more upgrades in the future without changing the tow vehicle. I use my CTD as a daily driver and it's great - very comfortable and gets around just fine. The only dimension that's larger than an equivalent half ton is the height, so it has the same footprint. Personally I think you get a lot more truck for pretty much the same money when you go to an HD model so that's all I'm going to buy going forward. Other than a little bit stiffer ride I don't see how they're any less comfortable than a half ton.
MFL
Nomad II
Feb 07, 2019
As mentioned, F150 with EcoBoost would be perfect for your needs right now, but if maybe a larger trailer or FW is in your future, a 3/4 or 1 ton would be better. I'd stay with a gas engine, for your minimal towing miles.

For your mileage to be that low with the Tahoe, you have to be working it pretty hard.

Jerry
the_bear_II
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
Keep in mind you will probably upgrade your trailer at some point....most RV'ers go through 3 to 4 RVs during their RV lifetime.

It might be best to buy as big and powerful truck as possible to last through your next trailer upgrade.
SoonerWing03
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
the bear II wrote:
Keep in mind you will probably upgrade your trailer at some point....most RV'ers go through 3 to 4 RVs during their RV lifetime.

It might be best to buy as big and powerful truck as possible to last through your next trailer upgrade.

I thought about that which I why I am considering a 3/4 ton truck. However, I'm hoping we downsize rather than go bigger or 5er. But who knows what the future holds. I usually guess wrong.

My extensive knowledge of diesel engines consists of knowing that you put diesel fuel in them rather than gasoline.
donn0128
Explorer II
Feb 07, 2019
Three kids? A 2500 or 3500 Mega Cab Dodge would give you lots of interior room plus towing ability now and into the future.
LanceRKeys
Explorer
Feb 07, 2019
With three kids, an expedition el with the eco boost may be good.