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Colo_Native's avatar
Colo_Native
Explorer
Feb 19, 2015

Diesel or Gas

I am going to go to a FW from my current Class A gasser. I know that diesel are better for towing etc. My issue is that I am retired and don't drive a lot of miles yearly and I know that diesels need to drive but, if it is driven say 4k to 5k a year towing, is that ok or should I look at say with a gas truck it is more appealing not to have to spend 8-9k for diesel but the higher mileage is to. I am looking to buy a 2015 F 250. I am looking at about 10k FW
Tow Vehicles

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  • C-Bears's avatar
    C-Bears
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2015
    Actually, you would be towing more than about 80% of most RVers out there. We stay on the go a lot as full timers and have had a year where we only towed around 8,000 miles. This year we may only tow about 4,000.

    If you think you are into that truck for several years I would go with the diesel.
  • PA12DRVR's avatar
    PA12DRVR
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2015
    Both my 2500 Duramax and my F550 get driven on a very infrequent basis....If I hit 7000 miles per year on the Duramax and 5,000 on the F550 it's unusual....the 550 is the plow truck and the Duramax is only used when I'm back in Alaska.

    Both are holding up just fine so far (7 and 3 years respectively).
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 20, 2015
    Also to be considered is the exhaust brake of the Diesel.
    Makes coming down those hills a breeze.
  • txdutt's avatar
    txdutt
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2015
    You could always look into a cared for used Diesel, that's what I did when I got sticker shock looking into new back in 2013 when I went from my Class A to a Fiver. Even used they're not cheap but I saved over $12k buying mine used with 27k miles on it. Just another option you can consider. I've pulled heavy here in CO with a gasser & believe there is no comparison to a turbo-diesel when u hit those passes here.....
  • rgwilliams69's avatar
    rgwilliams69
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2015
    Towed 12k to 18k fifth wheels with both gas and diesel. No comparison for me between the two, diesel all the way. Torque and power just make towing with the diesel such a nicer experience. Throw in some steep grades and it only magnifies the differences. Good luck with your choice!
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2015
    We put 4000 to 5000 miles a year on our Duramax. It gets uesed mainly for towing the fiver and my tractor. It will sit for weeks at a time and I will take it to work once a month so it doesn't sit too long.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 19, 2015
    In the mountains with a heavy fiver a diesel is going to make you a much happier camper.
    Sometimes it's a close call but in your case it's an easy choice.
  • Targa's avatar
    Targa
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2015
    Colorado is a killer, I know that I am not telling you anything you don't already know, if you can afford the diesel, I would get the diesel. If I was back home in Mo. with no intention of towing at higher altitudes I would have no problem with a gas motor.
  • kzspree320's avatar
    kzspree320
    Explorer
    Feb 19, 2015
    If you do get the 6.2 gas engine on the F250, be sure and get the 4.30 axle ratio since you live in Colorado. I think it would meet your needs. If most of your towing is at high altitudes, nothing beats a turbocharged diesel. I think if you want a diesel get it. Just try to take it out for a monthly drive of 25 miles or so so it can regenerate it it needs it. Good luck.

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