Diesel vs gas for truck campers?
Have posted a few questios phere on the truck camper forum asking for help in down sizing to a TC and thanks for the help so far, I have been going over the weights of the TC's that we have looked at...
Forum Discussion
Yes, GVWR & payloads can sure be confusing. Of course, with payloads, anything you do or add to the truck, directly impacts the payload capacity. One thing to keep in mind, the manufacturer's payload number assumes a 150-lb occupant at each seatbelt location. So, depending on your situation, you could have additional payload available.
Our first F350 had a V10 and did a good job hauling our camper. It's biggest shortfall was the inability to control speed on descents. Also, the V10 was quite thirsty for fuel. Uphill, downhill or flat ground, we averaged 10mpg.
Next, we transitioned to a diesel. Whoa! What an amazing difference. The additional power on the climbs is nice, but the most significant benefit has been the speed control on descents. With the V10, it felt like a runaway truck. With the 6.7 diesel, I just sit back and relax.
When we factory ordered our truck, my wife and I sat with the fleet salesperson and completed the order form together . . . line-by-line. It was an interesting process, because as we selected the various trim levels and options, we could see how each one impacted the payload capacity (the number is displayed at the very top of the form.) We outfitted the truck specifically for truck camper duty and the places we travel.
Although either truck would get us where we want to go (which is what it's all about), given the choice, I'd pick diesel.
Our first F350 had a V10 and did a good job hauling our camper. It's biggest shortfall was the inability to control speed on descents. Also, the V10 was quite thirsty for fuel. Uphill, downhill or flat ground, we averaged 10mpg.
Next, we transitioned to a diesel. Whoa! What an amazing difference. The additional power on the climbs is nice, but the most significant benefit has been the speed control on descents. With the V10, it felt like a runaway truck. With the 6.7 diesel, I just sit back and relax.
When we factory ordered our truck, my wife and I sat with the fleet salesperson and completed the order form together . . . line-by-line. It was an interesting process, because as we selected the various trim levels and options, we could see how each one impacted the payload capacity (the number is displayed at the very top of the form.) We outfitted the truck specifically for truck camper duty and the places we travel.
Although either truck would get us where we want to go (which is what it's all about), given the choice, I'd pick diesel.
