I am currently looking to trade our 40' diesel pusher for a 2016 Montana fifthwheel. With that comes a new tow vehicle. Even though I've owned several diesels, I'm leaning to a gas burner. I looking at a 2015 gmc 3500 srw with the 6.0 gas engine and 4.10 axle ratio or a 2015 f350 srw with 6.2 gas engine and 4.30 axle ratio. I only tow approx.1,500 miles a year and the other 14,000 miles a year will be as a daily driver. Of these two, which one will do the job better and which one is more reliable?

I'm a Chevy guy but with that said I'd not choose a gas truck.

Are you moving form CG to CG or just moving to one location and back again?Reason I ask is it would be cheaper to pay someone to move it and get a small car/truck for the other 14,000 miles.

The 6.2 has 385HP & 405TQ, tow rating 15.3+K The 6.0 has 335HP & 380TQ, tow rating 13.9KOn paper the 6.2 will out perform the 6.0. Both are a proven and reliable platform.

I had a Chevy HD with a 6.0 and now have a F250 with the 6.2. The F250 is a better TV but it is newer 15 vs. 03 so the comparison is not really fair. The F250 also has a much better 6 speed vs. 4 speed in the HD. I went with a Ford this time because I couldn't find a middle trim line in the Chevy with the 6.0. They were either the work truck and white or an over the top LT with leather. I bought an XLT with everything I wanted. Both trucks are fully capable you will need to drive and see for yourself which one fits you better. GO SOX!

Both really dependable and great engines and great trucks.IMHO I would pick the Ford. The 6.2 is just a really, really good engine.

Gas tow vehicle for fifthwheel | Good Sam Community

dwb619
Explorer
May 07, 2015
November 2001.
MAwolcott
Explorer
May 07, 2015
It depends on what size fifth wheel you are looking at. A buddy of mine had the 6.2 in his F250 and they bought the Keystone 3750FL. WAY too much for the gas engine! He even had struggles on smaller hills starting out from a stop. He traded it in for the 6.7PSD. Tows it much easier.
Fordlover
Explorer
May 07, 2015
ls1mike wrote:
There is this...How good it is, I can't say but it is something to read.
3/4 ton gasser shootout.

I have been in the Ford and GM. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

I know you didn't mention the Ram, but it is very nice too!

I especially like how they knock the Ford for "Additionally, the look of the factory trailer hitch is bulky and ugly, and not nearly as integrated and well-designed as its competitors."

If anyone catches me selecting a truck based on the smoothness of the hitch (not it's ratings, usability, function, etc.) I'll volunteer for a swift kick to the behind.
transamz9
Explorer
May 07, 2015
jerem0621 wrote:
Hedgehog wrote:
I was joking about the weight of the exhaust system itself. It looks pretty expensive to replace also. I have owned 3 diesel power vehicle and would love to own another one if I could legally remove all the junk off it.

There is some truth to the weight of the modern diesel exhaust when you consider all the emissions equipment compared to an older diesel with only cats. Of course this weight is considered part of Curb weight.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

And the modern trucks have a higher GVWR. The older Rams 3500 SRW was 9900 and now you get 11,700 crew and 12,300 in the Mega. Don't think the exhaust is that heavy.
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 07, 2015
Hedgehog wrote:
I was joking about the weight of the exhaust system itself. It looks pretty expensive to replace also. I have owned 3 diesel power vehicle and would love to own another one if I could legally remove all the junk off it.

There is some truth to the weight of the modern diesel exhaust when you consider all the emissions equipment compared to an older diesel with only cats. Of course this weight is considered part of Curb weight.

Thanks!

Jeremiah
Hedgehog
Explorer
May 07, 2015
I was joking about the weight of the exhaust system itself. It looks pretty expensive to replace also. I have owned 3 diesel power vehicle and would love to own another one if I could legally remove all the junk off it.
transamz9
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Hedgehog wrote:
I wouldn't be aposed to a diesel 10 years ago. Now I am all set with all the added emissions. I know the diesel gives a better towing experience but there is too much going on in those new diesels for my liking. Just the weight of the exhaust system on a new diesel robs over 100 pounds off the payload. Not to mention I have another 5 gallon tank of animal urine (DEF), heaters for the urine, etc. I'll stick to simple for the amount I tow.
I have a friend that does at least 5,000 miles a years towing a fifthwheel and he is a cheap sob. He didn't the math between gas vs. diesel and he found no financial advantage. He towing a fifthwheel similar in weight to the one I'm getting with a 2012 f350 srw 6.2 gas 4.30 axle.

Just for the record to show and IDK about the Ford and Chevy payloads but you say the exhaust on the diesel cuts payload but in the Ram 3500 SRW the diesel has more available payload than the gas. Also more available towing.

The diesel is a luxury. Some people like power windows and leather. Some want it with a diesel some with a gas. Some want vinyl floors and seats. Its all in what you want. I just wanted to point out the payload mistake in your post. No longer true as was yesteryears.;)
jerem0621
Explorer II
May 06, 2015
Stovepipe wrote:
Hedgehog wrote:
I never even thought about the ram just because of the problems they use to have with transmissions. I would mind looking at them also if they are reliable.

I had my heart set on a Chevy but after doing a lot of reading here and on the Ram forums I determined the 6.4L Ram would be the better choice for me. I've not read about any reliability issues. In my area, in east Tennessee, it seems you can get more truck for less money in the Ram. I expect to pull the trigger on mine in a few months.

I have found the same thing in my area of Tennessee. One of my local dealerships had a New Ram CC diesel under 45k.
Stovepipe
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Hedgehog wrote:
I never even thought about the ram just because of the problems they use to have with transmissions. I would mind looking at them also if they are reliable.

I had my heart set on a Chevy but after doing a lot of reading here and on the Ram forums I determined the 6.4L Ram would be the better choice for me. I've not read about any reliability issues. In my area, in east Tennessee, it seems you can get more truck for less money in the Ram. I expect to pull the trigger on mine in a few months.
45Ricochet
Explorer
May 06, 2015
dwb619 wrote:
WOW!
Makes my 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD with 8.1 Alison look better and better.
Bought new in November, only have 36,000 miles on it.

36K well duh :s it should look new. OBTW which November are you talking about?
Nice tow rig with the 8.1 and the Allison. She puts out just about all the Allison will handle.