Just bought my first travel trailer
I just bought a 2020 Keystone Outback 330RL Length 37.83 ft, width 8 ft, height 11.33ft Dry weight 8,839 lbs, payload capacity 1,661 lbs, gvwr 10,500 lbs, hitch weight 1,100 lbs My question is how ...
Forum Discussion
RickG64 wrote:
I’m leaning towards the Ram 2500. I already own a Dodge and I’m happy with it. The next step will be a 6.4L Hemi vs a 6.7L Cummins.
A little about myself. I’ve been driving trucks for UPS for about 27 years. We use Freightliner tractors with Cummins engines. I’m mostly pulling a 53’ trailer with 30,000+ lbs. I don’t like these trucks going up hills. Going over the Devore pass I sometimes slow down to about 30 mph. Since I’m not a linehaul driver and do all local work I frequently run into the regen light coming on which I hate because it’s usually a parked 30-40 minute wait for this process to finish. I understand it will do a regen while driving on the highway but I never drive enough miles for this to happen.
What I like on the diesel is the engine and transmission brakes for coming down a steep incline.
For comfort level I’m leaning towards the gas although the diesel has better towing capabilities. I’m planning on test driving both just to get a feel of how they drive. I’m basing all my knowledge of diesel trucks on the rig I drive. I know a pickup will not be as loud. But want to see the difference if there is any on cabin noise at freeway speeds between gas and diesel. The comfort level on big trucks has come a long way with air ride suspension and air seats.
The one plus that is huge for me on a diesel is the engine braking function. Overheated brakes are no fun.
Either engine will do the trick. But there is no (none, zero) comparison to the ease that diesel will pull the trailer you're speaking of. The Diesel will go up the hills and down the hills just as easy as driving on flat roads with a tail wind. They make just about as much engine noise going up and down the hills as on flat roads too. It is truly "deluxe towing". But it comes at a price. If you have your mind made up that trailering is a "solid" in your future, try and go the diesel. You'll never be sorry.....once it's paid for. Also, IMHO, don't get caught up in trying justify a diesel from a maintenance or cost to operate or better MPG perspective. You will never make up the cost of a diesel,(unless you drive it more that 500,000 miles) but it is a far better tow experience.......assuming you're not always driving 30 miles on flat ground to your destination.
