Looking for advice
I have a couple of different threads trying to get at the same thing here but after reading the responses I feel like it might be helpful to provide more details.
Tow vehicle is a 2017 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4
TV GVWR 7,300
TV Tow Rating 8400 (HD Trailering package)
5.3 L V8 w/ 3.4 rear axle
Remaining payload according to the door: 1588
Trailer:
2017 Cruiser RV – MPG 2400BH
Length: 29 ft
Dry Weight 5,005 lbs
My situation: After putting a little more thought into it I drive about 35,000 miles per year and probably will tow the TT ~5,000 miles of that. The TT is the only thing that I tow.
My daily commute consists of a 16 mile round trip (60 MPH nearly all Highway) taking the boys to school during the school year and then a 50 mile round trip to the office and back (65MPH mostly Highway). Outside of that its trips to church, the ballpark, grocery store etc. We live a bit outside of town so 90% of the time I jump in the car I am traveling at least 8 miles each way. All family vacations are in my vehicle (4 trips to Colorado last year and 1 trip to Florida).
The Tahoe tow's well enough (it's all I have ever know so I probably just don't know any better) but the MPG isn't great at all (8 MPG when towing and 15.5 when not towing). However, for as little as I tow in the grand scheme of things that isn't of great concern to me. What bother's me more is that I am nearly out of payload when towing with the camper and Tahoe loaded up and my boys are just getting bigger. That is what is driving my search for a new TV.
I live in a rural area but am a city boy so I know next to nothing about diesels. About 4 months ago I bought my wife a Range Rover Velar which is a diesel crossover and she is getting crazy good MPG. So far no issues at all with that vehicle and she loves it. I just don't feel I understand the pros and cons of Gas v. Diesel well enough to understand which would be better for my situation.
Gas Pros:
Cheaper Gas (diesel is 35% higher per gallon currently)
Cheaper Upkeep (based on what I have read)
Cheaper Out the door: Though I'm not sure how much cheaper
Better Ride (to be fair I have never even driven a diesel yet)
Diesel Pros:
More power and better towing experience
Longer engine life expectancy
Possible better MPG but will it be 35% better to offset fuel cost?
Would consider a 3/4 diesel which would give us the option to move up to a 5th wheel down the road without having to change TV. Could a gasser handle a 5th wheel?
Looks like maybe the Ford 7.3 V8 (Godzilla) might be an interesting option for me??? Or does this sound like a good fit for a diesel engine?
Again, I know very little about all of this and am trying to educate myself so I apologize if some of the above is inaccurate. Any and all advice/thoughts would be much appreciated.
Tow vehicle is a 2017 Chevy Tahoe LT 4x4
TV GVWR 7,300
TV Tow Rating 8400 (HD Trailering package)
5.3 L V8 w/ 3.4 rear axle
Remaining payload according to the door: 1588
Trailer:
2017 Cruiser RV – MPG 2400BH
Length: 29 ft
Dry Weight 5,005 lbs
My situation: After putting a little more thought into it I drive about 35,000 miles per year and probably will tow the TT ~5,000 miles of that. The TT is the only thing that I tow.
My daily commute consists of a 16 mile round trip (60 MPH nearly all Highway) taking the boys to school during the school year and then a 50 mile round trip to the office and back (65MPH mostly Highway). Outside of that its trips to church, the ballpark, grocery store etc. We live a bit outside of town so 90% of the time I jump in the car I am traveling at least 8 miles each way. All family vacations are in my vehicle (4 trips to Colorado last year and 1 trip to Florida).
The Tahoe tow's well enough (it's all I have ever know so I probably just don't know any better) but the MPG isn't great at all (8 MPG when towing and 15.5 when not towing). However, for as little as I tow in the grand scheme of things that isn't of great concern to me. What bother's me more is that I am nearly out of payload when towing with the camper and Tahoe loaded up and my boys are just getting bigger. That is what is driving my search for a new TV.
I live in a rural area but am a city boy so I know next to nothing about diesels. About 4 months ago I bought my wife a Range Rover Velar which is a diesel crossover and she is getting crazy good MPG. So far no issues at all with that vehicle and she loves it. I just don't feel I understand the pros and cons of Gas v. Diesel well enough to understand which would be better for my situation.
Gas Pros:
Cheaper Gas (diesel is 35% higher per gallon currently)
Cheaper Upkeep (based on what I have read)
Cheaper Out the door: Though I'm not sure how much cheaper
Better Ride (to be fair I have never even driven a diesel yet)
Diesel Pros:
More power and better towing experience
Longer engine life expectancy
Possible better MPG but will it be 35% better to offset fuel cost?
Would consider a 3/4 diesel which would give us the option to move up to a 5th wheel down the road without having to change TV. Could a gasser handle a 5th wheel?
Looks like maybe the Ford 7.3 V8 (Godzilla) might be an interesting option for me??? Or does this sound like a good fit for a diesel engine?
Again, I know very little about all of this and am trying to educate myself so I apologize if some of the above is inaccurate. Any and all advice/thoughts would be much appreciated.
