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Hedgehog's avatar
Hedgehog
Explorer
Sep 04, 2014

Need advice on new truck

I've been camping in a diesel motorhome for 4 years and I'm thinking about trading back to a fifthwheel while the motorhome still has some value.. I am looking at a Montana 3610RL that weighs in dry at 12,480#'s with a ion weight of 2790#'s or a Bighorn BH 3160 Elite with a dry weight of 12,015#'s and a pin weight of 2,095#'s. We are leaning towards the heavier Montana mainly because we like the inside a little better and we have owned one previously that was flawless. Now, I will need a new truck to tow the fifthwheel. My two choices are a F350 SRW crew cab, short bed with the 6.2 gas engine with 4.30 axle ratio or a gmc 2500 or 3500 SRW crew cab shortbed with either the gas or Duramax but I would prefer the gas due to the complexity of the new diesels with all the emissions equipment. Do you think that's these vehicles will be capable of handling these fifthwheels and which one do you think will do a better job? I want to avoid dually's because it will be my everyday driver and I don't want commercial plates. Any input would be appreciated.

31 Replies

  • My vote is for the diesel.

    I have a 2007 Dodge 3500 SRW with a 6.7 Cummins and pull a 33' Mountaineer fifth wheel. Weight 10,575 pin 2,175. I checked the overhead monitor and it showed 14.5 mpg (I know its not totally accurate) driving 65 mph. I think with a gas engine, your mileage would be much worse especially with a bigger trailer. My truck has been deleted but otherwise it's not hard to maintain. I carry an extra fuel filter, but that's about it. 89,000 miles and it runs great. The built in exhaust brake is excellent pulling a trailer.