towing 9,000 lb camper 13 hours

georgialawn88 wrote:
Hello, there. I'm new to this site. just found it. I have a 2 door 3 seater f250. I tow my palomino puma with that truck. I am looking to upgrade the truck to 4 door just so I can carry the family camping and not drive 2 vehicles. Im deciding on gas or diesel. for short trips its no big deal driving 2 cars. but I want to go to key west which is 13 hours from me. id like to stay with a gas just because I'm used to it and its cheaper. This truck will be used for my every day business as well. i turn off and on the truck 25-30 times a day. My question is does this weight for a bumper pull put too much strain on the gas engine with 6 people in the truck? would you stick with gas or swap to diesel? will starting and stopping a diesel motor 30 times a day 5 days a week hurt it? I appreciate all info. I need all the answers I can get as this is going to be a big decision for me. thanks y'all!!! happy camping

Welcome!

Thirteen hours drive time from Key West?! Lucky you! Takes us 43 hours of drive time to make our annual trek to Key West :(

As long as you purchase a 3/4 - 1-ton gasser with the lowest rear end ratio available (highest numerically) you won't "strain" it. If you tow with a high rear end ratio (low numerically) expect a dramatically lower tow rating capacity and lots of "strain" (i.e. tranny issues).

Do you drive at at highway speeds for at least 15-30 minutes several times a month? If not, definitely don't go with a late-model, DEF equipped diesel. They have to have time and opportunity to finish those regenerations. Otherwise, expect potentially expensive emission issues.