Towing in the real world. gas or diesel

Quick answer, NO!
The long answer is really complicated, topping is with, are you going to be happy with poor fuel economy and screaming enging climbing even the slightest of grades?
Diesels will almost always have greater pulling power and return better fuel economy while doing it. Maintenance? Diesels, yes, use more oil per oil change and the oil filter might cost you a couple dollars more. Other than routine service my Cummins has not cost me one cent in repairs going on 11 years. So IMHO the diesels cost more story is someones fabrication who knew some who knew someone that had a Ford 6.0L diesel once. And have no real basis in truth for modern diesels. Any modern automobile or truck is going to cost you a bundle if work is needed. Dont believe me, just lift the hood or look under a modern vehicle. To do almost anything on modern vehicles will likely require pulling the motor. That is IF you can actually find a real mechanic that knows how to.

You might look into the Ram 6.4 gasser. It is a medium duty truck gas engine with 370 hp and 429 foot pounds of torque. Realizing, of course, the new diesels are now over 900 foot pounds of torque. If you are looking for power against the wind or towing in the mountains that is your answer.

You have one of the worst diesel engines put in a light duty truck as far as cost to keep going so you have a bad taste in your mouth. 2009 was not really a good year for any of them. I urge you to reconsider your train of thoughts.

You are going to hate yourself for going backwards.
FWIW, I have been researching this myself. My TT is about 10K# and I have finally come to the consideration that I would not be happy even with the new big gas engines.
OTOH, As I have in the past, I will get more than what I paid new for the diesel when I trade it in over what it would be worth if it was a gasser.

My next TV will be a Ram 3/4 tin with the 6.4 and proper gearing. I don’t want a diesel even if I had a heavy fifth wheel. Too many issues with all the new technology.

The 6-speed transmissions, with lockout feature, in the later gas 3/4 tons have made the biggest difference. Add in a little more HP & TQ, and it is easy to find a sweet spot for most towing, without having a screaming rpm.

Jerry

Diesels have undergone a renaissance in the last 7-8 years. They are more powerful by far, generally more reliable and much better suited to towing heavy loads up and down mountains.

I don't know why people insist that diesel maintenance is more costly. With the exception of the oil and fuel filter changes along with the oil change costing somewhat more I have spent essentially zero on maintenance that I would not have spent on a gasser. Windshield wipers and such are needed by both types of trucks for example. Oh yes there is that DEF cost, about $7 every 2500-3000 miles. Fuel cost will be around $500 for that distance so that $7 sinks out of sight.

Get a modern diesel is my advice. And don't buy a 3/4 ton that makes no sense, spend the extra few bucks and get a 1 ton. It handles the same, it uses the same amount of fuel but hauls more stuff.

Usnthedog wrote:
I've been down the gas road in 04 and the diesel in 09. Looking to buy again. I had a lighter trailer in 04 but my siverado 6+ liter gas would just scream in a head wind. 4000 rpm was common. Bigger trailer and a power stroke diesel. Just fine but diesels are a PIA and costly. OK, I've read posts where it works out in the end but I'm tired of the diesel and would like to go back to gas. Here's the set up. 12,000# fifth wheel, medium height. With the new techs and trannies will any of the big three pull this without blowing piston out the hood. Middle of Kansas so lots of wind and Colorado Mountains. Is there a gasser in a 3/4 ton out there that will pull it at 65-70 mph and not peak out in rpm? Real life not book, please.

Thanks for your input,

Jeff

Input don't judge all diesels by an 2009 Ford/Navastar 6.4! This was the second worst diesel in an PU, and the worst for for maintenance and fuel mileage.
In the nine years since you bought the Ford, diesels have gotten quieter, and much stronger, with transmissions to match.
Today's gas engines are also stronger, but they start getting weak at about 12,000# towing getting to the top end. Sure you will find those that pull 15,000# with gas, but 4.30 or lower gears, and winding all the time except on a flat road with a tail wind.
Newer diesels don't even to start to sweat pulling 12,000#, many are rated to tow twice that much. The can do that with 4.10 gearing. Towing 12,000# easily with 3.42's or 3.73's.

I wouldn't want to tow that heavy of a rig up mountain passes or in the wind with a gasser.

Simple question, how many class 8 80,000 GVW gas trucks do you see?