Deisel vs. Gasoline

[Alannyiri]

We bought a new 41 ft Redwood last fall (16,400 GVWR) and plan to start FTing next winter, after retirement. I'm planning to buy a Ram 3500 (or perhaps 4500) crew cab dually chassis, and put a hauler-style bed on it. I've been planning to fit the truck with the 6.7 L Cummins, but I have to wonder if the new 6.4 L Hemi might be sufficient for the job. We'll have a small car with us for day-to-day exploring, and plan to move around infrequently and seasonally - two months here, four months there - so there won't be a lot of annual mileage ; perhaps 12-15,000 a year for the tow vehicle, max. The $8K savings of the Hemi over the Cummins is tempting, but the extra torque and exhaust braking is equally desirable. Anyone with real-world experience out there who'd like to share the wisdom of your experience with us? (PS: my last rig was a Ford 350 dually with the 7.3 deisel, pulling a HR 30 ft TT, used for extended work trips - I'm a photographer. We have a lot of 3-6 month trips under our belt, and know the lifestyle we're about to move into.) Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and advise.

[ford_truck_guy]

You stated that you will have a small car with you for the running around..... Will you be double towing with the truck?? No brainer if double towing.... diesel.... BTW - I would do diesel either way... I moved from the V-10 to the diesel and will never go back....

[mdamerell]

Personally for a 16,400# GVWR trailer I'd want the diesel. It's the right tool for the job. The new 6.7 L Cummins should run circles around the old 7.3 L.

Just for perspective a 53' van semi trailer weights around 14,000# empty and a refrigerated is around 16,000# empty.

Between the torque and engine braking, I'd go diesel.

[pugslyyy]

I would go with the diesel every time. Btw that new Dodge Ram seems to be a helluva truck.

[ArcticDodge]

I would think that "saving" 8k after spending around 100k for a new 5'r and new truck is such a small percentage to be almost meaningless given the diesel will be the superior powertrain for your application.

[AZ_T_T]

I would recommend the diesel, you won't be disappointed. As far as the extra expense, you will recoup that when you sell or trade the truck in some day.