Best Diesel to tow 12,000-13,000 lbs?

[jhamlin]

Newbie here, so be easy on me eh? My wife & I are just beginning to consider what (used) diesel trucks to consider buying - to pull up to a 13K lb 5'er (not yet purchased). Looking at it another way, what engines and/or drive trains would you advise I stay away from? Diesel is my preference, and 100-150K miles on it isn't a problem if I can review maint. records - oil changes being the most important. We plan to pull the 5'er around 10K miles/year for a few years, out to AZ & back to Michigan. At this point, because there are so many factors involved (rear-end ratios, etc.), I feel somewhat vulnerable in the used truck market. Beyond picking the wrong engine/drivetrain configuration, we're also concerned that we don't wind up with a maint. nightmare or a lemon. Thanx in advance for any & all comments!

[jhamlin]

Hey, I want to thank everyone who responded to my query - this is quite a positive community! It all seems to point to a 3/4 ton Chevy/GM with a D'max & allison - ideally with a 5 or 6 speed - as an ideal setup for us. Especially useful were all the comments on the Fords out there - I would never have known of these problems and might have walked right into some salesman's "ambush"! Thanx again!

[mike_mck]

J
I will limit my comments to personal experience. I really have nothing of value to add regarding GM or Dodge although I'm sure each offers a quality product. But can speak to My Ford.
When I was doing my search for a 1 ton Dually I had a few requirements. Top of the list was the 7.3 Powerstroke. A 500,000 mile motor.
As others have said you probably want to stay away from the Fords with 6.0 and 6.4 diesels
Well while doing my search I included F550 and I found a 1999 F550 crew cab with pick up bed. Clean truck (not a big surprise in Az.) From the outside no difference from the F350. Yes frame was shortened.

Same engine and trans as F350 but everything else is much heavier. Dana 135 rear end with 4.88 gears as an example. I am currently using as a daily driver and it works just fine.
Now the best part. $7K price.

The set up pulls combined weight of 20K lbs up the 6% grade outside Phoenix at 70 MPH with no problem.

I know there are always discussion that you don't need a 1 ton or a Dually but I am all about overkill. I know everything I tow and haul is well within the safe limits of my truck.
Just my opinion.
Best of luck with your search.

[Paul_Clancy]

elkhornsun wrote:
With the GM diesels the 2007-2007.5 (Classic) Duramax LBZ engines are very reliable and less likely to require expensive repairs. The 2008-2010 LMM engine design was flawed and has a 9th injector that puts raw fuel into the exhaust cycle and a portion of it goes past the rings and into the motor oil. Not a huge problem if you do oil changes more often. Diesel engines when they do break are usually much more expensive to repair than a gas engine. People also forget that the engine is not the whole of the truck. If there are problems with the suspension, undersized brakes, AC, cooling system, electricals, etc. these also require time and money to repair and can derail a trip.

The comment about getting the exhaust brake is a good one to consider. It can help a great deal on downgrades and not only reduces wear on the brakes but also makes for less stressful driving. Aftermarket exhaust brakes are an option but price out the added cost before deciding on a truck.

Incorrect info about 2008-2010 duramax having a 9th injector. Was started on the lml trucks that use def.

[dadwolf2]

jhamlin wrote:
Diesel is my preference, and 100-150K miles on it isn't a problem if I can review maint. records - oil changes being the most important.

This caught my eye. Just remember not to compare gas engine oil change intervals with diesel engine oil change intervals. On my truck 7500 miles is considered severe and 15,000 light duty. I wouldn't worry at all if the truck oil was changed every 8-10k. And don't get excited when you check the dipstick and it's black.

[FishOnOne]

45Ricochet wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

ib516 wrote:
I would suggest a Chevy/GMC, RAM, or Ford (2011+ for Ford) of your choice if buying used.

If buying new, that list would then expand to include the Ford diesel. Nothing wrong with the Ford truck, but the diesel engines they used from 2003 - 2010 aren't ones I recommend people buy, though the 2008 - 2010s (6.4L) are slightly better than the 2003 - 2007 6.0L trucks.

JMHO

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[elkhornsun]

With the GM diesels the 2007-2007.5 (Classic) Duramax LBZ engines are very reliable and less likely to require expensive repairs. The 2008-2010 LMM engine design was flawed and has a 9th injector that puts raw fuel into the exhaust cycle and a portion of it goes past the rings and into the motor oil. Not a huge problem if you do oil changes more often. Diesel engines when they do break are usually much more expensive to repair than a gas engine. People also forget that the engine is not the whole of the truck. If there are problems with the suspension, undersized brakes, AC, cooling system, electricals, etc. these also require time and money to repair and can derail a trip.

The comment about getting the exhaust brake is a good one to consider. It can help a great deal on downgrades and not only reduces wear on the brakes but also makes for less stressful driving. Aftermarket exhaust brakes are an option but price out the added cost before deciding on a truck.

[45Ricochet]

rhagfo wrote:

ib516 wrote:
I would suggest a Chevy/GMC, RAM, or Ford (2011+ for Ford) of your choice if buying used.

If buying new, that list would then expand to include the Ford diesel. Nothing wrong with the Ford truck, but the diesel engines they used from 2003 - 2010 aren't ones I recommend people buy, though the 2008 - 2010s (6.4L) are slightly better than the 2003 - 2007 6.0L trucks.

JMHO

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[calewjohnson]

I bought a 2005 Chevy 2500 D/A 4x4 with only 95k miles on it. It took a long time to find it. ALL of the Big 3 have their goods/bads.... I found some nice Dodge 2500/3500, but they were early (2000-2005) up north, I stayed away because of the potential rust. I looked for a 7.3 Ford, but stayed away from the 2003-2006??) Navistar engines. Wanted a pre-2007 Duramax due to emissions, so finally settled on an LLY Duramax. Knock on wood, 20k miles since November 2012 and she is a beast. It was hard to find a stock truck, but they can be had. I would suggest hitting up the truck forums...duramaxforum.com has been a big help, plus they have the engine types broke into groups....

Good luck.

Cale

[hone_eagle]

Why does everybody recommend 'girly trucks'?

12 liters at least, 16 is better:W

[Norskeman]

I have purchased GM's because of the Duramax/Allison combo.

Now that Ram has come out with a new tranny for the Cummins I may consider one in the future.

The size of the trailer you are looking at - you will need a dually. We are near the GVWR of our truck (11,600) and we have a "light" fifth wheel.

Last CAT scale:
Steer Axle - 4900 lbs
Drive Axle - 6060 lbs
Trailer Axle - 9220 lbs
Gross Weight - 20,180 lbs

RV weight leaving the factory was 10,014 lbs "dry".

[travelnutz]

Passin Thru,

Total BS!

[mpierce]

You do NOT need a dually to pull a 13,000# 5th wheel. Any 2500 or 3500 will do.

I prefer Cummins, but all are good. Some years Fords have horrendous engine problems.

[chevor]

Bull, I still drive mine with over 535,000 miles on it over 4,000 miles a week.

[Passin_Thru]

6 speed and I own a Chevy Duramax but I would'nt reccomend them as they don't stan behind warranties and you ahve to replace transmission cooler lines and front hubs in the first 50000 miles.

[meesda]

powderman426 wrote:
It doesn't matter which brand. Just buy the one with a Cummin's in it.

Do you really mean a Titan LOL.