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!

[Engineer9860]

FishOnOne wrote:

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

X2

X3

X4 :B

e=mc2

[Hannibal]

blt2ski wrote:
I'll take the one that fits my butt the best!

Marty

At this point in life, after some surgeries on the ol' differential, I agree.

[Norskeman]

A 34 foot Big Horn may be too much weight (pin weight) for a 2500HD - even an "older" 3500 HD

The Duramax/Allison have the ratings to pull the trailer - it is the truck design that is the limiting factor (frame, brakes, suspension, tires).
2006 - 2007 LBZ Duramax (Revised piston design lowered compression ratio to 16.8:1 from 17.5:1, a stronger block debuted, and a 32-bit ECU was introduced).
Horsepower: 360 hp @ 3,200 RPM
Torque: 650 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM

The 2006 model - GVWR's. Someone may have the weight of the truck. Then you can figure out how much payload it will have.
3500HD SRW - GVWR of 9900 lbs
2500HD - GVWR of 9200 lbs.
3500HD dually - GVWR of 11,400 lbs.

If the truck had a good maintenance record there should not be any major component failures.

If you know a diesel mechanic - have the mechanic check it out.

If you purchase the truck - change all fluids and external filters and start a clean maintenance schedule.

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/76-gm-trucks/64-maintenance-fluids/33348-duramax-maintenance-schedule.html

If it has 16" 245 tires - change them to 16" 265's. Gain about 400 lb capacity per tire. Add air bags and bilstein shocks (http://www.kennedydiesel.com/) (That is what I did to a 2004 D/A 2500HD I owned that was used to pull a 32' Everest fifth wheel).

[rhagfo]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:

jhamlin wrote:
Thanx guys for all your comments. Wife & I bought a 34ft Big Horn last week and are now actively look for the right tow vehicle. Just drove a good-looking 3/4-ton 2006 Silverado with 166K mile on it, and it drove out pretty well. The dealer says he's might be able to get some maint records, but couldn't promise. My questions have to do with maintenance - ie., likelyhood of having to replace a big-ticket item like a turbo or a worn-out Allison. Should I consider getting an engine oil evaluation, and can the same be done with the tranny? Any idea what the average lifetime is on these turbos? Being really cautious here . .

Pretty low. The allie is a great tranny and can put up with abuse. Dmax's are not known to kill turbo's. Turbo should go 250 to 300 grand easy.

Yes you can do oil analysis for both the engine and tranny. I recommend you do both.

If it's the trailer I'm thinking of I think you're going to be short on truck with that trailer. You might check that out first.

Blackstone Labs is a good location for fluid testing.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

jhamlin wrote:
Thanx guys for all your comments. Wife & I bought a 34ft Big Horn last week and are now actively look for the right tow vehicle. Just drove a good-looking 3/4-ton 2006 Silverado with 166K mile on it, and it drove out pretty well. The dealer says he's might be able to get some maint records, but couldn't promise. My questions have to do with maintenance - ie., likelyhood of having to replace a big-ticket item like a turbo or a worn-out Allison. Should I consider getting an engine oil evaluation, and can the same be done with the tranny? Any idea what the average lifetime is on these turbos? Being really cautious here . .

Pretty low. The allie is a great tranny and can put up with abuse. Dmax's are not known to kill turbo's. Turbo should go 250 to 300 grand easy.

Yes you can do oil analysis for both the engine and tranny. I recommend you do both.

If it's the trailer I'm thinking of I think you're going to be short on truck with that trailer. You might check that out first.

[rhagfo]

jhamlin wrote:
Thanx guys for all your comments. Wife & I bought a 34ft Big Horn last week and are now actively look for the right tow vehicle. Just drove a good-looking 3/4-ton 2006 Silverado with 166K mile on it, and it drove out pretty well. The dealer says he's might be able to get some maint records, but couldn't promise. My questions have to do with maintenance - ie., likelyhood of having to replace a big-ticket item like a turbo or a worn-out Allison. Should I consider getting an engine oil evaluation, and can the same be done with the tranny? Any idea what the average lifetime is on these turbos? Being really cautious here . .

Make sure that the 2500 has the payload capacity to carry your pin weight and passengers, or you might find your self in my place. I am over GVWR, but still under GCVWR, GRAWR and tire rating. That said carry the "overload" on stock Camper Special spring pack level without using the overloads.

[jhamlin]

Thanx guys for all your comments. Wife & I bought a 34ft Big Horn last week and are now actively look for the right tow vehicle. Just drove a good-looking 3/4-ton 2006 Silverado with 166K mile on it, and it drove out pretty well. The dealer says he's might be able to get some maint records, but couldn't promise. My questions have to do with maintenance - ie., likelyhood of having to replace a big-ticket item like a turbo or a worn-out Allison. Should I consider getting an engine oil evaluation, and can the same be done with the tranny? Any idea what the average lifetime is on these turbos? Being really cautious here . .

[blt2ski]

I'll take the one that fits my butt the best!

Marty

[wintersun]

Everyone will have an opinion but in the GM Duramax a good engine is the LBZ found in the 2006 to 2007.5 (Classic) trucks. Pretty good engine and only weakness is potential fuel starvation but when this happens the engine will limp along and provide you with an opportunity to fix it before any damage is done.

Older Ford diesels are to be avoided though you will be tempted as they often sell for $5,000 less than a comparable Dodge or GM truck of same year and trim level.

[calewjohnson]

jasult wrote:
Ford 7.3 or Ford 6.7 engines are good
I just picked up 1999 F350 Dually crew cab for a steel price because of noisy trans converter which is not big problem.
I have 3 Fords with 7.3 engines and they just like to work and pull hard. If money is not a problem look at the 6.7 Ford diesels.

When I was looking for a truck, I really wanted a 7.3 Ford. My cousin has a 1999 with over 300k, not much wrong with the engine, International did Ford right with that engine...

Cale

[jasult]

Ford 7.3 or Ford 6.7 engines are good
I just picked up 1999 F350 Dually crew cab for a steel price because of noisy trans converter which is not big problem.
I have 3 Fords with 7.3 engines and they just like to work and pull hard. If money is not a problem look at the 6.7 Ford diesels.

[whsk]

get a 3500-i still think the cummins is a better engine choice!-I will take cover now!-whsk

[45Ricochet]

jhamlin wrote:
Hey, I want to thank everyone who responded to my query - this is quite a positive community! ]b] 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!

Reading comprehension is a funny thing. Although the TV you mentioned was suggested there were other's also. I understand the Ram not being in the mix for some folks, just because it's a Chrysler but you might also consider thinking out of the box :W
Anyway the only reason for the post was to suggest a 35 series over the 25 series of trucks. A 13k lb fiver in most cases will exceed the 25 series ratings.
Good Luck and happy camping.

[drillking]

If and when you decide on a newer truck, 2011 to present, the F350 6.7 is the #1 selling one ton on the market. The new engine is awesome. I agree, stay away from the 6.0's.