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!

[powderman426]

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

[john_bet]

I would suggest one like the one I have. See signature below. My 5er is 12,100gvw.

[whsk]

Easy choice-get a cummins!-preferably a lightly used one-they have the rep for long life-whsk

[transamz9]

There's nothing wrong with the 4 speeds for the weigh you are pulling. As far as motors go, I'm with everyone else. The 3.73:1 gear is a good highway pulling gear.

[Vulcaneer]

Ram Cummins, or Chevy/GMC Duramax diesel. Stay away from 2003 to 2007 6.0L Fords, or 2008 to 2010 Ford 6.4L diesels.

Transmissions. Best to choose a 5 speed. A 6 speed is even better, but only available in later/newer years.

And select a 3500 model over the 2500 model.

[N-Trouble]

Ford 6.0 diesels in my area are selling for about the price of a gas truck. People know to stay away...

If buying used you really can't go wrong with the Duramax/Allison combo. It has had a long service life and has proven to be a dependable and capable powertrain. Cummins is also a good motor but Dodge just hasn't had an auto tranny that can put the power to the ground like an Allison. You'll also have a lot more comfortable ride in the GM truck due to the IFS and seeing as your going to be logging a lot of towing miles something to consider.

Your weights are getting close to 1 ton range. Keep an eye on pin weight if going 3/4 ton.

[rhagfo]

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

I switched from Ford to Dodge to have a Cummins diesel, I feel it was a very good move.

[ib516]

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

[wittmeba]

Very easy question to answer:

Chevy/GMC, Ford or Dodge 🙂

[phenrichs]

I bought a 2006 Dodge 3500 single rear wheel. Didn't need duals. My only complaint is the 4 speed auto trans. If I could have afforded I would have gone newer and got the model with the 6 spd and factory exhaust brake. However having the 06 gets me better mileage and no emissions to deal with.

Now brand aside you will certainly want diesel for that load. In order to keep with the ratings you will need to go dual rear wheels. You may need air bags for load leveling on the truck and you may not. Any of the big 3 will more than suit your needs. The Ford 6.0 was a troublesome engine factory but I know guys that have picked them up dirt cheap (like $10K for under 100K miles) and put 6 or 7 thousand into the engine to "repair" the factory issues and now they are great trucks. There were some Chevys that had injector and overheating issues.

The biggest thing in buying a used diesel is the maintenance record. That can be worth more than the truck itself.

[ScottG]

A 2003 Dodge 3500 - preferably blue. 😉

[crickeydog]

jhamlin wrote:
Thanx in advance for any & all comments!

Do your research and lots of it, read the diesel truck forums, then buy the nicest pre-emission 2006 or older dual rear wheel one ton crew cab truck you can find. Then drive'er till you retire.

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)