Gas tow vehicle for fifthwheel

[Hedgehog]

I am currently looking to trade our 40' diesel pusher for a 2016 Montana fifthwheel. With that comes a new tow vehicle. Even though I've owned several diesels, I'm leaning to a gas burner. I looking at a 2015 gmc 3500 srw with the 6.0 gas engine and 4.10 axle ratio or a 2015 f350 srw with 6.2 gas engine and 4.30 axle ratio. I only tow approx.1,500 miles a year and the other 14,000 miles a year will be as a daily driver. Of these two, which one will do the job better and which one is more reliable?

[ls1mike]

There is this...How good it is, I can't say but it is something to read.
3/4 ton gasser shootout.

I have been in the Ford and GM. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

I know you didn't mention the Ram, but it is very nice too!

[spud1957]

Thunderbolt wrote:

spud1957 wrote:
The 6.2 has 385HP & 405TQ, tow rating 15.3+K

The 6.0 has 335HP & 380TQ, tow rating 13.9K

On paper the 6.2 will out perform the 6.0. Both are a proven and reliable platform.

Actually the chevy has 360 hp and 380 torque

That's correct. Have no idea why I typed 335 and didn't notice it.

Thanks for the correction.

[Thunderbolt]

spud1957 wrote:
The 6.2 has 385HP & 405TQ, tow rating 15.3+K

The 6.0 has 335HP & 380TQ, tow rating 13.9K

On paper the 6.2 will out perform the 6.0. Both are a proven and reliable platform.

Actually the chevy has 360 hp and 380 torque

[_DJ_1]

As a Ford 6.2 owner for over 4 years and 35000 miles I have nothing to say but good things about it. The only problem I had with it was not going in to 4X4 with the electric switch. The Dealer cleaned and serviced the electric vacuum pump that actuates the 4X4 and all is good. No, I was not stranded. Ford also has manual hubs in case the electrics fail.

A 6.2 with 430 gears would be a beast!! JMHO

I am seriously considering re-gearing to 410. Currently have 373 but with the 35" tires more like 355. If I got 410 gears I could go to 37" tires to put me back at 373!!

[jerem0621]

I think you are fine either way. I've met a lot of RV'ers with gassers towing Montana's...fully loading our last TT we managed 1500 lbs added to it...and we carried a LOT of stuff.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[dshelley]

Hedgehog, You've made it clear a diesel is not on your choice list. Others have suggested the 6.4 Ram simply because it will do the job you require as well or better than the others. 14000 miles empty with the cylinder deactivation would return some honest fuel savings. But, between the 2, as much as I like the new GM's, that 6.0 is not as strong as I would like pulling 12K or more. Those hills will seem mighty long. I'd head to the Ford dealer and order that F350, 6.2/430:1 in the exact color and configuration desired.
It may burn 2 or 3 gallons more each week, but will pull the load fine.

[TomG2]

Get enough payload and whichever brand you prefer. You will use a lot of fuel and hear the engine rev some during that 1,500 miles with the gas engine, but the rest of your travels will be quiet and enjoyable.

[Hedgehog]

I wouldn't be aposed to a diesel 10 years ago. Now I am all set with all the added emissions. I know the diesel gives a better towing experience but there is too much going on in those new diesels for my liking. Just the weight of the exhaust system on a new diesel robs over 100 pounds off the payload. Not to mention I have another 5 gallon tank of animal urine (DEF), heaters for the urine, etc. I'll stick to simple for the amount I tow.
I have a friend that does at least 5,000 miles a years towing a fifthwheel and he is a cheap sob. He didn't the math between gas vs. diesel and he found no financial advantage. He towing a fifthwheel similar in weight to the one I'm getting with a 2012 f350 srw 6.2 gas 4.30 axle.

[mudfuel07]

I would go with the Ford 6.2 with 4.30's. I have it in a work truck and other than the lower mileage (about 6-7) towing 15k, it's been a solid truck. It takes the abuse of short runs, long runs and heavy towing without a hiccup. While I drive a diesel for personal use, I don't mind listening to the V8 roar when using it.

[spud1957]

Guess I'll add my comments.

Going from 11.7K pounds to 14K+ is not lightly loaded in my opinion. That's 2300lbs+. If you are carrying that much extra weight you are a hoarder!

Not sure how the discussion became a 3/4 ton topic? The OP stated he is looking at 350/3500 Ford/GM.

And then again the Ram option has come up again. Don't think the OP is living under a rock. I'm sure he is aware Ram makes 3500 series trucks but has decided he doesn't want to consider one.

My gawd, would someone considering a new truck would you PLEASE consider a Ram and we can all get along?:) This is the third post of people considering new trucks and not looking at Ram! Maybe the next one will be.

And of course the diesel discussion is brought up. The OP is only pulling 1500 miles a year and stated he's had a diesel and does not want one. If anyone wants to anty up the add'l $10,000 for one I'm sure he'll take it.

From a spec perspective, the Ford is a better choice with 4:30 gears and the trailer is well within the specs.

S

[MFL]

Both trucks mentioned would be very reliable.

With the FW weight around 14,000 lbs., I think the 350 6.2, with the 4.30 gearing will work the best for you. Even though you will not tow a lot, the 4.30 gears will be needed for the Montana you are considering.

Jerry

[Stovepipe]

FWIW regarding payload on the 6.4L Ram, you gain about 700 pounds of payload going with the 3500 SRW over the 2500. In the case of the trucks I've been looking at recently that equates to about 4000lbs vs. 3295lbs. The 1 ton is roughly $1200 more.

[goducks10]

My guess is that with a 3/4 ton you're right at the edge as far as payload. Most gasser 3/4 tons seem to be in the 28-3000lb range. IMO for the short distances you tow a 350-3500 would be the best bet. Only $900 more. Since it's your daily driver then 3.73 gears would be better. If you put 14,000 on as a DD then you are on the road some. Not putting 5 miles to work and back. A 350-3500 will give you the payload and then some. Same mpg as a 250-2500. If you were doing a lot more camping then 4.10 or 4.30 would be better.

[JN_B]

I'd go diesel if I were you.

I towed with a 1500HD (6L/4spd/blackbear tuned) ~7000#'s, I can't imagine using a similar motor with a much heavier truck and trailer.

The only gas motor I would consider in a 1 ton for that heavy pulling would be the Hemi 6.4L.

Not saying the 6.0L gas couldn't do it, but that would be a long drive.

[Me_Again]

kmbelt wrote:

Me Again wrote:

Hedgehog wrote:
2016 Montana 3160 rl.
11710# shipping weight
2570# hitch weight
16000# GVWR
I camp usually within 300 miles of my home and only carry 10 gallons of water just for emergencies

With that weight you would be a lot happier with a truck without spark plugs!

Chris

How do you know they are not happy with their current rig. Being happier is simply your opinion.

I'm happier now with my gasser than i was with my previous diesel. Wouldn't turn back.

Posted earlier:

"The 6.2 has 385HP & 405TQ, tow rating 15.3+K

The 6.0 has 335HP & 380TQ, tow rating 13.9K"

Are you towning between 14-16K with spark plugs? Are you going down mountain passes with 14-16K with a spark plugs?

This trailer lightly loaded will be 14K or more!

Chris