I am looking to get a sandstorm toy hauler travel trailer. I am wanting some advice on the tow vehicle. I am neutral when it comes to brand. The trailer will be 10k or less gvwr. I have the following questions. Is it worth it to get a diesel factoring in the cost of fuel and mileage. What truck is best for price. I would like to know real world mileage. I need a min of 10mpg if possible. I will be towing in various terrain and on trips over 1000miles at least once a year. Most of the towing will be within 200miles to the dunes. I want to spend under 30k on the vehicle. I don't mind getting a used vehicle especially if the newdiesels are not that great. I am strongly looking at a 2500 Silverado with the duramax. But I was wondering if the diesel upgrade is even worth it. 9000 difference in price buys alot of gas if the towing fuel mileage is not a huge difference. Thanks for the advice.

Be me i would get a 2500 with the 8.1 lighter than the deisel

I bought the GMC 2500 duramax. For me it was the extra torque going up the mountains and the exhaust brake coming down that made up my mind. Get Gas Buddy App for your phone and you can get better pricing on the diesel.

If you believe the commercials, you need something from Toyota or with Eco in the title. Just kidding, and only you can estimate the cost benefit of diesel. Any F-250 or 2500 series pickup will tow the trailer, no matter the engine choice.

My GMC 3500 dually averages 10.5 to 11.3 towing our 13200 lb fiver. Going through north Alabama hills you'd never know the fiver was there. Love my Duramax.

If you are towing in the flat lands, a gasser will work. Get a diesel if you tow in big hill or mountain country. A 250/2500 will work but a one ton is only a few hundred bucks more.

honest advice on a truck for towing 10000lbs | Good Sam Community

newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2014
Be me i would get a 2500 with the 8.1 lighter than the deisel
hbillsmith
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
I bought the GMC 2500 duramax. For me it was the extra torque going up the mountains and the exhaust brake coming down that made up my mind. Get Gas Buddy App for your phone and you can get better pricing on the diesel.
TomG2
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
If you believe the commercials, you need something from Toyota or with Eco in the title. Just kidding, and only you can estimate the cost benefit of diesel. Any F-250 or 2500 series pickup will tow the trailer, no matter the engine choice.
Halmfamily
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
My GMC 3500 dually averages 10.5 to 11.3 towing our 13200 lb fiver. Going through north Alabama hills you'd never know the fiver was there. Love my Duramax.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Sep 24, 2014
If you are towing in the flat lands, a gasser will work. Get a diesel if you tow in big hill or mountain country. A 250/2500 will work but a one ton is only a few hundred bucks more.
redneckanize
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
What is the fuel mileage difference between a gas and a diesel? just wondering if the cost is worth it.
redneckanize
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
I will look into the 3500 series.
ksss
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014
I don't think your going to see 10 mpg pulling 10K. I was pulling 8k with little wind resistance doing 75 on the Interstate yesterday and I got 9 with my GM 6.0 with 3.73s. If you are dead set on getting 10 mpg you will likely need to go diesel.
rjstractor
Nomad
Sep 24, 2014
If you're spending under 30K, then you are buying used. For 30K you will get a newer nicer truck if you go gas, but it won't tow as nice. Having said that, all the newer (2500/3500)gas trucks will tow 10K pretty well.
BB_TX
Nomad
Sep 24, 2014
If you are going to be towing in areas with mountains and steep grades you will probably be happier with the diesel. If most of your expected towing will be in flatter terrain then the gasser would probably do fine.
My F350 6.7 diesel gets 10+ mpg towing a high profile ~12,500 lb 5er at 70 highway. So you could expect a little better for the lighter weight, and especially if you keep the speed down. I have a hard time doing that. Gasser may not do as well on the fuel economy. I can squeeze over 20 mpg highway on my diesel if I drive for maximum economy. But around 19 is more common for my driving habits.
For that weight an F250/2500 truck would work fine. But an F350/3500 costs only slightly more and gives you more payload rating for that future upgrade in size/weight. ;) As for brand, any of the newer big 3 would be good. Just personal preference.