I am looking to upgrade my tundra within a year as we will be looking at a 5th wheel that the tundra can't handle. Here is my question for you that tow large trailers with gas and diesel. Like you where ever i go my tow vehicle is main transportation. I know diesels pull better and gas engines with right gears are capable. Gas trucks make ok daily drivers like my tundra but how about the diesel trucks. So if any of you have any input I would appreciate it.

My truck is a daily driver. I bought it new in 2007. It has a rough ride on our bad roads here in Michigan but pulls great. The newer 1 tons ride better I'm sure but mine is paid off and is still in good shape.

Chevy 2500hd gas here. My truck is tolerable as a daily if I air down tires and keep about 500 lbs. in bed.

I'll be the first to say I use my Chevy Silverado 3500 Duramax Diesel Duly as a daily driver. Sure, it uses more fuel than our family car, and diesel fuel has cost more than gas for several years now. For me, the trade-off IS THAT comfortable tow. You really need to think in terms of what is the ultimate extreme usage you'll be experiencing with your truck, not what is the lightest usage and hope it's OK when the extreme happens.The other good thing about my truck is, I live in Central Indiana in the country, live 25 miles from my office and depend upon this truck for traveling back road over some adverse conditions too, like snow and ice in the winter when my family car is grounded in the garage! Also, I use the truck for hauling a utility trailer, and it serves a lot of purposes, and hauls a lot of "stuff". Here's the thing.... if you're even remotely thinking of diesel / duly .. go for it. 1), you won't regret it. 2) your finances will adjust. 3) you'll find it so much more enjoyable towing (anything), and 4) they are just plain fun to drive!If you talk yourself out of it, you'll probably be kicking yourself later, always wondering "Why didn't I get it when I could have?" You'll never have peace of mind wondering (would it have been better IF?)

A lot of people drive diesel trucks daily. Start looking in the parking lot of your work place and you will see.

Been using my 3500 Ram as a DD for 14 years.Wouldn't change a thing!

Tow vehicle and daily driver.... | Good Sam Community

Hideout17
Explorer
Jul 30, 2016
Hybridhunter wrote:
Sounds like an Ecoboost 3.5 with the HD package would be the ticket. Our company abandoned diesels because unless you need one, it doesn't make sense. The 3.5 tows as well or better and the first gen Duramax. Enjoy the $10K you saved on a trip or an extra toy.[/quotte]

I think with a 15k 5th it would be way over loaded....
Hybridhunter
Explorer
Jul 29, 2016
Sounds like an Ecoboost 3.5 with the HD package would be the ticket. Our company abandoned diesels because unless you need one, it doesn't make sense. The 3.5 tows as well or better and the first gen Duramax. Enjoy the $10K you saved on a trip or an extra toy.
IdaD
Explorer
Jul 28, 2016
3oaks wrote:
For towing heavy and/or long trailers, nothing beats a 250/350 or 2500/3500 with a diesel engine. But for me to use as a daily driver they would literally suck for a variety of reasons. Among them being poorer fuel mileage, rougher riding, poorer maneuvering ability (wider turning radius) and cramped parking spaces.

I get better mileage than most gas half tons, and my turning radius is quite a bit tighter too. The exterior dimensions are the same aside from being a bit taller. I like the way my Cummins Ram drives and handles just fine.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Jul 27, 2016
now now 3oaks, this is not the time to try to be practical and have a cush ride. :B
3oaks
Explorer
Jul 27, 2016
For towing heavy and/or long trailers, nothing beats a 250/350 or 2500/3500 with a diesel engine. But for me to use as a daily driver they would literally suck for a variety of reasons. Among them being poorer fuel mileage, rougher riding, poorer maneuvering ability (wider turning radius) and cramped parking spaces.
Durb
Explorer
Jul 26, 2016
I traded from an 08 Nissan Titan to a 2004.5 Ram 3500 dually. The Titan was fast, quiet, smooth comfortable and softly sprung. The Ram is noisy and ponderous plus it won't fit in a lot of places. That being said, I would never go back. There is something about starting up that diesel and taking your place on the road that is endearing. Maybe it is that Harley thing, other bikes may be better in many ways but none stir the senses like a Harley. Feel the same way about my truck.
IdaD
Explorer
Jul 26, 2016
Trick in sig is my daily driver and I love it. Drives nice, decent ride, quiet and plenty fast. Also toes my fifth wheel effortlessly.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Jul 26, 2016
If "most" trips get your truck up to temperature, don't worry about it.

It's when "NO" trips get your truck up to temperature that there are issues, and it's not so much of a concern anymore with the DEF systems. Mostly these days it's Bosch lift pumps going bad because they weren't designed for US-spec diesel fuel, the dealer claiming you put water in the fuel and denying warranty, and not so much of that anymore either.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Jul 26, 2016
Hideout17 wrote:
Thank you for the replies. My main concern was with the newer trucks and the def fluid emissions. Buying the def fluid is no big deal. I just worry about stuff getting gunned up. Most trips i make the engine gets up to temp on the truck I have now. We go to Florida for 4 months are where ever we go that's what we drive. I am thinking 1 ton SRW short box for that reason. Its about same size as my tundra.

You are on the right track.
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Jul 26, 2016
I didn't want the emissions systems of the newer diesels, so I kept my truck searching to model years 2003 and older. Very happy with my 2001 diesel. It's just as simple as my '97 diesel was.

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