Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
Well I don't know how long it would take to break even. But having owned three Duramax/Allison comb's, we will not go back to gas. The towing ability of the Diesel vs gas. Its a no brainer. However it depends on the person, gas engines will tow also. But we just prefer Diesel. Put the Diesel under a load and then the gasser then you will undersand. Good Luck on your choice, take your time and save money. We do own a gas burner, I got my wife her birthday present a 2006 Chevy Silverado S/B small V-8 to use when we aren't on the road. GBY....
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2012 Chevy 3500HD DRW's (SOLD)
Pressure Pro System (SOLD) Trailer Saver TS 3 (SOLD)
Hi, I think it has more to do with how large a trailer you want to tow, rather than if you prefer gas of diesel. I know I don't care for the smell, difficulty in finding diesel, or the initial cost of the engine upgrade, but if I want to pull 17,000 pounds, diesel is what I need.
When we upgraded to our 32' double slide Gulfstream 5th wheel, we kept our 93 F250 with 460 gas engine for one season. Our new rigs weighs between 11,500 and 12,500 depending on how it is loaded with water ect. The 460 struggled on even the small hills and going over a steep mountain pass in Idaho we were down to 20mph and 1st gear. I new right then this truck wasn't going to cut it. I was worried about the tranny also. So we went with the diesel. Since we wanted a Ford, to get the new 5speed torque shift transmission we had to go diesel. Now you can get the upgranded tranny with the gas engine. It is like night and day towing with the diesel. Even though diesel costs more it is still cheaper to tow with diesel and I expect to get my money back on trade in.
Deisel pickups get nearly double the fuel mileage of an equivalent gasser while towing. My diesel gets 12 mpg pulling a 32' 5er at 65 mph. My friends get 6-7mpg. With some simple break-even analysis math, an extra $5,000 initial purchase cost for the diesel will take slightly more than 23,000 miles to pay for itself. I've used the following assumptions: Gas and diesel = $3.00 per gallon 12 mpg diesel vs 6.5 mpg gas
The break-even mileage will get lower as fuel prices rise. I have not taken into account higher diesel engine life or higher resale value for the diesel.
So, if you plan to tow a lot, I recommend a diesel. If you are going to tow less and sit stationary a lot, gas will be fine.
Just had to say that we have found that an 8.1 liter gas with a 5 speed allison transmission is a good match for <12,000# 5th wheel. How fast, how far, and how often you pull might change the choice but after 20k miles in the mountains of NM, AZ and Utah, I am pleased with the current package.
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Larry and Jacki-belle Linley with Taiga our minature dachsund - 2011 34 ft Montana towed by a 2014 Silverado Durmax Allison 4x4.
