Tow vehicle comparison...opinions wanted!

[philly_air]

We're getting ready to buy a tow vehicle for our new 2017 FC 28 RBQ. We have it narrowed down to two choices:

• 2017 Ford F-250 Platinum 6.2 Gas engine
• 2017 Chevy Silverado LTZ 2500 Diesel

These may seem like a bit of an odd match-up but they are both almost exactly the same price.

Also, I was able to find both locally in our color of choice. IMO a sliver truck pulling an airstream looks amazing.

Thanks for your input. We'll probably be buying one or the other in the next few days.

[ksteve06]

You must be getting a great deal on the chevy diesel then. I got $8500 off msrp for my 2017 f350 diesel. I was just looking at the chevy Silverado ltz diesel and msrp is about the same for ford diesels that I could tell.

[philly_air]

Originally Posted by ksteve06

You must be getting a great deal on the chevy diesel then. I got $8500 off msrp for my 2017 f350 diesel. I was just looking at the chevy Silverado ltz diesel and msrp is about the same for ford diesels that I could tell.

The Chevy Diesel has an MSRP of about $68K and the negotiated price is $61,500....basically the same for the F-250 gas truck but it's a Platinum so a few more bells and whistles.

[ksteve06]

I have the lariat value package on mine with the diesel and paid 60k for it. First diesel and will not go back to the gas after towing with it. It is great and the exhaust break is awesome. I know what your saying about the bells and whistles either way I would go with the diesel. I don't think you will regret it.

[philly_air]

Originally Posted by ksteve06

I have the lariat value package on mine with the diesel and paid 60k for it. First diesel and will not go back to the gas after towing with it. It is great and the exhaust break is awesome. I know what your saying about the bells and whistles either way I would go with the diesel. I don't think you will regret it.

Thanks ksteve. I've been looking for a Ford F-250 or F-350 Diesel Lariat with towing options but its tough to find. It seems like they are all either stripped down XL/XLTs or Platinum models that cost > $75K.

The gas platinum model has all the towing technology Ford offers for $62K but no big diesel engine.

Chevy is running some good incentives this month I suppose and my dealer has a silver truck that would look awesome pulling that airstream

[Free Ride]

I'm into my first week of travel with a 2017 28' Flying Cloud RB Queen and a 2017 F250 Lariat 6.2 gas. With no prior experience towing anything like this trailer, I'm quite pleased with the power and control. So far, I've towed from South Carolina, through Highlands, N.C., Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN. Road grades have been as steep as 5% according to the onboard inclinometer. You might want to know that we're using the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch with 1500 lb bars.

[philly_air]

Originally Posted by Free Ride

I'm into my first week of travel with a 2017 28' Flying Cloud RB Queen and a 2017 F250 Lariat 6.2 gas. With no prior experience towing anything like this trailer, I'm quite pleased with the power and control. So far, I've towed from South Carolina, through Highlands, N.C., Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN. Road grades have been as steep as 5% according to the onboard inclinometer. You might want to know that we're using the Blue Ox SwayPro hitch with 1500 lb bars.

Very good to know, thanks Free Ride. I don't have any experience towing either so this is all new to me as well. Good to hear that even with a gas engine the F-250 is a capable tow rig.

[B00merang]

If the costs are comparable...and you have a 28ft load, and the Chevy is the top of the line....no question: The Chevy!!

[CRH]

Drive them both and pick the one you like.

My pick would be a Ford gas truck, just not a Platinum. I don't need, want, or want to pay for all the bells and whistles. My issue with a Super Duty off the lot is they all seem to have the 3.73 gearing. I want 4.30.

[tjdonahoe]

Better check the ram with a Cummings....sure like mine....

[Thiatt55]

I'd buy the diesel. No debate. I tow with a Ram diesel and it works great. Last time I towed with a gas engine I realized that would be the last time I towed with gas. I am also not a fan of fords (Yes that is based on owning one). So if it was my choice I'd buy the diesel. I am on my 4th diesel TV.

[davidlparker]

Originally Posted by philly_air

We're getting ready to buy a tow vehicle for our new 2017 FC 28 RBQ. We have it narrowed down to two choices:

• 2017 Ford F-250 Platinum 6.2 Gas engine
• 2017 Chevy Silverado LTZ 2500 Diesel

These may seem like a bit of an odd match-up but they are both almost exactly the same price.

Also, I was able to find both locally in our color of choice. IMO a sliver truck pulling an airstream looks amazing.

Thanks for your input. We'll probably be buying one or the other in the next few days.

I have towed travel trailers for more than 40 years with both gas and diesel. Get the diesel. I do not have or have driven a Chevy diesel but I still think the diesel is the better option, e.g. torque and fuel economy.

David Parker
1989 Dodge D-350
1993 Excella 1000 (32')

[pappy19]

I have the Ford F250 in the V 10, but the new 6.2 V 8 has more HP and torque than my 2008. The biggest advantage of a gas engine is the less maintenance costs, and no urea tank to worry with. Your wife won't smell like diesel if she fills up the tank. Not much difference in towing ability between the 2 in the overall scheme of things.

[CRH]

My concern with a newer diesel is the cost of repairs after the warranty is gone. I keep vehicles for a very long time.

[Tom_T]

Originally Posted by philly_air

We're getting ready to buy a tow vehicle for our new 2017 FC 28 RBQ. We have it narrowed down to two choices:

• 2017 Ford F-250 Platinum 6.2 Gas engine
• 2017 Chevy Silverado LTZ 2500 Diesel

These may seem like a bit of an odd match-up but they are both almost exactly the same price.

Also, I was able to find both locally in our color of choice. IMO a sliver truck pulling an airstream looks amazing.

Thanks for your input. We'll probably be buying one or the other in the next few days.

We've been renting F250s from Enterprise Commercial Truck Rental for a few years now, in both the gas & Diesel 6L range, & if you're looking at the Fords, you may like the range of the Diesel F250 better - especially with their extended range tank.

If not available locally, then broaden your search a bit, & ask the dealer to do a dealer swap if found at another dealership further afield.

Good Luck!
Tom
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[Anders79]

I personally would always pick a diesel over gas for a TV. Diesel exhaust brake is a big deal; besides gas mileage and large / long hills.

[dugster]

Just returned from a 2 month, 9600 mile trip through the Rockies. Love the Silverado Duramax! If you expect that your travels will include mountains, the diesel will handle anything without straining going up and the diesel exhaust is actually fun going down from a summit. I honestly enjoy driving again since I got the diesel.

[Tbeck11931]

The F-250 6.7L King Ranch runs great. You will like the Diesel up in the mountains.
You can find great deals 2015-2016 year models.
Thomas

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by philly_air

Very good to know, thanks Free Ride. I don't have any experience towing either so this is all new to me as well. Good to hear that even with a gas engine the F-250 is a capable tow rig.

"Even with a gas engine" they are fine lol. Remember that exhaust brake on the diesel doesn't engage your trailer brakes.

[dmbecke]

Diesel
I like using the truck stops for fuel
Much more room