Tow vehicle for 30' classic limited

[cliffcharb]

I’ll give you my take on the choice. I have a 2005 30’ Safari bunk which weighs in around 8,000 lbs and towed with a 2005 Sierra 6.0 gas. It always got me where I needed all over the southeast. It slowed down on hills and I would manually drop a gear (4speed auto) on steep grades to maintain speed. I typically averaged around 9-10 mpg when towing, 13sh empty. I recently sold it with 240,000 trouble free miles.
I recently purchased a 2020 Diesel Sierra and am impressed with the fact the truck does all the work. I just hold the steering wheel. We just returned from a 2000 mile trip up to the Smokey Mountains and averaged slightly under 13mpg. Empty I average close to 20mpg.
As the owner of a fleet of diesels I opted for the best extended warranty I could get.

[jbear]

Thanks so much for all your insight and advice. I very much appreciate it!

If it weren't for a budget, we'd definitely go diesel. But based on the feedback thus far, it appears that the 2015 Sierra 2500HD SLT 6.0 gas with 43k miles I've found is a viable option. Gear ratio is 4.10. I can pick this up for just under $35k.

We're total newbies, and I so appreciate everyone's advice! I'd love to be pulling a new airstream with a 2020 diesel truck, but for now, our "new" 2005 30' classic and a used truck is what's in the budget. Eager to get on the road.

Thanks again!

[Miko38]

I have a 2019 2500 Silverado 6.0 gas with a 410 rear end. Towing a 6k (SOB) camper at 65 mph I get 6 to 7 mpg. Towing at 58 mph I average about 9 mpg. Regular driving I average 13 mpg.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by AKmtnpilot

I tow my 2019 30ft Classic with a 2019 Ram 1500/5.7 gasser with full tow package. No problems so far but I haven't been over Wolf Creek Pass yet.

Wolf Creek Pass? I don't recall any wild runs there.
I won't tow over the Million Dollar Highway and Red Mountain pass, but not because of steep grades.

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by jbear

Thanks so much for all your insight and advice. I very much appreciate it!

If it weren't for a budget, we'd definitely go diesel. But based on the feedback thus far, it appears that the 2015 Sierra 2500HD SLT 6.0 gas with 43k miles I've found is a viable option. Gear ratio is 4.10. I can pick this up for just under $35k.

We're total newbies, and I so appreciate everyone's advice! I'd love to be pulling a new airstream with a 2020 diesel truck, but for now, our "new" 2005 30' classic and a used truck is what's in the budget. Eager to get on the road.

Thanks again!

Jbear, congratulations on finding a more than capable tow vehicle. You’ll be just fine with the GMC. Plus, the 4.10 axle is an insurance policy for times when you need it.

I got some sage advice from our truck salesperson about the gas vs. diesel question. I was leaning towards the diesel and his response was “If you’re towing over 10K lbs, go with the diesel. If not, the gas will be more than adequate.” He was right - our 6.4 Gas / 3.73 did just fine in the Rockies.

Enjoy your new truck and 30’ Classic!
Jeff

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Wolf Creek Pass? I don't recall any wild runs there.
I won't tow over the Million Dollar Highway and Red Mountain pass, but not because of steep grades.

Mollysdad, ok - you piqued my interest on why you won’t tow the road north of Durango. Do tell!

I’ve driven it in a car with the DW closing her eyes. She’s already said “no” to towing the AS up or down the Million Dollar Highway. Looks like we’re going to Ouray from the north!

[Dozer1960]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

Check out the new Ford F-250 with 7.3L engine. A towing beast. Check out tfltruck.com and google Ford F-250 gauntlet test with 7.3L engine. Great Payload. And would pull your 30’ AS with ease. In the test it pulls a 15,000lb trailer up a 7% grade. Not a problem. It also has a 10speed transmission. Get’s about 15mpg on the flat. There is a thread on Airforums with a person who bought this truck. May want to read it.

I tow a 28’ and still use my F150 with Ecoboost, and just ordered a new F150 that can tow 12,500lbs. I really considered the F250 with the 7.3L, but felt it was overkill for what I need. By the way the 2021 F250 with the 6.2L is coming with a 10speed and also has great towing ability. The 10speed may help mpg’s. Also still use my F150 for work as an appraiser. So getting in and out of tight driveways is a problem with the F250.

I tow our 30’ FC RB with the Ford F-250 7.3L and it IS a towing beast! We have 10,000 miles on the truck and could not be happier. We average around 10 MPG towing and 14 otherwise. Also, even though there is no Diesel engine brake the 10 speed HD transmission works great keeping your speed in check, esp when on cruise.

Safe towing!

Brian

[Quincy1428]

Originally Posted by jbear

Hi all! Recently acquired a 2005 30' classic limited. I know I want to get a 3/4 ton truck; however, wondering whether I need a diesel. I've read a lot of the forums on tow vehicle recommendations, but none that provide the recommendation I'm looking for.

I've got a great deal lined up on a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD with a 6.0 gas engine. But, from what I've read, it's horrible on gas... and will lack power when towing our trailer through the mountains. Anyone have experience towing a similar Airstream with this vehicle?

At the end of the day, safety is paramount. We'll be traveling all over the U.S., including mountain trips, and want to find a reliable, used tow vehicle. If we need to spend the extra money for a 3/4 diesel truck, we'll do it.

Don't want to pass up this offer on the Sierra; however, also want to make the right choice on a truck going forward. Will the 3/4 ton gas engine on the Sierra be adequate for power... and adequate for braking?

Have also been considering the 2500HD diesel GMC or Chevy, or the Ford F250 diesel.

Hoping to find something with <50k miles and keep purchase around $40k or less.

Any and all recommendations are appreciated. Thank you!

We have an F350 diesel towing our 33’ Classic and you barely know the trailer is there. That being said we also own an F250 gas that we have towed other things other than our trailer and the difference is amazing.
We would recommend diesel all the way

[greenflag]

I was trying to make a similar decision when towing my 25' AI with a 1/2 ton truck. I wasn't totally happy with the 1500 series truck when towing.
Every RV park I went to I started watching what others were towing with. Same scenario when driving down the highway. My unscientific observation concluded that 95% of people towed with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck. Of those at least 90% were diesel. Decision Made. I've been towing twelve years with my Allison/Duramax 2500HD.
I couldn't be more happy with the experience. What brand you say. The big three all build excellent trucks.

[sbacon]

I have pulled our 30' Classic with an '08 Tundra 5.7 now with over 200K miles,
no problems with this truck. Planning ahead, I've ordered a Tesla Cybertruck,
the three motor version, rated to pull 14K, unloaded range 500 miles. I've not
seen any info on range while pulling a trailer, but anticipate about 350-400 miles.
Tesla has over 650K orders for this truck, and they're still building the factory,
so I expect to wait about 18 months to get mine. Then: no fuel, oil changes, DEF,
expensive oil filters, air filters, etc, etc. Full self-driving is an option which can
reduce at fault accidents by 75%. And electric is better for the environment !
I think that Tesla will offer optional solar charging which would be nice for those of us who boondock. Gas & diesel are going to be obsolete soon; good riddance.
[Notelease send all hate mail to tesla.com]
PS: This truck does 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds; not great Grandpa's truck,eh?

[Quincy1428]

Happy Camping, have fun and stay safe

[Tyvekcat]

Originally Posted by jbear

Thanks so much for all your insight and advice. I very much appreciate it!

If it weren't for a budget, we'd definitely go diesel. But based on the feedback thus far, it appears that the 2015 Sierra 2500HD SLT 6.0 gas with 43k miles I've found is a viable option. Gear ratio is 4.10. I can pick this up for just under $35k. We're total newbies, and I so appreciate everyone's advice! I'd love to be pulling a new airstream with a 2020 diesel truck, but for now, our "new" 2005 30' classic and a used truck is what's in the budget. Eager to get on the road.

Thanks again!

Yeah that's cool. I don't think the 2005 'Classic' will be any issue. That model is a great AS! You will enjoy it immensely.

I think you will a little disappointed in your tow vehicle. I've had couple gas trucks, even one with 4:10 gears. The 4:10 will help you,but that constant jump in RPM, up to the 4 grand range, that is what wore me out on trips.
It was okay in the tidewater areas, flat land area. You hit the Piedmont or the hill & valley areas, try to run for the hill. I didn't like that constant RPM.
I had read on the forum here someone was trying to pull a AS with some little acura MDX and was running 3 grand + on flat land ! I was thinking tail waggin the dog, but I digress.

I've had my Cummins diesel almost 15 years now. Can't go back to 'spark plug' truck. From some of the post I have read in this thread, a lot of other people wouldn't want to give up their diesel.
Our current AS is a 28 International. It tows excellent. way better than those square trailers I had before, but it is a chunk. You know its there.
My truck makes the trip pleasurable and doesn't wear me out. I couldn't see towing my 28 with anything less, that's for sure.
Best regards

[WoollyBear]

We don't even like that road in the P/U without a tow! Head on down via Montrose...and enjoy.....motor safely!!

[21Airstream]

Originally Posted by Tyvekcat

...I've had my Cummins diesel almost 15 years now. Can't go back to 'spark plug' truck. From some of the post I have read in this thread, a lot of other people wouldn't want to give up their diesel...

After having towed with a gasoline engine truck in the past and now a diesel for the past twenty years I’d never go back to gas. Besides the aforementioned benefits of mpg, range, compression braking, etc. diesels run so much quieter at highway speeds (ironic since they make so much noise when idling compared to gas engines).

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by cegardner

We tow 350 Ford KR diesel. Love it. Mountains are a breeze up and down. We canput as much as we want inthe truck bed. We pull 2018 serenity 27. Hubby has to check to make sure the AS is there. Haha. We had a 25 FC fB that had a hitch weight if 1400 due to tanks and all lockers in the front. Not a problem. Check the thousands of thread under towing. It will give you everyone’s opinions.

We upgraded from a Tundra 5.7 to an F350 Diesel. Why? Mainly for increased payload. Why the F350? An extra 1000 lbs of payload with very little extra $ over a comparable F250. Why the Diesel? We figured if we’re going to the expense of upgrading trucks, we’ll go all the way.
We have 14K miles on our 2019, about half of that towing miles. Love it.

I was looking for a towing beast, not an economy car. (I have a Camry hybrid for that).

Also the issue of DEF is no issue at all IMHO. I’ll spend $20 on 2 jugs of DEF and that will last me many thousands of miles. No big deal. Oil and filter changes are more expensive but thats not an everyday thing either.

Go with what you can afford and what you’ll be satisfied with. For towing something big, you just can’t beat a Diesel.

[greenflag]

maybe someday for Tesla. Elon usually accomplishes what he sets his mind to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4W-P5aCWJs

[KK4YZ]

[QUOTE=greenflag;2379800]... Elon usually accomplishes what he sets his mind to...

[QUOTE]

After the space launch I think I’d have to agree...

[pappy19]

Originally Posted by KK4YZ

We upgraded from a Tundra 5.7 to an F350 Diesel. Why? Mainly for increased payload. Why the F350? An extra 1000 lbs of payload with very little extra $ over a comparable F250. Why the Diesel? We figured if we’re going to the expense of upgrading trucks, we’ll go all the way.
We have 14K miles on our 2019, about half of that towing miles. Love it.

I was looking for a towing beast, not an economy car. (I have a Camry hybrid for that).

Also the issue of DEF is no issue at all IMHO. I’ll spend $20 on 2 jugs of DEF and that will last me many thousands of miles. No big deal. Oil and filter changes are more expensive but thats not an everyday thing either.

Go with what you can afford and what you’ll be satisfied with. For towing something big, you just can’t beat a Diesel.

I've had and towed trailers with Ford and Chevy diesels for many years, and in 2008 went to a V10 F250 Ford. I've been towing with it ever since. 174,000 miles towing my 2002 31' AS Classic with slide. Owned the AS since 2010. Will never go back to a diesel. Between the extra cost of the diesel engine, oil and filter costs, added fuel costs, added fuel additives, DEF issues, and the real fact that gas engines last just as long, with way less maintenance than diesel engines, makes gasoline engines by any company, a better investment than a diesel. Only if you haul trailers from the factory to a dealer, can you make a case for a dealer. The real reason you own a diesel is because you WANT one, not because you need one to haul your Airstream. 2 or 3 mpg less towing is not reason enough, it's just an excuse. Your diesel may beat me up the hill, but I'll beat you at the oil change every time.

[jbear]

Based on all the feedback, I changed my mind and ended up going with a diesel. Bought a 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel with 50k miles on it. Eager to get on the road! Thanks for everyone's input! Really appreciate it!

[JonDNC]

Enjoy