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Old 01-19-2018, 01:58 PM   #41
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I am a newbie to RV world. I took the advice two friends whom probably have 40 years of truck experience between them. Buying and maintaining trucks for the state of California. With my 30ft AS classic they recommended Chey Silverado 2500 diesel 4x4 crewcab with all bells and whistles. Had this setup pass 1 and half year (2016). Driven all types terrain and had no problems. Even drove rig on a beach. More power is better😎👍 Also correct hitch, stabilizer from Air Stream made for my success❗️
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Old 01-19-2018, 02:14 PM   #42
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Diesel for now...

We purchased our 2017 F250 King Ranch 4x4 6.7L Diesel in June; got the 2017 28' FC AS week later. We have 24K miles now on the diesel. Oil changes are expensive. Fuel is expensive; DEF is $7-$8per 2.5Gal container at Walmart, but its something else to contend with, even though it is seldom we have to fill. Overall cost is not compelling compared to the F150, but it is great combination with this AS.

As many have said, the diesel has many advantages for pulling larger trailers, like the 28'. After 3 25's with Tahoe, and also the F150 EB, it took a bit of comparing before we made the switch to match the tow vehicle capability with the 28'AS. We cruised along up/down the Rockies all summer long in 11 states easily leaving the cruise control on 60-65mph and run around 1500 rpm. The automatic engine brake of the diesel in unison with the other terrific features while in tow/haul, collision avoidance, and lane change assist mode make the driving effortless. I can't speak for the gas version, but I've come to really like this combination.

I loved my F150 EB and my 25' AS combination. If AS ever re-configures the 25 lounge seating similar to the 26'U, I will likely go back to 25' and the F150 EB. Just need to make sure the 1/2T payload is above 1700lbs next time.
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Old 01-19-2018, 02:42 PM   #43
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We picked up a 2018 2500 Duramax today. It's our second one and it makes driving or towing a pleasure. We've had all big three gas pickups before and none compare to these Duramaxes we have had.
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Old 01-19-2018, 03:12 PM   #44
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I will jump in with my 2 cents worth. 2008 Chevy 2500HD Z71 Crew Cab with the 6.0 Gas and 6 speed automatic. I have towed over the Rockies multiple times with 500-800 lbs in the bed, 2-3 people in the cab pulling a 2300lb car trailer with built up Jeeps for offroading. Jeep and trailer weight was over 7000lb. Going over the Rockies many high elevation passes, I was doing 70mph and passing cars. Never did I have any issue making it up hills or having engine braking power coming down. This is also without using the Tow Mode which is really only meant for over 9-10k lbs trailers. I have yet to take my new AS out but coming home from Denver (5280 ft), over Monument Pass (7350ft) and back to Colorado Springs at 6750ft, I had no issues at all with any of the hills or grades. I have the tow package on the Chevy which gives it a 4:10 Rear with electric locker, skid plates, 13,000 lb towing capacity and can hold up to 3400lbs in the bed. Reliability has been wonderful and recently had my 100,000 mile service completed. Never have I regretted the gas over the diesel.
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Old 01-19-2018, 03:21 PM   #45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greghoro View Post
Andy Thomson owns an Airstream Dealership in Canada and writes a monthly article on towing for a Canadian RV Magazine, RV Lifestyle. His credentials are well respected in the Airstream forums.

He wrote an article a few years ago comparing 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton trucks for towing and touched on the subject of Diesel vs Gas.

Its a good read, you can access it here:
http://rvlifemag.com/towing-half-ton-three-quarter-ton/


Greg
Excellent article. And straight to the point. And it confirms my choice of an F150 3.5 Ecoboost with Max Tow Haul for a TV. I drove an Silverado 2500 before I went to the F150 and it had a terrible ride. There was no way that I would ever drive that on a daily basis. I really think that with the new 1/2 tons coming out that pull as much as they do that unless you are pulling a 5th wheel a diesel is not a necessity but purely a luxury.
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Old 01-19-2018, 05:03 PM   #46
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Originally Posted by dznf0g View Post
I have driven both gas and diesel 2500s in the rockies. Of, course, the diesel is better for power and engine braking....BUT, I never felt out of control, in any way with proper downshifting of the 6.0 gas.
You only indicate a 2500 choice, but in the end, I bought a 1500 6.2L, 8 speed, Maxtow. It is superior to the 6.0L for towing pleasantness in every way....except payload capacity. The grade control of the 8 speed is remarkable in the mountains for a gas engine braking experience.

(FYI, since you're new here, I am a factory rep for GM and have towed with just about every combination of 1/2 tons and 3/4 tons, including full size SUVs......with my 2007 30' Classic, weighing in at 9k+.) Also, welcome to the Forum!


+1 for the 1500 with the (rare) Maximum Tow package and the 6.2 motor. I tow a FC 30 and love the combo. My fairy basic LTZ has a payload just over 2000 lbs.
Just today, from Savannah GA to the Virginia border I got 12.6 mpg. Fairly flat and no wind with cruise set to 68 mph.
While I haven’t towed the Rockies yet, I have towed the Appalachian Mountains with no problems.
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Old 01-19-2018, 05:30 PM   #47
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Originally Posted by lesbuford View Post
I bet no one has ever asked this question!
I am a complete "newby" planning to purchase a used 25-28 foot Airstream.
My wife and I plan to take off a year from now and spend at least a year touring the USA, staying in National Parks and seeing all that we can.
I will definately go to the Rocky Mountains and want to be sure we have a reliable vehicle that will slow us down on the steep declines. We also plan to live full time in our Airstream for at least a year and hope we can keep going for many more years.
MY QUESTION:
DIESEL OR GAS?
I have looked at a 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4X4 with a Vortek 6.0L V-8 with a 6 speed Automatic Heavy duty transmisson THAT IS NOT A DIESEL, and a GMC 2016 Sierra2500 Crew Cab 4WD that is a Diesel.
The dealerships are telling me that the new high displacement gas engines are just as good as the diesel, and that they can handle even a 8,000 pound 28 foot Airstream easily. Two different salesmen at the dealerships say I am overdoing it with the GMC Diesel, and that the large gas engine can handle up to 14,000 Pounds. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your sage advice!!!
I have a 2018 Airstream 25 RB. I pull it with a 2015 F150 with a 5.0 V8 engine. This truck does an excellent job of engine breaking while I am in tow-haul mode, even on steep passes in Colorado. I have towed over Monarch Pass and Lizard Head Pass, both are around 11,000 feet in elevation with 6-8% grades.
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Old 01-19-2018, 08:05 PM   #48
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Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ View Post
Just over 6 months ago I bought an F250 gasser. 19,000 miles later i am thrilled with the choice. Towing a 30'.

I do get about 9 mpg towing. Maybe 11 if it's flat and with the wind. Even with better diesel mpg, on avg cost of gas is significantly lower. So that's not a huge factor in my book.
Scott,
I was excited to see your post on the F250 gas. I have a '14 F150 3.5 EB and have two issues ~ payload and engine braking on downhills. Get about the same mpg. towing as you report.

How is the gas engine on long steep downhills ~ over 7% or so. I have trouble holding back a 27' Classic with the 3.5EB. End up in 2nd gear or so at some really high RPM's. The initial cost of the diesel is keeping me from trading up. The gas engine would be a go for me.

Thanks,
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Old 01-19-2018, 09:34 PM   #49
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gas or diesel

FWIW-- the last figures I saw, back a few years ago, stated that you had to drive a minimum of 50,000 miles a year to just break even when comparing a gas to diesel. That was back when the diesels were getting nearly 20 mpg and gas trucks were in the 10-12 range. I ordered my '08 350 V/10 with 4:30 rear axle to pull my 32ft 5th wheel and couldn't be happier. No problem with the Rocky's, just grab a gear. Don't have to mess with the nasty oil-filter change and fuel filter change, fuel additive year round and an extra additive in the winter. Then you have to put up with the smell also. Most diesel drivers get used to it and never smell it. MHO.....Tom
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Old 01-20-2018, 03:03 AM   #50
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Originally Posted by Coolbreeze View Post
Scott,
I was excited to see your post on the F250 gas. I have a '14 F150 3.5 EB and have two issues ~ payload and engine braking on downhills. Get about the same mpg. towing as you report.

How is the gas engine on long steep downhills ~ over 7% or so. I have trouble holding back a 27' Classic with the 3.5EB. End up in 2nd gear or so at some really high RPM's. The initial cost of the diesel is keeping me from trading up. The gas engine would be a go for me.

Thanks,
David
I've been on many long decents in the 6% range. Usually 3rd gear does it. I did grab second once in a particularly steep twisty section. That was overkill.

I used to tow the same trailer with a 5.0 f150, albeit only for short trips. My trailer is loaded up for full time travel now.

The 250 is better towing in every category. It's not mind-blowingly better, but it's clear.

And I've been from NJ to FL to Arizona and back (2x!). I run 87. From what I've seen diesel is always significantly more expensive. Gone are the 20 mpg diesel days unless you delete the EPA stuff. Talking to people with modern diesels I'm told they are getting maybe 12-13 mpg towing (real world including idling and what not). That's not a big enough gap to pay for the difference.

Now if money is no object, and you don't mind the risk of lengthy repairs (parts and diesel mechanics can be stretched at times), then it's hard to argue with 900 ft lb of torque. But it's really not necessary with an under 10,000 trailer.
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Old 01-20-2018, 03:09 AM   #51
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Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ View Post
I've been on many long decents in the 6% range. Usually 3rd gear does it. I did grab second once in a particularly steep twisty section. That was overkill.

I used to tow the same trailer with a 5.0 f150, albeit only for short trips. My trailer is loaded up for full time travel now.

The 250 is better towing in every category. It's not mind-blowingly better, but it's clear.

And I've been from NJ to FL to Arizona and back (2x!). I run 87. From what I've seen diesel is always significantly more expensive. Gone are the 20 mpg diesel days unless you delete the EPA stuff. Talking to people with modern diesels I'm told they are getting maybe 12-13 mpg towing (real world including idling and what not). That's not a big enough gap to pay for the difference.

Now if money is no object, and you don't mind the risk of lengthy repairs (parts and diesel mechanics can be stretched at times), then it's hard to argue with 900 ft lb of torque. But it's really not necessary with an under 10,000 trailer.
My 17 ram with our 13 31’ Classic gets 13-14 mpg , empty 20-21... 6.7 Cummins auto and 4 wheel drive......$850 for life time synethic oil changes
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Old 01-20-2018, 03:18 AM   #52
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Originally Posted by tjdonahoe View Post
My 17 ram with our 13 31’ Classic gets 13-14 mpg , empty 20-21... 6.7 Cummins auto and 4 wheel drive......$850 for life time synethic oil changes
Just for comparison sake I would say i get 9-10 towing and 15-16 empty on highways. I see as low as 12-13 mpg in empty city driving.

Empty for me is about 1000 lbs total payload (cap, gear, occupants). I also have roof racks on my cap that probably dont help aerodynamics.

I pay about $50 every 5,000 miles for Ford's "works" package. Oil change, tire rotation, and other checks. Based on the trucks computer I could probably push that out to 7,500 but I haven't yet.

$850 for lifetime oil changes does sound good.
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Old 01-20-2018, 05:47 AM   #53
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F250 Gasser here, 4x4, 6.2L, 4.30 rear.

Too many short trips for diesel, didn't like the horror stories re: new diesels, didn't want a Dodge.

Plain and simple, that's what I like.

6,700 miles on the odometer, changed oil once so far, no worries.
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Old 01-20-2018, 05:59 AM   #54
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The year of the truck is so important. I discard any comments from posters nkt mentioning the year of the truck. Tech is changing rapidly and a year or two can be a huge difference. Those talking trucks five or more years old are out of contact. Comparing a five or ten year old truck to a new one can be irrelevant.
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Old 01-20-2018, 06:24 AM   #55
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I guess you just have to experience "limp mode" on a 2 year old $65,000 truck to know for sure. Thank God it wasn't in a bad part of town. 15 mph on I-696 will get you killed.
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Old 01-20-2018, 06:39 AM   #56
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I guess you just have to experience "limp mode" on a 2 year old $65,000 truck to know for sure. Thank God it wasn't in a bad part of town. 15 mph on I-696 will get you killed.
I missed something, what post or comment are you referring to?
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Old 01-20-2018, 06:49 AM   #57
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When you look at the initial cost difference of $8,000, plus the maintenance costs, DEF issues, and added fuel costs(and smell), even if you kept the diesel for 200,000 miles, a gas is a better deal. As was mentioned above, very few diesel owners keep their rig after the engine warranty runs out due to the hugely expensive parts. I've had both and would not go back to diesel.
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Old 01-20-2018, 07:06 AM   #58
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Happened with my Duramax. Loved it but that was the tipping point in switching back to spark ignition.
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Old 01-20-2018, 07:44 AM   #59
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My 17 ram with our 13 31’ Classic gets 13-14 mpg , empty 20-21... 6.7 Cummins auto and 4 wheel drive......$850 for life time synethic oil changes
Bingo................

Best regards and Safe travels
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Old 01-20-2018, 07:47 AM   #60
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The year of the truck is so important. I discard any comments from posters nkt mentioning the year of the truck. Tech is changing rapidly and a year or two can be a huge difference. Those talking trucks five or more years old are out of contact. Comparing a five or ten year old truck to a new one can be irrelevant.
Yes, I remember a large company here had a fleet of one ton Dodges pulling trailers down the interstate constantly in the mid 1990's going 50k oil change intervals using LE 8800 15-40. I don't think you could do that nowadays with the over emission regulated diesel engines.
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