Here is my delima. We want to get a larger 5th wheel trailer in the next year. My current truck a 2015 tundra won't accomodate it. Unfortunately Toyota doesn't make an HD truck here in the states, so I am looking at a truck from the big 3. I have been partial to dodge. I know towing with a diesel is no comparison to a gas truck but when not pulling it will be our source of transportation. Short trips to town etc. A daily driver. Would I be hurting myself by using a diesel in a daily driver matter? Or would i be better off with a gas powered truck? Any inputs or thoughts would be helpful. Thanks

 

Diesels can be used as daily drivers they just need to have warm up and cool down time after you get where your going IMO. That is the same for all turbo vehicles coking in the turbo bearing oil passages can lead to premature failure of the turbo.
The cost of operation of these new diesel particle filtered (DPF) Engines (anything after 2007.5) is a higher cost for the fluid and the expense to repair. You maybe better off with a gas engine if you do more short trips than hauling.
I would analyze how much time do you spend at the RV park as compared to dragging the fifth wheel to the next one.

 

Thanks for your reply. I have been tossing the extra cost initially and maintenance. As much as I would want one I don't know if I can justify it. Most say do a def delete, not sure what that entails, but then warranty is void. I can't afford that...any suggestions on which of the 3 gas engine wise....

 

I am a Chevy guy when it comes to gas engines. Just biased that way i think it was a birth defect hahaha.

You could go with a pre 2007.5 dodge Cummins they are very dependable and have good creature comforts.

 

We go to Florida for 4 months in the winter. So anywhere we go that's what we drive. Most places my current truck is up to temp, 15 tundra. My fear is things getting gunked up with all the emission ****. I still have time before I decide, I would like a diesel but don't want to shoot myself in the foot either. Thanks for the responses

 

I like the Chevy HD with a big block. Or the dodge 3500 with a Hemi, I saw a black 2014 dodge ram 5500 big hemi truck on truck trader it was much less expensive than the Cummins powered truck.
I think you will be happier with a gas truck sounds like.

 

How big is the 5th wheel (weight, length)? If it's light enough, go gas. Heavier trailers are going to require a diesel.

 

I think dry weight is around 10k to 11k....

 

Around 10k to 11k empty

 

So loaded you are probably beyond a gasser. Stick with a diesel.

I can't give you an unbiased opinion since I'm a Ford guy. I don't like the fact that the other 2 went begging to the government for money. I'll stick with Ford.