Hi,

I just discovered these great forums, and I hope you can help me. I am buying a 5th wheel RV with a GVW of around 8,000 lbs. I have concluded that I want a used 3/4 ton diesel truck to pull it with. Beyond that, I am completely lost. I know next to nothing about diesels.

I am a retired engineer, so I am not afraid of technical reading, if I can find the right material. So far, most of what I can find to read is either totally superficial, or so bogged down in minutia that I could be reading 12 hours a day for the next 6 months. Any suggestions for what to read that might actually help me decide what to buy?

On a few specific questions:

I have seen comments that suggest that the '03 - '07 Fords should be avoided. Is this valid?

I wouldn't even consider buying a gas engine with over 100k miles. I am thinking that up to 300k might be reasonable for a diesel. Comments?

I expect to do a lot of mountain driving, so I will probably want (need?) an exhaust brake. I understand that:
a. newer models come with one installed.
b. installation is problematic on some modesl.
Unfortunately, I am having trouble finding specific, reliable information.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joel

 

You have heard right about the 03-07 fords, I have heard of people making the 6.0 a good engine, but it cost 5-9k. I personally don't like the fords after the 7.3. If I was going to do alot of traveling I would go with a dodge cummins, for gas milage, or if you can find a truck that you like with a cummins in it. But I comes down to what you think will do the job.

 

5th wheel,

make sure you get a long bed!

exhaust brake can be done with a VGT turbo (variable geometry) cummins and chevy's and comes preprogrammed.

look into tow/haul mode options.

otherwise it's just what you like interior wise in the trucks.. what do you want to sit in?

I would say 300k is a bit high as you will run into more drivetrain maintenance, those parts wear too.. but the engines go and go if maintained well.

look for a truck that hasn't been "BOMBED" by the previous owner(s) the more mods the more likely it won't last.. a mild programmer, fine.. but if it's got a lot done to it, expect it to be beat..

.

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as for specific and reliable.. I would look into things like this on all major brands.

my 06 chevy:

Diesel-engine vehicles equipped with the Allison 1000 six-speed feature cruise control grade braking. Working in harmony with the tow/haul mode, the cruise grade braking system will automatically downshift to help maintain the pre-selected cruise speed when driving on downhill grades.


example.. going downhill in tow/haul it will automatically turn on the turbo brake, and downshift to hold or reduce speed. i can start at the top of a long 6% grade we have locally at 45mph and be doing 15mph at the bottom without ever touching a pedal, unloaded of course.
know when your on the highway and need to slow a bit and tap your brake? when i remove my foot from the fuel pedal and wait about a second the turbo brake comes on to slow me down a little, took some getting used to but i like not having to move my foot over to tap the brake when the truck does it for me.