This topic contains 17 replies, has 11 voices, and was last updated by 
Dave 3 months, 4 weeks ago.
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We are seriously thinking of updating our 1/2 ton 2011 GMC Sierra to a newer diesel pickup. Our Keystone Cougar travel trailer weighs in at 6,000 lbs. dry and the 1/2 ton does okay with it, but I’m only getting about 8 or 9 mpg while towing. It would be nice to have the extra power and fuel economy that a diesel offers. We’ve looked at the pros and cons of both the GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax and the Ford F250 Powerstroke. It may be my imagination, but the Duramax seems to be a little quieter. Without starting the Ford/GM war all over again, what are everyone’s thoughts?
We're occasional RVers for now, but that's all going to change when I retire in a little over a year.
Hi George!
I have a 2004 F250 diesel. I’ve had it since 2006 and have pulled a fully loaded 3 horse trailer and my 10,000 lb 5th wheel. It loves to pull! I have had problems with the turbo, transmissions and fuel injectors. Got all of these items fixed a couple of times. The last mechanic said that now that I have replaced these items, I should have a good working truck for a long time. I have 125,000 miles on her. With all our past problems, I still think she’s the best work horse going. I’ve stayed and watched in a county RV park for 6 months now… seems like the Ford to Chevy ratio is way on the Ford side! Good luck with your choice!
AnonymousGas vs. diesel
From what I’ve read on other forums, expected fuel mileage on diesel is in the 10-12 mpg range if you keep your speed down around the 55-60 mph range. Reports also put gasoline mileage at similar to slightly lower levels. Trailer tires are rated to 65 mph max, so you shouldn’t be exceeding that speed.
Trailer design makes a large difference, all connected to frontal surface area and degree of streamlining, if you look at the new towing specs, frontal area recommendations are made by most manufacturers. If the truck has a box cap also makes a difference, as the trucks wind shadow is prolonged.
Today’s prices here are $1.20 to $1.26 for a liter of regular gas and $1.43 for diesel. You would have to get 1.14 to 1.19 better fuel mileage with a diesel just to make it equal, cost wise.
On my old 1978 21′ class C, Ford 460, C6 transmission, I used to get consistently 11.8 to 11.9 mpg as long as I kept the speed at about 55 mph, burning Canadian regular which is 10% ethanol.
For my new tow vehicle, I selected a F 150, 5.0 L flex fuel engine, full tow package, factory brake controller, mirrors, etc. Hopefully, it’s supposed to get here this coming week, last report it was on the train somewhere in Alberta/Saskatchewan. Theoretically, it should do what I need.
Here is my 2 cents – I looked at the Ford, Chev and Dodge in the diesel format only. I was most impressed with the Dodge (RAM) and least impressed with the Chev. The Ford was a close second to the RAM but there has been a lot of bad press to the Ford diesel plus I found the ride & handling not to my liking.
I get 20 miles to the gallon not towing and 14 hauling. My set up is a 2013 RAM 2500 HD with a 6.7 l turbo diesel. I bought the RAM new in March 2014 so saved a bundle. Came in at $6K less than 2013 sticker price taxes in.
Pulling a 2008 Wildcat 27RL which comes in at about 8000 lbs dry.
I personally think the diesel is the way to go and I like the Cummings Diesel.
One other thing – the Ford & Chev diesel when they run out of DEF (diesel emission fluid) go into limp mode (restricted power/speed) where as the RAM will only go into limp mode after it has be shutdown and restarted.
PS the DEF issue only applies to newer vehicles.
I like the Fords but I maybe inclined to go with a Duramax to get the Allison Tranny. Always have heard it is really good, and with all the hills we pull on out west, would be nice to have.
Also, I just noticed diesel fuel at the same price or less now than regular gas here on the Oregon Coast, running at about $3.60 a gallon or less than a buck a litre. Makes me want to fill all fivers water and waste tanks and cart some across the border.
RVHH Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - LoveYourRV.comThe price difference is only a couple of cents a litre in our area. Found a card lock fuel station where the diesel is actually cheaper than gas at normal stations.
Hi Ray, we have a 2002 Chevy 1 ton SRW with the 6.6 Duramax/Allison setup.We like it,but getting up to 225,000 miles on her. The newer “reburner” diesels with DEF fluid are a pain in the neck,and more than that in cold weather.We have to use these systems in the newer OTR trucks/tractors in the oil feild and the stupid system starts regening and reduces the power at the most inconvenient time. Thats not fun going up a steep grade and loosing all your power with 90,000 lbs. on the back, Your grabing for low gears thay haven’t invented yet!!!!!!!
Happy Trails!!!
We bought a 2013 dodge 2500 last October and love the towing capabilities, well really just everything about it. We drove all the trucks and did or due dilgence before buying and it really comes down to what strikes your fancy. The whole def thing is a pain though.
I used to have a 1998 gas chevy dually one ton pulling a 36 ft 5th wheel. first few times pulling it I was getting 6 miles to the gallon. being in the trucking business I wanted to switch to a diesel but my wallet couldn’t afford it. So I went out and bought a wing to mount on the roof of the truck. Shocking to say I got an extra 2 miles per gallon after the wing installation. That might be a cheaper way to start out before investing in a diesel
Wow, that’s a big increase James! Wouldn’t take long to recoup the wing cost.
RVHH Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - LoveYourRV.comWell, I’ve taken the plunge and ordered a new GMC Duramax Diesel 2500 SLT. Should have it by mid July.
Half the summer RV season will be over by then, but we’ll get a couple of fishing trips in.
We're occasional RVers for now, but that's all going to change when I retire in a little over a year.
Congrats George, i’m sure you’ll love it!
Good for you George! The newer vehicles get better fuel economy and you’ll have lots of pull going into the hills with the diesel. Obviously there will be pictures to post when you get it??
Well hows the truck doing now you’ve had it a while?
We are retired as of July 1st. 2015.
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