6BangBronk
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2005
- Location
- Durham
This is covered a gazillion times. And every case is very different. As for yours, more info is needed such as "where" you plan to tow.
Bottom line, If towing vehicles (5-6k pounds) plus gear in mountainous terrain, diesel has an advantage up hills. If local to Cary / Raleigh, I towed with a 1/2 ton for 20 years around here with absolutely no problems. F-100 with 3 speed and a built 302 never let me down and still there as a fall back. Only item I replaced in over 200k miles was the clutch twice. Trick is to never use overdrive and drive smart with adequate following distances in case someone decides to stop in the middle of the interstate in front of you. 1/2 tons are not fun up and down hills but get the job done. Only advantage I see with an older 3/4 is better brakes from factory. As for a new truck, technology changes yearly and always improving over old technology.
Gassers are cheaper in maintenance with 5 quarts and a $4-5 filter every 5,000 miles. Compared to 15-18 quarts and a $10 filter every 5,000 plus recommended $10 fuel filter every 10,000. Although diesels get a tad bit better mileage, $2 a gallon for gas compared with $3.50 for diesel(currently). Then comes $600+ injectors compared with $75 for gas injectors and $20 set of plugs.
Diesels are (most likely) more dependable except on very cold starts without a block heater plugged in. Diesels tend to last 300k-500k if maintained regularly compared to 150k-300k for gassers. But again, tolerances are better all the time and mileage is better and better with new technology gas motors.
I do recommend a trailer with towing capacities (rated axles) for over the weight of what you are towing. And weighted tags over the total amount you ever would want to tow. Since your load is a known factor, simply load up, fill up with fuel and go weigh on a certified truck stop scale and add for extra passengers and even more gear before purchasing the correct weighted tags to be sure you have enough.
Gassers are simple but certain diesels are simple as well such as an early cummins.
Probably missing something but a search for maybe "diesel towing" would yield enough reading material for a lifetime. And every lemon sits for sale next to an identical lime. "Luck" serves well when picking a vehicle.
Do your homework before purchasing a tow pig and trailer combo. And be sure to have your tow pig with you when you try out trailers for I just MAJORLY overhauled my 20' gooseneck for it was built for my old F-100 and was too low to fit onto my new (to me) Dodge Cummins.
Bottom line, If towing vehicles (5-6k pounds) plus gear in mountainous terrain, diesel has an advantage up hills. If local to Cary / Raleigh, I towed with a 1/2 ton for 20 years around here with absolutely no problems. F-100 with 3 speed and a built 302 never let me down and still there as a fall back. Only item I replaced in over 200k miles was the clutch twice. Trick is to never use overdrive and drive smart with adequate following distances in case someone decides to stop in the middle of the interstate in front of you. 1/2 tons are not fun up and down hills but get the job done. Only advantage I see with an older 3/4 is better brakes from factory. As for a new truck, technology changes yearly and always improving over old technology.
Gassers are cheaper in maintenance with 5 quarts and a $4-5 filter every 5,000 miles. Compared to 15-18 quarts and a $10 filter every 5,000 plus recommended $10 fuel filter every 10,000. Although diesels get a tad bit better mileage, $2 a gallon for gas compared with $3.50 for diesel(currently). Then comes $600+ injectors compared with $75 for gas injectors and $20 set of plugs.
Diesels are (most likely) more dependable except on very cold starts without a block heater plugged in. Diesels tend to last 300k-500k if maintained regularly compared to 150k-300k for gassers. But again, tolerances are better all the time and mileage is better and better with new technology gas motors.
I do recommend a trailer with towing capacities (rated axles) for over the weight of what you are towing. And weighted tags over the total amount you ever would want to tow. Since your load is a known factor, simply load up, fill up with fuel and go weigh on a certified truck stop scale and add for extra passengers and even more gear before purchasing the correct weighted tags to be sure you have enough.
Gassers are simple but certain diesels are simple as well such as an early cummins.
Probably missing something but a search for maybe "diesel towing" would yield enough reading material for a lifetime. And every lemon sits for sale next to an identical lime. "Luck" serves well when picking a vehicle.
Do your homework before purchasing a tow pig and trailer combo. And be sure to have your tow pig with you when you try out trailers for I just MAJORLY overhauled my 20' gooseneck for it was built for my old F-100 and was too low to fit onto my new (to me) Dodge Cummins.
