Struggling to decide on gas vs diesel for a 14k 37' 5er

64BAwagon · July 26, 2023

3 hours ago, asilverblazer said:

Something I don't see anyone talking about it... regrets...

There is no reasonable comparison in capability of the gas engine to diesel. You can get a gas engine and it can suffice just fine, but the diesel will do the same thing and perform better doing it.

So, you crunch all your numbers and decide that the gas engine is all you need.

Then spend the rest of your time owning it wishing you had gone ahead and gotten the diesel.

To the say the gas engine will work better in the city as a daily driver is pointless. My diesel 3500 is getting the same mileage as my 1/2 ton 5.3l did - both in the city and on the highway. These trucks are cumbersome in all but the most spacious of parking lots, impossible? No; but you're not whipping into any parking spots or nimbly darting through rush our traffic either.

The comfort level the diesel is going to bring when towing that size trailer will be a noticeable improvement over the gas.

I have zero regrets and we travel quite a bit. Most of the mileage on my 2021 was with the trailer behind it. My 2024 is an almost exact replica of my 2021 and of the 11k miles I had on my 2021 around 70% was lugging the 5th wheel.

Who knows, if the economy hadnt defecated the bed the last 2 yrs and interest rates had stayed low I may have popped for the L5P and the extended warranty. It all comes down to individual variables and circumstances, at least for now we still have choices in America. Theres a lot of good info in this thread.

In 2010 we traveled out West and were in Colorado at RMNP for a couple weeks. My LLY Duramax was a mess to begin with but add elevation to it and it fell flat on its face. I got tired of being a GM beta tester at that point. Had some significant family issues not come up the year after I bought it I would have forced a buyback.

nitro882 · July 27, 2023

On 7/24/2023 at 5:50 PM, namtaru said:

We are looking to get into a fifth wheel from our current travel trailer, and thus upgrading from a 1/2ton to an HD. I plan on keeping this truck for the next 10 years or so, and am really struggling on going with gas or diesel. The fifth wheel we are looking to get is 14000lbs GVWR and just over 37 feet, and a 2400lb loaded pin weight. We plan on taking it cross country annually with another 8-10 trips in the 60-400 mile range (round trip) locally every year.

Now for the fun part. I work from home, so besides pulling the camper, the rest of my duties consist of going to the grocery store, home depot, and running the kids to soccer. I only put about 8-10k miles a year on my current truck (only about 20% of that is while towing the trailer) but that will go up a bit with some of the longer trips we are starting to plan. On the flip side, I do live in a somewhat rural area, so me hopping on the highway for a 30+ minute drive one way is at least a weekly occasion. I've read every thread and watched every video I can find, but I swear almost all of them are people towing 7k-11k lbs, so it's been difficult finding feedback from people pulling a larger fifth wheel with the gasser (besides JB Reviews, which quite honestly I don't feel like a 20 mile review on a brand new truck really gives me the type of feedback I'm looking for)

I feel like I'm torn between possibly having issues with emissions, or towing at almost max capacity with the gasser. Any feedback from owners would be appreciated. Thanks!

edit: To clarify, I'm looking at a 2024 3500 SLT

If you are on the fence get the Duramax…. Never heard anyone say they wish they bought a less capable truck.

Edited July 27, 2023 by nitro882

CRApex · July 27, 2023

On 7/24/2023 at 4:50 PM, namtaru said:

We are looking to get into a fifth wheel from our current travel trailer, and thus upgrading from a 1/2ton to an HD. I plan on keeping this truck for the next 10 years or so, and am really struggling on going with gas or diesel. The fifth wheel we are looking to get is 14000lbs GVWR and just over 37 feet, and a 2400lb loaded pin weight. We plan on taking it cross country annually with another 8-10 trips in the 60-400 mile range (round trip) locally every year.

Now for the fun part. I work from home, so besides pulling the camper, the rest of my duties consist of going to the grocery store, home depot, and running the kids to soccer. I only put about 8-10k miles a year on my current truck (only about 20% of that is while towing the trailer) but that will go up a bit with some of the longer trips we are starting to plan. On the flip side, I do live in a somewhat rural area, so me hopping on the highway for a 30+ minute drive one way is at least a weekly occasion. I've read every thread and watched every video I can find, but I swear almost all of them are people towing 7k-11k lbs, so it's been difficult finding feedback from people pulling a larger fifth wheel with the gasser (besides JB Reviews, which quite honestly I don't feel like a 20 mile review on a brand new truck really gives me the type of feedback I'm looking for)

I feel like I'm torn between possibly having issues with emissions, or towing at almost max capacity with the gasser. Any feedback from owners would be appreciated. Thanks!

edit: To clarify, I'm looking at a 2024 3500 SLT

I'm going to answer your specific concern here. As background, I have owned Duramax trucks for years, my most recent was a 2020 3500 with several versions prior to that, I think they're great. My most recent truck was my first gas in a LONG time, 2024 3500 HD HC with, as you know has the 10spd now and I'm really getting to like this truck!

First, If I were you, I would put more weight on feedback from owners who have the 2024 Gas/10spd unless you plan to purchase used or a 2023. There is nothing wrong with the 6spd but the 10 will provide a different towing experience. My feedback is based on the assumption youre buying a 2024.

Now, per your question, your main concern is "Duramax having emissions issues" or "towing with max capacity with gasser".

First I'll address my experience with "Emissions Issues". If that is your concern my experience is they are few and far between, I've had excellent luck with the L5P. Are you going to read stories on the internet forums of disasters, yes but are they really that wide spread? I'd say no. So if that is the concern, I'd say rest at ease buying the diesel. By the way, I short commmuted mine for years and used them for plowing with frequent low RPMs with no issues at all.

Second, and I'm going to use your numbers and the side by side comparison of my gas HD vs the Diesel. "towing at max capacity with gasser". You get a slightly higher 5er/gooseneck rating with the diesel but only slightly. You're giving yourself less then 350lbs to spare on rated PIN weight so getting very close, and that is assuming empty weight w/o all your gear water etc..Now if you meant maxing out on power, you won't be. Will it tow like the diesel? No, not even close but it will get the job done for you, just need to be a bit more patient.

My opinion givern your trailer...either by a Dually given the weight of your trailer (and IMO get the diesel then) OR buy a smaller trailer then go with the gas.

the wanderer · July 28, 2023

On 7/26/2023 at 8:15 PM, nitro882 said:

If you are on the fence get the Duramax…. Never heard anyone say they wish they bought a less capable truck.

That's the wrong question. Nobody regrets buying more power, no.

Now ask diesel owners if they regret the money they dropped in repairs: emissions, turbos, fuel injectors. It's just a matter of time before every modern diesel runs into this.

There is a guy on YT who fixes diesel engines for a living (mainly cummins) and he'll never buy one though he loves the experience of driving them. Pretty telling IMHO.

Epsilon Plus · July 30, 2023

On 7/26/2023 at 5:15 PM, nitro882 said:

If you are on the fence get the Duramax…. Never heard anyone say they wish they bought a less capable truck.

Then you heard it here first.

I gave up a 2020 Cummins for my 22 gas Chevy. I don't care if the Cummins could pull 80,000lbs and have 4,000tq. Modern diesels are have deal breaking fragility for those that don't want to get stuck living in their 5th wheel on the side of the road in BFE while Barney the local tech sources an ultra rare DEF sensor for a tank full of DEF that wasn't even bad in the first place.

64BAwagon · July 31, 2023

Like so many other aspects of modern life the diesels have gotten very complex and technical but the dealers refuse to equip their techs with the resources and training to effectively service them. GM makes technical changes at a rapid pace but lacks the big picture thinking in order to look at the entire owner experience. (on top of some absolutely foolish engineering)

nards444 · July 31, 2023

14k dry? Loaded can be a lot more. Not only does this demand a deisel, it also demands a dually.

Secondly I highly suggest looking at the rig you are getting and really think about it. I know the typical retirement dream is to go out and buy a house sized trailer and haul it around. I have a few buddies in the RV market, and around third to 40% of these guys are back within a year downsizing

KARNUT · July 31, 2023

2 minutes ago, nards444 said:

14k dry? Loaded can be a lot more. Not only does this demand a deisel, it also demands a dually.

Secondly I highly suggest looking at the rig you are getting and really think about it. I know the typical retirement dream is to go out and buy a house sized trailer and haul it around. I have a few buddies in the RV market, and around third to 40% of these guys are back within a year downsizing

My wife’s grandfather dreamed of retiring and buying an RV. He bought a medium sized RV and truck. He used it once sold the truck and parked the RV at a park. They went there on weekends. I pulled a 5th wheel along with equipment most of my working life. I used all kinds of trucks gas and diesel. Now retired I stay at hotels. I suggest renting first to see how (fun) it is. It’s not for everyone.

64BAwagon · July 31, 2023

Its a lifestyle for sure. When our kids were younger we used to travel from MI to Orlando every year in February. We have been through some very sketchy weather and never once did it stop us. One year it was so cold and snowy that we got to Perry GA for our usual overnight and the trailer and truck still had ice on them in the morning. Its not for the timid.

Between all of the Florida trips and a couple out west we have probably logged over 30,000 miles with a trailer behind us.

nards444 · July 31, 2023

4 hours ago, KARNUT said:

My wife’s grandfather dreamed of retiring and buying an RV. He bought a medium sized RV and truck. He used it once sold the truck and parked the RV at a park. They went there on weekends. I pulled a 5th wheel along with equipment most of my working life. I used all kinds of trucks gas and diesel. Now retired I stay at hotels. I suggest renting first to see how (fun) it is. It’s not for everyone.

Id really say rent first as well. There are some diehards out there, that love it, and theres nothing like traveling with your own mansion and stuff with you. Just think people get big eyes. But you start talking 6 figures or more to purchase a rig and truck, insurance, maint, and the fact of rolling down the road with 45 feet and 15k lbs is stressful.

Some say I will save money in not renting hotels. Doubtful. Camping sites are now 50-60 bucks to well over 100. Even if you get in walmart parking lot for free or bobs backwater campground for 10 bucks, takes a lot of nights to make up a 100k trailer. But again some people just want the adventure. Like I said two guys that work in Indiana I know both said 30-40% are back within a year downsizing or selling. and they both said well over half are out of those big rigs by year 3-5

Edited July 31, 2023 by nards444

KARNUT · July 31, 2023

4 minutes ago, nards444 said:

Id really say rent first as well. There are some diehards out there, that love it, and theres nothing like traveling with your own mansion and stuff with you. Just think people get big eyes. But you start talking 6 figures or more to purchase a rig and truck, insurance, maint, and the fact of rolling down the road with 45 feet and 15k lbs is stressful.

Some say I will save money in not renting hotels. Doubtful. Camping sites are now 50-60 bucks to well over 100. Even if you get in walmart parking lot for free or bobs backwater campground for 10 bucks, takes a lot of nights to make up a 100k trailer. But again some people just want the adventure. Like I said two guys that work in Indiana I know both said 30-40% are back within a year downsizing or selling. and they both said well over half are out of those big rigs by year 3-5

There’s tons of vids on YouTube it’s a good place to start.

nards444 · July 31, 2023

9 minutes ago, KARNUT said:

There’s tons of vids on YouTube it’s a good place to start.

It is to get experiences. Im a mid careerist and for the longest of times wanted the bus RV or the 45ft fifth wheel. Camped my whole life and just sold a 38ft fifth wheel a few years ago that stayed in a year round campground. We do a lot of weekend travels in hotels and what not and 2-3 weekish trips to hotels now. Miss having my stuff and a nice place, but dont miss the set up and tear down or the maint. Or even being relegated to there I could find a campground.

Just changed my mind on things. I can get a hotel thats pretty good for $150 or less, factor in 100k for a truck a trailer, I would have to stay in that trailer over 700 nights just to look at breaking even on having the thing vs staying in a $150 hotel. Thats not including insurance, maint, increased fuel cost, its probably more like 1000 nights. Unless Im camping 24/7 not so sure Im sniffing at 1000 nights for a long time

KARNUT · July 31, 2023

2 minutes ago, nards444 said:

It is to get experiences. Im a mid careerist and for the longest of times wanted the bus RV or the 45ft fifth wheel. Camped my whole life and just sold a 38ft fifth wheel a few years ago that stayed in a year round campground. We do a lot of weekend travels in hotels and what not and 2-3 weekish trips to hotels now. Miss having my stuff and a nice place, but dont miss the set up and tear down or the maint. Or even being relegated to there I could find a campground.

Just changed my mind on things. I can get a hotel thats pretty good for $150 or less, factor in 100k for a truck a trailer, I would have to stay in that trailer over 700 nights just to look at breaking even on having the thing vs staying in a $150 hotel. Thats not including insurance, maint, increased fuel cost, its probably more like 1000 nights. Unless Im camping 24/7 not so sure Im sniffing at 1000 nights for a long time

Sometimes it’s good to do things for enjoyment. If your life is camping, fishing, hunting doings things as a family. RVing is a great way. If you’re retired and want to move around to beat weather it’s a good life. Or you can buy a condo in an area you like to vacation. You can lease it to a vacation rental outfit and it cost you nothing. That’s the route I took. 3 years later I made 30K over cost when I sold it. And I deducted my expenses including travel.

nards444 · July 31, 2023

16 minutes ago, KARNUT said:

Sometimes it’s good to do things for enjoyment. If your life is camping, fishing, hunting doings things as a family. RVing is a great way. If you’re retired and want to move around to beat weather it’s a good life. Or you can buy a condo in an area you like to vacation. You can lease it to a vacation rental outfit and it cost you nothing. That’s the route I took. 3 years later I made 30K over cost when I sold it. And I deducted my expenses including travel.

No I agree its whatsver you enjoy. Heck I own a boat and there zero logic in one of those lol. But I enjoy and understand what it takes.

memilanuk · August 1, 2023

8 hours ago, nards444 said:

Some say I will save money in not renting hotels. Doubtful. Camping sites are now 50-60 bucks to well over 100. Even if you get in walmart parking lot for free or bobs backwater campground for 10 bucks, takes a lot of nights to make up a 100k trailer.

Not saying we're "saving" any money in the process, but our current mode of operation is a slide-in truck camper. Go where the people *aren't* - or at least, where they're further apart. Lots of good spots out there if you're willing to boondock / dry camp - and even that takes some setup on your part, most RVs are ill-equipped for that off the lot.