I am in the minority, I went from diesel to gas. Couldn't be happier. With the per gallon cost of fuel I think it is about a wash of operating costs. If you are happy with your choice that is what
counts.
Tom Holsinger wrote: Diesel, no question. The only reason for a gasoline engine, and there I'd only consider Ford, is use of the truck for commuting with lots of stops. The reason is a diesel's emissions control system. If your driving includes any degree of stop & go traffic, a diesel emissions control system will choke and die, putting your truck into "limp" mode. And the maintenance expenses will eat you alive.
Given that you are full-timing, there is no reason whatever to get a gasoline engine.
Plus a Montana 3580's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is about 15,500 pounds. That pretty well puts you into diesel territory. I'd get a diesel 3500 dually (DRW) for a Montana 3580.
IMHO excellent advice on all points made.
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974.
Tom Holsinger wrote: If your driving includes any degree of stop & go traffic, a diesel emissions control system will choke and die, putting your truck into "limp" mode. And the maintenance expenses will eat you alive.
This is a bunch of F.U.D. and should be taken with at least a grain of salt. While there are SOME makes from SOME years that have some issues with emissions systems related to short trips, this is grossly overstated and innacurate. It has little to do with stop and go traffic and much more to do with short trips that don't allow the system to heat up properly. "any degree", "choke and die" "eat you alive", this is just way too much drama and no useful details or information.
I vote for diesel as well, it'll pull that big 5ver great.
* This post was
edited 04/24/11 10:24pm by L_R_G *
I'd pull it with a large gas engine (V10 or 8.1) and a low axle ratio (4.30, 4.56, 4.88). I'd pull it with a diesel too, so it's a toss-up for me, given the right truck and engine/axle combination.
We went from a Chevy 3500 DRW 8.1 with an Allison to a Ford 6.4L DRW last fall due to pulling our camper. The gasser pulled it great anywhere we went except the interstates and up in the mountains. As long as we stayed on 2 lane highways-had no trouble, just a few down shifts to deal with. The diesel pulls much better all the way around. Yes, the cost of owning a diesel is higher, but higher fuel mileage with the diesel and not working the truck as hard is a plus in my book. Good luck with your decision.
You are probably in diesel territory with that rig but if your idea of full timing is park somewhere in the south for 6 months than haul it north and park somewhere for 6 months, a gas engine may make a lot of sense cost wise.
Tammy Mike & the Bilge Rat (AKA: Diego)
Ford F250 7.3L
1997 Sunnybrook 27' 5er
1995 Gemini Sail Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and 5er
92 Navistar dump truck, 7.3L 7 sp, 4.33 gears with a Detroit no spin
00 Chev C2500, V5700, 4L80E, 4.10, base truck, no options!
92 Red-e-haul 12K equipment trailer
3 Single axle utility trailers
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