Towing: Gas vs diesel debate, 1500 & 3500

Yes, I know....probably been asked a 1000 times...

Yes, I know... a diesel tows better...


What I'm debating is the true efficiency now between models. I haven't had a diesel in 10 years and really debating it because of all the new emissions stuff.

I have a 35' bumper pull travel trailer. The Ford F150 with the 3.5 eco-boost pulled it fine. Rear end lowered but it did it...I wasn't happy with it. The Ram 2500 with 6.4 of course didn't break a sweat. Mileage sucked but it's a truck, it did what it was made for.

I've been debating going back to a new 19 Ram CC with the 5.7 torque boost whatever on the engine. Specs show it bumps the towing up to 12,500 or something like that. Also looking at a 1-ton MC with the 6.7. Both would be 4wd Laramie models.

The TT empty is 8350 lbs...so lets say 10,500 loaded with 2 adults, 1 kid, the dog and associated crap. We don't do a lot of going...here and there with the camper so it wouldn't be a constant or all the time thing.

It appears on paper that the Hemi would do it and I know the Cummins wouldn't give a damn. In reality, you people that tow more, what would be your expectations on the Hemi with this TT and weight?

I know the Cummins would do it, have more torque and etc...but as I said, in these days of all the new federal crap, is a diesel worth it anymore? I was pre-fed junk and diesels were amazing...still are IF you use them like they are meant. I don't prefer to stay with a hemi on a 2500/3500 scale, but it's a back burner thought.

Thanks all and sorry to rehash anything. I have done quite a bit of searching on here and found some answer to my questions, I'm just really debating if anyone has some real world experience yet with the new 1500 hemis.

Have a great one!!

This is really an apples to oranges comparison but what I expect with the HEMI at those weights is miserable fuel mileage.

Yeah, the diesel trucks cost a bit more to run and maintain but as you said, that ain't much of a load for the Cummins. Then again...if you ever decide to get a larger trailer or move into a larger 5'vr, you got what you need with the diesel.

Good luck with your choice.

You're 100 right...if we ever upgrade, the cummins would definitely be a plus...just not sure we ever would.

It is truly an apples to oranges and a tough/weird one at that...thats why I was curious if anyone had an real life stuff with this size/weight on the 1500s.

I'm not convinced fully that a diesel with all the emissions junk is a way to go anymore...thats my real debacle lol

Thanks Maddog!!

10K is way too much for a half ton. Plain and simple.


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I tow a 12,500 5th Wheel with the 3500 6.4L SRW and have no issues at all. I would love to have the diesel but the expense was just a bit too much (maybe in a few years). The truck likes to make noise when its pulling but it has no issues keeping 65mph uphill. On my last 125 mile trip I averaged 9mpg - can't complain too much about that! I do wish the tank was more than 32 gallons though.

35 feet behind a 1500 is doable but it can get dicey on a windy day or when a friendly 18 wheeler blows by you! I did it with a pull behind and a Chevy 1500 - it just wasn't relaxing to go camping!

My opinion: at 10k your in 3/4 ton truck territory and pushing into diesel territory.

The 6.4 will do it with 4.10 gearing..but will rev on the grades. It's all in what you want.

I'm sure the new half tons are great but until ram builds one with a max payload package like Ford i think you'll be too far over payload with a rig that size and your family and gear. Good luck

txfire said:

You're 100 right...if we ever upgrade, the cummins would definitely be a plus...just not sure we ever would.

It is truly an apples to oranges and a tough/weird one at that...thats why I was curious if anyone had an real life stuff with this size/weight on the 1500s.

I'm not convinced fully that a diesel with all the emissions junk is a way to go anymore...thats my real debacle lol

Thanks Maddog!!

Click to expand...

Are you saying the emissions stuff on new diesels brings them down to gas engine performance?
I've been pulling my TT with a 1500 gasser with 4.10 gears and the 5.9 for the last 15 years. After having pulled the same trailer with my brothers CTD last year, the difference is like night and day. There is no comparison.
I can hardly wait until I buy a new to me Dodge CTD this summer.

No emissions issues on my 2017 at all.

My 2016 Cummins has "all the emissions stuff" and it's a beast. Honestly, other then throwing some DEF fluid in once in a while it's all transparent to me. While there is a (very very very) small percentage of people that have had real issues with the emission stuff most do not. All models will have a few problem vehicles here and there, gas trucks included. I wouldn't worry about it. People get too wrapped up about a non-issue.

I'm also of the belief that if you are getting close to that 10K trailer range it's time to move up to a 2500/3500 truck. A 1500 has the HP to pull it but not the stability in my opinion.

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Three months ago I sold my diesel and went back to a gas i2500 RAM. I was one of the few that had issues with the emission system and total cost before I sold it was $4500 worth of junk being replaced with only 87,000 miles on my truck. I have the 6.4 hemi. as of yet, I have not pulled my trailer and my trailer weighs in at 8900 pounds dry 10,900 pounds gross and I definitely would not want to pull this 37 foot long trailer with a 1500. I had a 33 foot 7600 give trailer on the back of my old 2015 ram 1500 5.7 hemi with the eight speed and pulled it with no problem but whenever a wind came along it would give you a good scare even with a good weight distribution hitch.

You don't say how often you tow?
I have a 25ft toyhauler and probably push 9K. My own dilemma was I use my truck as a daily driver and wanted comfort and better MPG. I maybe tow my rig every other month so why punish myself with a rougher ride and less MPG every day. I'm not in a race when I tow and the 1500 exceeds my expectations every time I do.
If I was towing more often, I would have defiantly got a 2500.
If you go with the 1500 without the air suspension, you will need rear air bags to prevent sagging. my $2 worth...

You're not alone. I had this same conversation with myself before I bought my 1500. My dividing line was fuel injectors on a diesel as a potential fail point. Buying used I had no idea what quality gas the previous owner used and didn't want to eat that repair bill. A 2500 is a real nice compromise between capability and comfort. Toss $800 worth of suspension at it and it will be quite a nice ride.

Just moved from a 2500 Gas to a 3500 Diesel, the better half is looking at 40’+ fifth wheels, I needed to be prepared lol

txfire said:

I know the Cummins would do it, have more torque and etc...but as I said, in these days of all the new federal crap, is a diesel worth it anymore? !

Click to expand...

If I remember correctly, when the 6.7 Cummins was introduced in MY07 so was DEF and emissions controls. There were many bumps with diesel emission systems between changing requirements and emission implementation. Over the years, the emission systems have evolved to the point where they are trouble-free and invisible to the user. Sure, you will read about issues but you have to keep in mind what caused those issues, mostly but not always, user induced.

"All that federal crap" is downstream from the engine in the exhaust system and has been like this since the 2013 MY. There is some EGR action but from what I've read it is minimal.

My 2015 has been trouble free, and I'm certainly not unique so do not let emissions stop you from getting a diesel. Let the satisfaction of knowing what comes out of your exhaust is likely cleaner than what went into the engine.

The motor isn't in question. The 5.7 Hemi has plenty of grunt to pull.

Its everything from the engine back that is changed for the weight.
Frame and suspension to support it, brakes to stop it, transmission and rear end to move it.
You push all that to the max on a regular basis, you can't expect longevity.

Thanks everyone for the replies! Some real good info here. My thoughts were the same as several others regarding the length and wind/etc.

Some also mention the time towing, which is not much at all.

My dilemma was same as Aces...I don't spend a ton of time towing and when I do, I'm not in a race. My tow rig will also be my DD and I'm curious if its worth sacrificing the comfort and quality in the time being.

As for all the "federal crap" lol...it is what it is. I wasn't saying it was all a bad thing, I just know it hurts these engines to some extent. I come from the 5.9 days and those were best too. I have driven the 6.7 and while they are beasty as well, I see a ton of people complaining how restrictive it all is. Not to say they aren't good motors with it all on there, they could just be more without it all. I see plenty of newer CTDs towing all day long with all the fed junk...I know it can be done, I wasn't worried about that the least bit.

Thanks again everyone for the info! Definite food for thought!!

For the weight you are towing the power isn't the only issue. Take a hard look at payload rating. I think the new 1500's can now be had with over 1500 for payload. But, a typical 1500 4 door truck sucks for payload, closer to 1300 unless you buy a stripped down 4x2 reg cab. 10-15% tongue weight, 2 adults and kid and you are over payload. This is what put me into a 2500. I wanted to pull my TT and throw my 800lb ATV in the bed. No go with half a truck

As a daily driver with very little towing it's hard to justify a diesel. The 6.4 w 4.10's is a great setup. But, if you just want a diesel because of the testosterone factor they go for it!

If I/you are towing over 10,000lbs a lot, for long hauls then that's diesel territory.

Sounds like you are the perfect candidate for a 2500 gasser.

I have a 2000 5.9 diesel and after almost 20 years its paid for itself in fuel savings but unless I towed heavy a lot, I would get a 2500 w/6.4 as the initial cost for the diesel would take a lot of miles to pay for and the gasser is lighter and nicer to drive. How much do you tow and how long will you keep the truck? I agree with NewBlack 10000 is too much for a 1500

Ya from a practical/$$$ standpoint I don't know that most guys can make the math work anymore if that's the main reason, I know I couldn't. Not when you consider the initial cost of the diesel and the price of fuel. It used to be cheaper than gas everywhere but not anymore and the initial cost was not as much. Exceptions are guys driving a LOT of miles towing heavy. Anymore the reason to buy a diesel is NOT to save money over gas but to buy the right tool for the job. Can't beat the diesel for heavy towing that's for sure.

I was selling Fords when they came out with the first 6.9 IH. At that time the Cummins was wearing out the Dodge trucks like crazy. I sold a lot of 6.9's and 7.3's and lots of guys sure wished they could have gotten the Cummins in the Ford. That's all changed now. These new Dodge trucks aren't like the old ones... and that's a good thing! Buy the right truck for the job, there sure isn't a lack of choices! Either way, us consumers win!

The emissions stuff doesn't seem to be much trouble as long as you stay out of extreme cold climates. In my experience thats where the failure rates get high. That goes for pretty much every modern diesel as I've seen a lot of kenworths and western stars go down as well as heavy equipment and pickups when the temps drop. Between def freezing and regen systems unable to get hot enough to burn off ash its a struggle, but there are solutions such as covering the rad to maintain higher engine temps.