3500 Diesel or Gas for Full Time Fifth Wheel 14K GVWR?

[HDGoose]

I have a short 6’4” standard bed. I bought a manual slider I’ve never used it in the slide position! Most any of the newer 2010 on up trailers with the curved front clear the cab no problem I’ve taken mine beyond 90 degrees with a slight up grade without issue
My previous truck was a 5.7 hemi My current truck is the 6.7 Cummins I can tell you the difference is night and day The diesel does not break a sweat climbing while the gas truck would shift down and slow down while screaming high rev’s
Also my fuel economy nearly doubled more than covering the higher fuel cost
So imho go with the diesel
Good luck

My friend with a 2020/1?? WolfPack 5th wheel and his 2021 Ram 2500 truck will now disagree with you as his camper and truck are in the shop for repairs. They colided because of uneven ground. An auto slider would not have allowed the contact.

Perhaps if on only travels from level home to prestine RV resorts, a slider is not needed. I used the autoslided onmy 2013 RAM 2500 short bed many times. Especially when traveling an I had to get in/out of rural fuel stations.

 

[BossHogg]

Newer 5th wheels are being designed to be towed with short beds. I have a 40’ Avalanche and use factory puck system with a B&W fixed hitch. I can turn just as much as the long beds.

I hear ya, I was told the same, I believed them, until ...

It is not if, it is when.

 

[Bigdaddy]

Thanks everyone. This is all very helpful information and much appreciated. I am definitely going diesel based on this feedback. In a town nearby is for sale a 3500 diesel 3.42 axle ratio, Laramie Sport trim. With a 6.5’ bed would a slider or regular hitch be necessary?

Yes you should, but I didn't do that with my SB but now I have a LB in my SB I had a few hitches and my last one was a Pullrite Superlite #2600 it work on uneven ground I was always watching, didn't have any problem, but it only take one mishap and it will ruining you day. This is a few pics but I was on level ground and the front cap of my 5th wheel helped out also I just couldn't bring myself on getting a heavy slider and when I did had one I never use it. Yeah, I know that it's better to have and not use it than not have it and need it.

 

[Bigdaddy]

I hear ya, I was told the same, I believed them, until ...

It is not if, it is when.

Ouch!

 

[stevenP]

Two words in favor of the diesel...engine brake!

 

[jrrector]

Fueling should be a consideration. With diesel you can get a TSD/EFS card and use truck stop lanes to fill up. Much easier maneuvering.