Looking to upgrade

[hopalong1949]

I have a 2020 1500 with 5.7 hemi. Looking to upgrade to pull a 1200O lb rv and would like suggestion as to whether I should go with 6.7 gas engine or go diesel and what size rear end do I need to pull the best?

 

[lAWROSA]

diesel hands down IMO. 3.92 rear period. Just go 3500. If 5th wheel duelly

 

[HEMIMANN]

Above 10,000 lb = diesel, in 3500 series. In 2500 series, the high weight of the diesel reduces payload too much.

 

[MADDOG]

Above 10,000 lb = diesel, in 3500 series. In 2500 series, the high weight of the diesel reduces payload too much.

Roger that!

 

[crash68]

diesel hands down IMO. 3.92 rear period. Just go 3500. If 5th wheel duelly

You can only get a diesel with 3.92 gearing in the 1500 for which a 12K lbs trailer is a bit too much.
The HD trucks have either 3.73 or an optional 4.10 gearing. If the Cummins is under the hood, don't really need to worry about the lower 4.10 gearing unless the trailer will be pushing 20K or greater.

 

[Jeepwalker]

How often and how far?

I have a buddy who bought a F250 diesel, but tows his trailer 3x a yr (Memorial Day, 4th July, and Labor Day) to a campground an hour away (flat towing). That's a pretty good chunk of his income to be ******* in that pickup.

When I grew up, man we used to load up my dad's 1/2 ton pickup sky high and pull big loads of hay with it and heavy loads of grain. Never had any vehicle failures other than rust and age-related

 

[Gordo2212]

Depending on how often you will be towing you could consider a 2500 or 3500 with the 6.4l hemi and would need to go with the 4.1 gears. There’s plenty of power in the 6.4.

 

[Dan Topp]

I had my chance to get a 3500 4x4 in 19 but my wife hated diesels from our experience with the 2.1 bluetec,and when she saw the height it was over.But now it’s travel trailer talk which means the 1500 is way too small.I prefer hotels with jacuzzis in the room anyway. Thanks for this thread.

 

[zogg]

I’ve had both the 6.4 gasser and the Cummins to pull 5th wheels. The diesel is wonderful but the 6.4 is more than adequate imho. I towed a 12,000 5th wheel with both. The diesel was a lot of extra maintenance and bother…wife hated the smell of diesel exhaust. I got about 11 mpg with the Cummins and 7-8 with the 6.4.

If I was going to tow again, I’d do the 6.4….easy to maintain and the Cummins is now a $10,000 option. I can buy a hellofalot of gas for 10 grand.

 

[tron67j]

When asking about towing, concern about engine and gearing ignores other critical attributes that are as important or maybe even more so.

No one can give you an answer you can be sure is anywhere near what you need because there are too many data points missing. What type of gear do you carry in your truck when traveling, how much weight is added with family, pets, and friends, do you want 4wd, how much exactly does your trailer weigh full for camping and what is the exact tongue weight? Just some of the questions anyone here needs to give you sound advice. A 12k trailer empty can easily hit 13.5k with all the stuff, supplies, and fluids carried in the trailer. Or the 12k could be the maximum loaded weight of your trailer and you are a minimalist.

Lots of people tow safely within specs, others take chances that can lead to unwanted consequences. Where do you want to be in this spectrum?

You could be well within specs, save a ton of money, and be very happy with a 2500 6.4 with 3.73 gearing if you get a Tradesman 2wd crew cab. My family has a couple of these working great. We also have 1 tons with diesel that are doing their thing. Each rig was spec'd out for the intended purpose and trailers are not just bought for the look and features but also with an eye on if it works within the parameters of the truck or not.

Once you know all the weights of your trailer, plus the weights mentioned above that go in the truck (include the actual weight of the hitch), then you can find the right truck for the job. Good luck.

 

[jejb]

wife hated the smell of diesel exhaust.

Mine did too on my older Duramax and PSD motors. But that's not a thing anymore with my 18 Cummins. There is no stink no more.

 

[andymax]

When asking about towing, concern about engine and gearing ignores other critical attributes that are as important or maybe even more so.

No one can give you an answer you can be sure is anywhere near what you need because there are too many data points missing. What type of gear do you carry in your truck when traveling, how much weight is added with family, pets, and friends, do you want 4wd, how much exactly does your trailer weigh full for camping and what is the exact tongue weight? Just some of the questions anyone here needs to give you sound advice. A 12k trailer empty can easily hit 13.5k with all the stuff, supplies, and fluids carried in the trailer. Or the 12k could be the maximum loaded weight of your trailer and you are a minimalist.

Lots of people tow safely within specs, others take chances that can lead to unwanted consequences. Where do you want to be in this spectrum?

You could be well within specs, save a ton of money, and be very happy with a 2500 6.4 with 3.73 gearing if you get a Tradesman 2wd crew cab. My family has a couple of these working great. We also have 1 tons with diesel that are doing their thing. Each rig was spec'd out for the intended purpose and trailers are not just bought for the look and features but also with an eye on if it works within the parameters of the truck or not.

Once you know all the weights of your trailer, plus the weights mentioned above that go in the truck (include the actual weight of the hitch), then you can find the right truck for the job. Good luck.

Best answer you'll get right here.