Ok guys, I'm in the market for a new or used truck. I pull pretty much every weekend during the hunting season (14' single axle trailer w/ two 4-wheelers and related gear (mostly highway). I also pull most weekends during the off season a 17 1/2' alum. bass boat (some highway). Momma's Tahoe gets the job done, but I want something to pull without strain and no trouble w/ hills. I know diesel is the way to go for this, but I'm worried about operation cost (oil changes etc.), extra weight (in-case I every get off-road) and fuel mileage.
Please help me out, I don't know which way to go. By the way, it will probably be a Dodge.

With that much pulling I would go with diesel no question.

Diesel is the way to go. I have an 04 2500HD 4X4 with the Cummins, and it is awesome. The operating cost is higher, but you have an engine with a much longer life. Plus you will always get your money back(on the motor)if you decide to sell or trade in.

With the 2 rigs you mention that you are pulling that really is not any weight to speak of. You can buy an awful lot of gas for the price you will have to pay for a diesel motor. You will have to drive that truck for many years to come to make it worth the cost.

I pull a singel axle with 12 ft bed and two atvs. I then pull a 19ft center console pocket tunnel. I have a 2002 Ford F150 FX4 with the 5.6 liter. Minor problems in hilly areas with the boat and only about 8mpg when pulling the boat. 14 mpg while not pulling.

Definately diesel! If you compare the fuel economy between a full size gas and diesel truck(ex.Ford F250 with 6.8l gas, or 7.3L diesel)Just using those two engines as examples. The 6.8 will probably get around 8mpg city and highway while a well maintained diesel will get around 14-17mpg( all estimated on the low side). Yes the upkeep for the diesel is more expensive but have you looked at the price of gas lately! Things are going to change with diesels in the future, but if you are planning on keeping the truck for a long period of time, then definately without a doubt DIESEL! I drive a gas truck(f150 supercrew 4.6L) but the only towing I do is a small aluminum flat bottom boat, eventually a bigger boat but this truck handles all my needs. I would love to own a diesel and can afford one but do not have the use for one. If it doesn't make dollars than it doesn't make sense right??? Ultimately you will have to make a decision on which better fits your needs but diesels are work horses and gas is an a-b vehicle.

just my .02 cents

Wes
Ford CNG,LPG,Gasoline,Diesel Technician

I bought my first Diesel a year ago 04 f250 with a 6.0 . I don't think I will ever go back to a gasser. I pull a jon boat with it, but also have a 27ft Crownline that goes about 8k pounds. Pulls like a dream and rides nice also. I get about 16mpg highway unloaded. I haven't pulled a long haul with the big boat yet so I don't know the mileage loaded. With what you are pulling, the gasser would probably do the trick.

Joe

New..Hands down Diesel for sure.How many big rigs use Gas? Only if you plan on keeping it for awhile. The diesel will do 20 mpg highway. Oil change 12 qt.s+ NO spark plugs. Keep fluids and Filters clean and keep on trucking. Used really don't matter? If ya find a bargain. Good Luck CBW, just my .02

I just recently bought my first diesel a 01 F250 CrewCab w/ a 7.3. It replaced an Expedition and I didn't plan on getting rid of it but after a pretty hard rear end collision I decided I didn't want it. I decided to go with a diesel and do not regret my decision at all. It is awesome to tow with and gets much better gas mileage than the Expy.

I can't see myself ever going back to a gas engine...that is as long as I have something to tow.

Good luck in your search. Call Chris or Monte if you are looking for something, those 2 guys can really help you out. See Tom Reddington's post on this board for their contact information.

I have a 2000 F-250 with a Powerstroke in it with a 5 speed manual tranny & I use it to pull my 8x14 BBQ Wagon with that weighs in at 3900#'s, I average 16.5 mpg pulling that trailer with that truck!! It pulls like a big truck man ! I will never go back to a gas truck!!!

I'm a diesel advocate but like was said above you don't NEED a diesel to pull the weight you do. I am guessing though that you are wanting to pull without the truck straining. A diesel will do that for you.
The only downside of the diesel is that it will not do as well in the dirt. You can compensate somewhat with bigger tires(I am betting you like to hear that).
Compared to the big engined gassers the diesel will eventually pay for itself unless the diesel prices go up again against gas prices.

Good luck with your decision.

Diesel is the way to go.....you'll be pleased with the fuel milage and towing preformance. If you are worried about operating cost such as the cost of an oil change. I get the oil changed for 39.00 at wally world...just keep an eye on them. Plus you will come out ahead in the long run saving money in fuel..Also I change my oil every 6-7 thousand miles, just use a reputible oil, such as dello. If you purchase a powerstroke, be carefull extending your oil change intervuils due to the stroks injectors are fired off of oil pressure. just my 2 cents

Thanks yall, for the good info. After this and talking to guys that run diesel, my new truck will be diesel. Like I said I'm looking at the Dodge 2500 4x4 QuadCab. I seem to pull alot, not as much weight as a rancher or some of you guys, but I hate straining while pulling, makes me tired. From what I hear the diesel will make me happy and allow me to upgrade boats or get a camper and be just fine.
Thanks again.
TX2Guns

Cost per mile, diesel trucks are more expensive to operate unless you are frequently pulling a heavy load. Diesels cost more to maintain and repair and the fuel savings a diesel offers is most of the time offset by higher diesel fuel prices. If I were hauling a heavy trailer on a daily basis I would go diesel.

Diesel all the Way