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Old 01-27-2020, 07:42 PM   #1
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Friendly gas versus diesel?

Here's the deal.
I live in South Dakota and camp maybe 10 times a year. No long hauls, but alot of 50/60 mile runs to campgrounds in the black hills. Long pulls up 7/8% hills. I currently tow with a 2011 GMC 2500hd Denali, 6.6 Duramax. I pull a 2018 FR 255rr toy hauler. CAT scaled well below all tv limits.
Now, here is my ? I'm considering a 2020 chev 2500 with the 6.6 gas. Not looking to start a gas versus diesel war, but would like to hear from 6.6 gas owners. I can climb hills with my Duramax all day at 2500/3000 rpm. I hate making an engine scream. Will a 6.6 gas be enough, or should I stick with my Duramax. Thanks for your feedback.
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Old 01-27-2020, 07:49 PM   #2
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I'm of the Dave Ramsey persuasion.

The cheapest and best vehicle you'll ever own is more than likely already parked in your driveway. You've already paid most of the depreciation on the one you own.

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Would it pull it? Probably.
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Old 01-27-2020, 07:52 PM   #3
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Stick with your Duramax.
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Old 01-27-2020, 09:02 PM   #4
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Why do you want to replace what you have with something new that won’t have as relaxed of a towing experience? If I were in your shoes then I’d keep the Duramax.
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Old 01-27-2020, 09:11 PM   #5
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Diesel...
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Old 01-28-2020, 04:37 AM   #6
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We pulled our 9500lbs trailer in the BH of SD last year with a 6.0 gas motor. I enjoyed pulling there (the scenery is great and I'm apparently a weirdo because I like pulling in the mountains) -but I don't mind letting the motor rev up to do what it needs too.

It won't make much difference what gas motor one uses with a 10k trailer, it will have to do some engine screaming in that area of the country...if that bothers you don't buy the gas truck.
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Old 01-28-2020, 07:10 AM   #7
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I went to the diesel for the reasons you are inquiring about.. For reference ,On some hills on the interstate I was around 5K in 2nd gear. It became unnerving after a while and I found myself actually avoiding spots i liked.
It is a different animal that makes the power in a different RPM range, but you specifically said " I hate making an engine scream". Those were your words, and if those words really carry weight with you, going back to any gasser will be a bad choice on 7%/8% grades with weight.
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Old 01-28-2020, 08:46 AM   #8
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I did it

Rugman, you seem to be in the same boat we were in last summer. Had a very nice Ford F350 we were using to pull our 32' fifth wheel without much effort. The wife and myself had been talking for quite sometime that for the 8 or ten times we pulled the camper a season we could probably get by with a gas truck. Our biggest problem with the diesel was that most of our running around not pulling the camper were short trips. I know from experience that we were not doing the diesel any good. We could not get through a full cleaning cycle without going out for a joy ride. The other issue we dealt with was here in Iowa it gets damn cold. Although the diesel started fine we were not driving far enough for it to warm up which made for a chilly trip for us. Last July we opted for a Ram 3/4 ton gasser which we have used to pull the camper five times before the season ended. It does not pull our rig like the diesel but we are very happy with its performance. And for a daily driver not pulling the fifth wheel it is perfect. Another bonus is that diesel around here is 60 cents more then gasoline. Guess my point is there are some of us here that have gone from a diesel to a gas truck and are quite content.
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Old 01-28-2020, 08:59 AM   #9
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I have a 6.2L gas in my Super Duty that does just fine in the 8%-11% grade mountains of Western PA and surrounding states. And now that we are in FL for the winter, it makes me more happy!

You mentioned though you hate to make an engine scream. If so, don't buy a gas motor.

Screaming is what they are designed to do and they do it well... but if you can't stand that... don't buy one.
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Old 01-28-2020, 09:31 AM   #10
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If your going to tow in the mountains it takes torque and that's where the diesel shines plus you already have one. That's 2 points for the diesel
Diesel cost more to maintain, fuel cost more but goes further, gas easier to drive around town.
3 points diesel 1 point gas

Side note plug in your block heater instant heat for short trips and no scraping windows
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Old 01-28-2020, 01:36 PM   #11
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Thanks for all your replies. Guess we'll stick with the diesel. It's actually a great truck, and tows our camper beautifully. This time of year I start getting cabin fever and have the urge to buy something new to lift my spirits. DW usually prevails until the urge has passed. Lol.
Thought I'd run my question through the forum first. Glad I did. Thanks
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Old 01-28-2020, 01:41 PM   #12
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Diesel screaming

First of all , that is your turbo kicking in. It is compressing air to cram it into the cylinders.
However, if that power is to much for you, and you feel like you are working the engine too hard, back off on the throttle a bit, shift to a lower gear and go a little slower up the hill.
You have all the power you need.
I wouldn’t have a gasser to tow again ever.
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Old 01-28-2020, 01:49 PM   #13
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I have an '07 Dodge 3500, 2 wd, 6.7 Cummins that I used on a 5th wheel. Downsized to an R-pod 179 and feel the 6.7 is a bit of an overkill, until I climb areas like Cabbage Hill, on I-84, or over Mt. Hood, or several other passes in the Cascades, and still get about 12 mpg. The other factors are it only yas 150k on it, the title is in the desk and I am still shocked with the $50-$90k price stickers.

Consider keeping, well maintained, until it requires replacement.
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Old 01-28-2020, 02:03 PM   #14
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I have owned 3 diesel motorhomes in the past, two cummins and one cat. While they were all good reliable engines, I am very happy to be back into a Ford E-450 based V-10 gasser. Contrary to many posts I've read, the Forester with the V-10 has more HP and torque relative to GVWR than any of my diesel buses did. My last bus was the Tiffin Allegro bus with the mighty Cummins ISL... a powerhouse for sure... but not as good as the V-10 relative to GVWR. And of course the gasser is infinitely easier to service, maintain and find fuel for. Another thing to consider is that there may be a diesel fuel supply crisis looming... read here
Put me down as one happy gasser owner.
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Old 01-28-2020, 02:05 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jbrosecity View Post
I have owned 3 diesel motorhomes in the past, two cummins and one cat. While they were all good reliable engines, I am very happy to be back into a Ford E-450 based V-10 gasser. Contrary to many posts I've read, the Forester with the V-10 has more HP and torque relative to GVWR than any of my diesel buses did. My last bus was the Tiffin Allegro bus with the mighty Cummins ISL... a powerhouse for sure... but not as good as the V-10 relative to GVWR. And of course the gasser is infinitely easier to service, maintain and find fuel for. Another thing to consider is that there may be a diesel fuel supply crisis looming... read here

Put me down as one happy gasser owner.

They've been talking about that shortage for years.. kinda like global warming and our certain doom.

No.. it's very real this time.. I call BS.
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Old 01-28-2020, 02:14 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hankpac View Post
First of all , that is your turbo kicking in. It is compressing air to cram it into the cylinders.
However, if that power is to much for you, and you feel like you are working the engine too hard, back off on the throttle a bit, shift to a lower gear and go a little slower up the hill.
You have all the power you need.
I wouldn’t have a gasser to tow again ever.
Did someone mention their diesel screaming? If so, who did? The 'screaming' I saw was related to gasoline engines.
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Old 01-28-2020, 02:54 PM   #17
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Gas engines are not designed to scream, it’s just what they have to do when pulling loads. Keep in mind 2000 rpm means every piston is making 66 strokes per second.
The higher rpm needed is also wearing you alternator bearings, power steering pump,(unless you have electric) water pump bearing and so on.
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Old 01-28-2020, 03:14 PM   #18
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If you hate making the engine "scream" then I suggest you stick with what you have. The 6.6 gas is an LXX engine. Like the LS engines, they are designed to run at high rpm's. That is where the HP and torque are.
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Old 01-28-2020, 03:36 PM   #19
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Since horsepower is partially a time measurement it is always at high rpm. Torque is at a high rpm on gas engines because of the short stroke, lower compression and fast burning fuel.
The gas engines are capable of the high rpm but that does not make it a good thing.
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Old 01-28-2020, 03:50 PM   #20
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Gas engines are not designed to scream, .
Total BS.
Redline rpm keeps going up and up and up. Let 'er rip.
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