New tow vehicle idea?

[asquared]

I didn't say major costs. I just said more maintenance and there is. You have fuel filters, you have water separators to drain, depending on make/model year you need to add def, some also require cetane additives. You have to worry about fuel gelling up in cold or getting fungus in it if it sits too long in heat. I am on my second diesel, yes I do know about the maintenance schedule. Our oil changes are approximately $100 every 5000 miles. The fuel filter is typically another $70 every 10000 miles. Def usually needs to be added about every 4000 miles, more frequently if towing. Def is about $12/gallon at Wal-Mart. In exchange for the maintenance you get a better towing vehicle with a longer life span if properly maintained. Parts are more expensive when they break down but so far our issues have been covered by warranty.

[Blackhat6mike]

The only additional maintenance on my Duramax diesel 2500HD is the DEF. If you buy it at truck stops, it's about 1/3 what you pay for it at auto parts stores and WAY LESS than what the dealers charge.
I change oil/filter when my OBD tells me to, which averages around 8,500 miles.
Nothing could get me to go back to gas or 1500s. The fuel mileage is much better than gas both towing and loose. The torque, well, you just have to experience it once to be sold. 765 ft lbs out of the box.
I have a 50 gallon transfer tank/toolbox tied in with a pump to the stock 36 gallon tank, so stopping for fuel is not a problem. I couldn't be happier!

[deebarjay]

what tune you running blackhat ??

[B and B]

No tune here. Running stock everything, still have 5 years warranty left.

I go in for my first oil change Tuesday at 12,000 km When I bought the truck a 120,000 5 yr extended warranty was $1200 and maintenance plan was another $1000.00 for 5 years/ or 24 service dates so I definitely believe this is money well spent.

To answer the OP's question. As you can see from all the posts a Diesel truck is wise choice. We don't want to spend your money but just give a different perspective.

We are camping this weekend so we will get one more time in this year!

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by davel1971

I'd sure like to know what the "more maintenance" is that everyone speaks of. I've had my diesel 2.5 years and have only opened the hood for oil changes. Not having to buy spark plugs gives me more beer money

Hopefully you have done fuel filters a few times in that 2.5 years.


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK

[ov845]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

Let me start this with this:
Plz do not bash other makes cause your a ford guy, Chevy guy, etc.... Just looking for honest, preferably first hand knowledge... I am looking at upgrading my tow vehicle and here's why (I would not sale my Navi if not for the following)

2000 Lincoln Navigator AWD w/ air ride pulling a 27' 2015 Avenger ATI W/ Ez Lift bars and sway control

While pulling, at times, I can really feel the TT push me in curves, wind really makes her rock, and of course large trucks and such cause me to white knuckle the steering wheel. I am just wanting something with more "butt" so it's not so stressful pulling the TT for 4-5 hours one way.
My friend that picked it up for me used a new 2500 GMC Denali Diesel truck and we never used the EZ lifts or sway bar. His truck never knew it was back there and we ran 75 up a mountain. Now his truck was way overkill being it was a turbo diesel but just the feeling of not being pushed around was a relief. These are my current thoughts on vehicles and please chime in with other options. Also, if one of these is not a good option or rated for this plz let me know as I am just now starting to look. Thank you

2005-2012 ish tow vehicles: Gasoline
Prefer a 1/2 ton IF it won't get pushed around like the Navigator:
F150 4x4 SuperCab
Chevy/Gmc 1500 SuperCab
2007+ Toyota Tundra SuperCab

Or if those will not be any better than the Navigator then:
F250
Chevy 2500
GMC 2500
Any others?
Not looking for huge, no 1 tons, duallys, etc

Have you tried disabling your air ride while towing? Just curious.


Happy Camping!

2012 Ram 1500 5.7L 3.92
Airlift 1000
2015 2809W WindJammer
Husky Centerline WDH

[drittal]

Originally Posted by steelpony5555

And for some reason people think a diesel is harder to drive as your daily driver???????

How does the DPF and short commutes and/or idling get along? If diesel motor isnt getting to operating temps it will regen more often. Regen is not cleaning. Regen burns the soot, creating ash. Eventually the DPF will need cleaned or replaced, typically 100-130k. Short commutes and idle time will generally mean sooner. $$$

Oh and did I mention you can drive the wheels off a diesel, no problem putting 300K miles on one.

300K isn't attainable with anything other than a diesel?

OP is from Alabama? That helps a lot to make the choice of diesel. As a daily driver up here with my short commutes? Nah. -50 wind chills, -25 for days. Gotta run a blend all winter and fill with #1 on to prepare for those cold snaps. Use stanadyne as as well. Why??? Ever gel up on a two lane with no cell service? My 7.3 Powerstroke took forevey to warm up. The 6.2 gm was better.

[Anders]

A heavier truck will make you feel safer on the road. We have a one ton Dodge 3500 and that might be overkill for you, but it sure makes the pulling nice. This is my wife's comments from a blog post I wrote shortly after we bought the truck.

"Our truck is great for towing our 5th wheel. I feel confident that it has the power to get us up the mountains, and more importantly has the capacity to control the weight and push when we come down mountains.
At first I was very apprehensive to drive the truck pulling the trailer. But I feel confident, that the truck and I can handle it. I have been driving through the mountains and passes no problems. In the cities with the trailer I am still a bit cautious. In the city without the trailer is fine, although in my opinion this truck is way too big and parking is a challenge.
I still call it the beast, but I have learned to tame it."

[youroo]

Rhino,by your own admission you are a candidate for a Hensley Hitch! You want to keep your 2000 Navi but you want a NON White Knuckle drive! Perfect,buy a Hensley and all your Desires are answered! If it fails to be TRUE then there are a LOT of Members here and elsewhere that are NOT telling the Truth! Buy a NEW one for 3000$ and if it fails to give what you are looking for SELL it,even if you loose some$$ it is still WAY cheaper than Upgrading TV,which You Dont want to do! Your call! Youroo!!

[davel1971]

Originally Posted by asquared

Def is about $12/gallon at Wal-Mart.

DEF isn't $12 a gallon anywhere. The $12 jug at Walmart is 2.5 gallons. If DEF is bought in bulk at truck pumps, it's around $2.75 a gallon

[aceinspp]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

The invoice shows 5,800 lbs... i assume that is a dry weight. Its usually just my wife, 2 year old, and I that go so we don't carry much stuff with us. I have 2 propane tanks and battery on the tongue.

I am considering a diesel as well and my reasoning is that the truck will ONLY be used when pulling my 5,000lb boat or my TT. Its not a daily driver as we have another vehicle for that. So my thoughts are that diesels seem to get better fuel economy than gassers when pulling trailers and such, is this a fair assumption? Thanks again all. Very helpful with all your input

As mentioned diesels are not meant to sit for periods of time as you mention yours will not be a daily driver. Also the additional cost of the buying a diesel is around $8200. Good luck on your decision. Later RJD

[tankroady]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

Let me start this with this:
Plz do not bash other makes cause your a ford guy, Chevy guy, etc.... Just looking for honest, preferably first hand knowledge... I am looking at upgrading my tow vehicle and here's why (I would not sale my Navi if not for the following)

2000 Lincoln Navigator AWD w/ air ride pulling a 27' 2015 Avenger ATI W/ Ez Lift bars and sway control

While pulling, at times, I can really feel the TT push me in curves, wind really makes her rock, and of course large trucks and such cause me to white knuckle the steering wheel. I am just wanting something with more "butt" so it's not so stressful pulling the TT for 4-5 hours one way.
My friend that picked it up for me used a new 2500 GMC Denali Diesel truck and we never used the EZ lifts or sway bar. His truck never knew it was back there and we ran 75 up a mountain. Now his truck was way overkill being it was a turbo diesel but just the feeling of not being pushed around was a relief. These are my current thoughts on vehicles and please chime in with other options. Also, if one of these is not a good option or rated for this plz let me know as I am just now starting to look. Thank you

2005-2012 ish tow vehicles: Gasoline
Prefer a 1/2 ton IF it won't get pushed around like the Navigator:
F150 4x4 SuperCab
Chevy/Gmc 1500 SuperCab
2007+ Toyota Tundra SuperCab

Or if those will not be any better than the Navigator then:
F250
Chevy 2500
GMC 2500
Any others?
Not looking for huge, no 1 tons, duallys, etc

Since you have a tow behind and not a 5 wheel, Have you looked at full sized vans. I have a E-350 Ford Van. Plenty of towing, light on power for the big hills not bad on fuel. Looked at pickups but the price was too much. 2 year old truck for 20k low Km's a US truck sold here in Canada. 2 things that work for me is 8 passenger seating and van blocks wind on trailer. Like my Ford, loved my Dodge Vans ( not made anymore) , and drive a GMC pickup. Can't beat the price on the van.

[steelpony5555]

How does the DPF and short commutes and/or idling get along? If diesel motor isnt getting to operating temps it will regen more often. Regen is not cleaning. Regen burns the soot, creating ash. Eventually the DPF will need cleaned or replaced, typically 100-130k. Short commutes and idle time will generally mean sooner. $$$

You always have to keep your RPM's up on a diesel. Dodge is around 1800-2000. So when in town for an extended period of driving just set tranny manually into 3rd or 4th etc. You also always ..always .. always turn on your exhaust brake. You can also turn on Tow Haul which will help keep RPM's up. Now if you don't do these things then yes you will be in the garage sooner to get either your exhaust system cleaned or a new turbo... As far as trouble in cold weather...there are thousands of diesels up in Canada. Gas stations and truck stops blend the fuel for you.......

[B and B]

Originally Posted by steelpony5555

You always have to keep your RPM's up on a diesel. Dodge is around 1800-2000. So when in town for an extended period of driving just set tranny manually into 3rd or 4th etc. You also always ..always .. always turn on your exhaust brake. You can also turn on Tow Haul which will help keep RPM's up. Now if you don't do these things then yes you will be in the garage sooner to get either your exhaust system cleaned or a new turbo... As far as trouble in cold weather...there are thousands of diesels up in Canada. Gas stations and truck stops blend the fuel for you.......

X2 I have been told we do not need cetane boost as the Diesel from the pump works just fine. We did have -30 to -38 C days last winter in Southern Ontario in this case you might need something extra.

Back to the Ops Question.

Are you running P series tires? Simplest of upgrade would be putting truck tires on the Navigator. This might stiffen up the ride and provide enough stability you are looking for. I know with my ill-fated Bronco 2 the LT tires made it stick to the road rather than bounce around.

[Loraura]

W/ Ez Lift bars

Before you do anything expensive, try a better WDH. One without friction sway bars. The tow experience is vastly better with a high quality WDH with built in sway prevention rather than attempting to control sway after it starts with friction.

[rhino_160]

Guess being the OP let me clear up a couple things. I am at the TN/AL line and my travels will usually always include lots of hills as we go to east TN often. I will drive the truck weekly, regardless of were camping or not, just to run the truck. Now this may only be once a week for a 20 mile round trip just to charge the battery though. We try to camp once if not twice a month and those trips are usually 2-4 hours away, each way.
Also, I am wanting to be able to load my ATV in the bed, if possible, along with pulling the camper. The 4 wheeler weighs about 700lbs. Now, still wanting to stick with a 3/4 ton but if this is going to be too much, my friend can always put my wheeler on a trailer and pull it separately. Thanks again all

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

Also, I am wanting to be able to load my ATV in the bed, if possible, along with pulling the camper. The 4 wheeler weighs about 700lbs. Now, still wanting to stick with a 3/4 ton but if this is going to be too much, my friend can always put my wheeler on a trailer and pull it separately. Thanks again all

Loading the ATV you are now in 1 ton payload range. A 3/4 ton diesel will have a payload of around 2400 lbs and 1 ton diesel Single Rear Wheel will have a payload around 3700 lbs. Not only the payload gives you more options if you want to upgrade your RV but also the payload needed to for your ATV. A one ton single rear wheel is the same size as at 3/4 ton, my 1 ton SuperCab that has 143.5 wheel base which is shorter than F150 CrewCab at 145 inches.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by rhino_160

Guess being the OP let me clear up a couple things. I am at the TN/AL line and my travels will usually always include lots of hills as we go to east TN often. I will drive the truck weekly, regardless of were camping or not, just to run the truck. Now this may only be once a week for a 20 mile round trip just to charge the battery though. We try to camp once if not twice a month and those trips are usually 2-4 hours away, each way.
Also, I am wanting to be able to load my ATV in the bed, if possible, along with pulling the camper. The 4 wheeler weighs about 700lbs. Now, still wanting to stick with a 3/4 ton but if this is going to be too much, my friend can always put my wheeler on a trailer and pull it separately. Thanks again all

Rhino-160,now the Story has Changed to putting a ATV in the Bed,so much for you wanting to Stay with the Navigator if the Tow conditions were better? Youroo!!

[sunnyinfla]

If your going with a pickup go with an 8 foot bed pickups are alot more stable with the longer wheelbase.....

[asquared]

Originally Posted by davel1971

DEF isn't $12 a gallon anywhere. The $12 jug at Walmart is 2.5 gallons. If DEF is bought in bulk at truck pumps, it's around $2.75 a gallon

Sorry, yes you are correct that was a typo.