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Last Updated on August 25, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Gas vs Diesel Towing Fifth Wheel
The debate between gas vs. diesel for towing a fifth wheel has been ongoing among RV enthusiasts and professionals alike, sparking various discussions of efficiency, power, and cost-effectiveness.
- Fuel Efficiency: Diesel engines excel in efficiency.
- Power & Torque: Superior torque for heavy loads.
- Engine Longevity: Diesel engines are exceptionally durable.
- Cost: Initial investment versus long-term savings.
- Maintenance: Consider frequency and associated costs.
- Resale Value: Retention of value, especially for towing.
If you are new to RVs or trucks, picking the right vehicle for your needs can be challenging.
Although both gas and diesel trucks can tow a fifth wheel, other factors, such as fuel economy, running cost, tow capacity, and off-road capability, must be considered.
What is a Fifth Wheel?
A fifth wheel is an RV that can be towed behind a pickup truck. You don’t have to buy an entire house with wheels. It is a luxurious, towable RV with all the necessary amenities and features.
These RVs are strong, massive, and utterly magnificent. If you have never towed an RV behind your truck, a fifth wheel might surprise you for all the right reasons.
Fifth wheels are designed to take on the road without compromising stability and handling. As they are heavy-duty, they require more powerful trucks for towing than other RVs.
Gas Vs. Diesel Trucks: Which is Better for Towing a Fifth-Wheel?
If you want to go straight for the strong-built truck, a one-ton diesel truck with an 8ft long bed will do the job.
Although the truck is ideal, it won’t necessarily fit every driver’s needs. Suppose you are an average family guy who uses the car yearly for summer adventures.
In this case, the right vehicle for you might not be ideal for a daily driver who uses the fifth wheel for a full-time living.
Fuel Economy
Unsurprisingly, diesel trucks are superior to gas trucks for withstanding heavy weights for longer distances. Diesel trucks can mainly outperform gas trucks in mileage and efficiency.
However, new and advanced turbocharged gas engines have improved the towing power of gas trucks. Gas is also less expensive per gallon than diesel.
Thus, there is no significant difference in the fuel efficiency of the trucks. Yet, mileage is still the factor that gives diesel the upper hand. The superior fuel economy of diesel trucks will save you money in the long run.
These trucks also have large torque outputs, making them an excellent option for towing heavy fifth-wheels without burning fuel.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Colorado Camperman
If you have a larger budget for your truck, you can take advantage of diesel engines’ better fuel economy. If you aren’t burning much fuel, going for a gas truck with a light fifth wheel will be wise.
Total Expenditure
We have sorted out the total expenses of gas and diesel trucks so you can get a better idea of the situation.
Upfront Cost
At first glance, diesel trucks seem more expensive than gasoline trucks. Let me say this straight: gas trucks have fewer upfront costs.
So, if you want to invest a limited amount of money in the truck and use it less frequently, a gas truck will fit your budget.
Besides, if you are an RV enthusiast, you can use the dollars you save to buy a luxury fifth wheeler.
On the other hand, diesel trucks are far more expensive than gasoline trucks for heavy-duty engine parts such as turbochargers and high-pressure injection pumps. They also have tough auxiliary stuff like larger radiators and generators.
However, prices have considerably risen in the past decade due to advanced engine technology.
Running Cost
The higher initial cost of the diesel truck might be hard to digest at first. Even its maintenance rate is high. You only need to think about maintenance once in a blue moon.
Although gas costs less at the pump, diesel trucks have proven more economical in the long term.
If you tow your fifth-wheeler over longer distances for extended periods, a diesel truck will save you a lot of money. You can compensate for the high initial cost—a win-win situation.
These trucks also offer a smoother drive and have been without problems for years. In addition, if you want to sell your diesel truck later, you will get a higher resale price than a gas truck.
And one more thing: You can save even more money if you change the fuel filter and the engine oil.
Towing Capacity
Will you tow your fifth wheel inside the city or on mountain ranges? Each truck’s towing capacity will primarily affect your final choice.
A gasoline truck can easily pull a fifth wheel inside a city. A diesel truck is best for long highway routes or rugged terrain.
Diesel trucks have a higher torque output, which is better for towing heavyweight RVs such as the enormous fifth wheels.
Now, I’m not suggesting that gas trucks can’t withstand heavyweights. A gas truck is perfectly capable of towing a fifth-wheeler. However, the diesel counterpart wins in duration by a wide margin.
Another thing to remember when choosing between a gas and diesel truck is your fifth wheel’s weight. A 3/4-ton gas truck can easily tow a half-ton towable fifth-wheeler.
But the thing is, if you tow the same fifth-wheeler with a 3/4 ton diesel truck, you won’t even feel you’re tugging something at the back.
The bottom line is that if your fifth wheel is light, a gas truck will be a wise choice. If it’s heavier, a diesel truck will be your best bet.
Load Capacity
Diesel trucks fall behind their gas counterparts in this area. Their load capacity can be a bummer.
Diesel trucks can certainly pull big fifth-wheel trailers, yet they have a slightly lesser load capacity than gas trucks.
A 3/4 ton truck will tow a fifth wheel without a hitch, but you cannot load much stuff. The power of the diesel engine will make hauling more comfortable.
If you want to carry many things in the truck, a one-ton gas truck’s lighter engine will offer a higher payload.
Off-Road Capability
Highways are designed to allow smooth drives, but nature doesn’t. A gas truck won’t do the trick if you want your vehicle to dominate over rugged terrains.
Gas trucks provide more acceleration, which makes them suitable for the freeway. You can always rely on diesel trucks when heading for rough, mountainous terrains.
Although gas trucks have a better towing capacity, they repeatedly downshift on steeper routes, resulting in less acceleration.
Alternatively, diesel trucks have more torque, which means they can take on mountainous routes without downshifting. Most diesel engines also have exhaust brakes, which give you more control over the vehicle.
You will be grateful for this additional braking method when your truck goes down steep routes or crawls in traffic. The other brake system will also reduce the pressure on the primary brakes, thus reducing wear and tear.
If you want to stay on smooth roads and tow your fifth wheel for occasional camping, buying a gas truck is the right choice. These trucks will pull the trailer without trouble on open roads.
Quick Recap: Gas Vs Diesel For Towing A Fifth Wheel
Let’s recap the discussion above to get a clear picture before deciding between gas and diesel trucks for towing a fifth wheel.
The best way to pick the right truck is to consider the following factors:
- Fuel economy
- Total expenses
- Towing capacity
- Load capability
- Off-road capability
A diesel truck will work great if you own a heavyweight fifth wheel for towing over long routes. Diesel is also more economical for commercial towing if you are ready to pay the initial high cost.
Otherwise, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on diesel trucks. A gas truck can fully tow a fifth wheel across shorter distances without compromising comfort.
What Size Truck do I need to Pull a 5th Wheel?
Determining what size truck you need to pull a 5th wheel can seem daunting, but it’s critical to safe and efficient towing. Given their power, stability, and towing capacity, three-quarter and one-ton pickups are preferred.
The top five trucks for towing a fifth-wheel camper trailer include stalwarts such as the Ford F-350, Ram 3500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 3500, and the Ford F-250.
These trucks provide the strength and balance required to handle the weight of a 5th wheel, ensuring a smooth and secure journey.
Wrapping Up
When considering gas vs. diesel for towing a fifth wheel, several critical factors must be assessed. Diesel engines are acknowledged for their superior efficiency, particularly in fuel consumption.
Diesel engines are designed to deliver higher mileage, making them an economical choice for long-haul towing. Additionally, they boast superior power and torque, which are critical for towing heavy loads such as a fifth wheel.
These engines have a high compression ratio, allowing them to generate more power and pull weight more efficiently than gas engines.
Diesel engines are also recognized for their exceptional durability. They are built robustly and last longer compared to their gasoline counterparts.
This engine longevity presents an attractive return on the initial investment, often higher for diesel vehicles. However, one must also factor in the maintenance costs involved.
Diesel engines require less frequent service, but the cost of each service can be higher due to the complexity of modern high-pressure fuel systems.
Lastly, diesel vehicles tend to have a higher resale value than gas vehicles, especially those used for towing. This is because they retain their value better due to their longevity and efficiency.
In conclusion, while the decision between gas vs diesel for towing a fifth wheel depends on individual needs and circumstances, diesel generally offers better fuel efficiency, power, durability, and resale value, making it a worthy consideration despite its slightly higher upfront cost and potentially pricier maintenance.
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