I Agree with your analysis 100%, for decades our family operated diesel trucks and equipment for a heavy construction work crew, nothing like the raw power of a diesel engine for heavy loads, although for personal use my towing needs have never exceeded 10,000 Lbs. so I've stayed with gas powered trucks that have served my needs well!
I have had both. Currently have the Ford 7.3 gas for a 10,000 lb fifth wheel. It's a nice setup. I agree. There is a crossover point somewhere between 10 and 12,000 lbs to go with the oil burner.
The gas vs diesel tow has been difficult for me as I know diesel does better on grades & I'm a mountain gal at heart, but when the truck breaks down, service _availability_ is the key deciding factor for me and for all of diesel's +'s, getting service for gas vehicles will always be easier to find.
You are absolutely right Celeste. That's why you just have to prioritize the pros for either gas or diesel and decide what is the most important factors for you. And it sounds like you have done that very well already. Thanks for sharing your thought process on this subject!
A benefit to towing with diesel but from a different angle. You can fill up at a truck stop with the big trucks. Plenty of room to pull your rig through the pump areas. Gas stations tend to be smaller and crowded. Had a few bad experiences in gas stations before I added a larger auxiliary tank and got a fuel card for diesel. The truck lanes do not pump gas typically. However, I have been in one, Minden NV, Maverik I believe.
Hello Dwayne, I am writing to you from Santiago de Chile. I congratulate you and thank you for your wise advice. I have a Hobby De Luxe Easy 400 SF caravan that I tow with a Subaru XV, a perfect match. Just a question or perhaps a challenge. When are we going to see the Battle between American RV's and European caravans? For example, there are the German ones (Hobby, Knaus-Tabber, Fendt, Weinsberg, Dethleffs, Bürstner, Hymer), the French ones (Pilote, Caravelair, Sterckeman and others), the English ones (Buccanner, Bailey and 5 more), the Slovenian Adria . In short, a true industry that, in my opinion, has products as innovative and efficient as the American industry. Good challenge and it will be very interesting to know the styles of both industries, their advantages and disadvantages, their qualities, their types of hitches, chassis, brake systems and much more.
That's a great suggestion Carlos. But I am mostly focused on just American RVs at this point. However, who knows? Maybe I can make comparisons between RVs from around the world eventually. Thanks for giving me ideas for more videos and I wish you happy and safe travels in Chile!
Thanks for your response Dwyane. I understand. I hope that battle can take place, it would be the Mother of Battles: RV's vs Caravans. Likewise, good and safe trips. A hug from the south of the world... @@RVInspectionAndCare
Actually the F53 chassis needs a lot more than increased towing capacity. They need to upgrade the suspension and handling as well. But the manufacturers like it because it is a low-cost chassis and helps them keep the cost on gas powered Class As and Cs down.
How about the Ford 7.3 Godzilla it tows a lot more than the previous gas trucks. The only issue I see is if your towing at high altitudes then diesel is probably best.
Hi Walter. The Ford Godzilla 7.3 V-8 engine replaces the tried and true V-10 engine that has been used in many Class A and Class C RVs for years. It's a great engine up to a point. In fact, it produces 475 lb-ft of torque that can move loads up to 19,500 lb. But if we compare it with the Ford 6.7 Power Stroke diesel engine, the diesel engine clearly can move more weight. In fact, it produces 1050 lb-ft of torque at lower RPMs, so it can move loads up to 30,000 lbs. So like the video says, when it comes to gas vs diesel engines, towing power always goes to the diesel.
@@walterrafolski5662 Of course, it's a relatively new engine. But as far as I know, there have not been any major claims of persistent problems with it so far. And boy does it have a lot of power for a gasoline engine.
I Agree with your analysis 100%, for decades our family operated diesel trucks and equipment for a heavy construction work crew, nothing like the raw power of a diesel engine for heavy loads, although for personal use my towing needs have never exceeded 10,000 Lbs. so I've stayed with gas powered trucks that have served my needs well!
That's awesome Marty. Thanks for chiming in with your personal experience on this subject!
I have had both. Currently have the Ford 7.3 gas for a 10,000 lb fifth wheel. It's a nice setup. I agree. There is a crossover point somewhere between 10 and 12,000 lbs to go with the oil burner.
That's a great engine for the size 5th wheel you have. Thanks for sharing your towing situation with us!
Thank you for this information breakdown.
Glad it was helpful Leslie. Thanks for watching!
The gas vs diesel tow has been difficult for me as I know diesel does better on grades & I'm a mountain gal at heart, but when the truck breaks down, service _availability_ is the key deciding factor for me and for all of diesel's +'s, getting service for gas vehicles will always be easier to find.
You are absolutely right Celeste. That's why you just have to prioritize the pros for either gas or diesel and decide what is the most important factors for you. And it sounds like you have done that very well already. Thanks for sharing your thought process on this subject!
Good take on a old classic question. What it boils down to is light duty verses heavy duty.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
A benefit to towing with diesel but from a different angle. You can fill up at a truck stop with the big trucks. Plenty of room to pull your rig through the pump areas. Gas stations tend to be smaller and crowded. Had a few bad experiences in gas stations before I added a larger auxiliary tank and got a fuel card for diesel. The truck lanes do not pump gas typically. However, I have been in one, Minden NV, Maverik I believe.
That's a good point Nick. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that!
Very information video, as always
Glad you think so Mike. Thanks for leaving some positive feedback!
Well said / done, Big D !!! 💯 Cajun
Awesome Cajun. Thanks for the thumbs up!
How about doing towing systems in motorhomes and in the vehicle we are going to tow, please?
I'll see what I can do ... :-)
On a different note, maybe you could do either a review or suggestions for RV forums. Hard to rank them but maybe ones you know of or are part of.
That's a good idea Mike. I'll see what I can do ... :-)
Hello Dwayne, I am writing to you from Santiago de Chile. I congratulate you and thank you for your wise advice. I have a Hobby De Luxe Easy 400 SF caravan that I tow with a Subaru XV, a perfect match. Just a question or perhaps a challenge. When are we going to see the Battle between American RV's and European caravans? For example, there are the German ones (Hobby, Knaus-Tabber, Fendt, Weinsberg, Dethleffs, Bürstner, Hymer), the French ones (Pilote, Caravelair, Sterckeman and others), the English ones (Buccanner, Bailey and 5 more), the Slovenian Adria . In short, a true industry that, in my opinion, has products as innovative and efficient as the American industry. Good challenge and it will be very interesting to know the styles of both industries, their advantages and disadvantages, their qualities, their types of hitches, chassis, brake systems and much more.
That's a great suggestion Carlos. But I am mostly focused on just American RVs at this point. However, who knows? Maybe I can make comparisons between RVs from around the world eventually. Thanks for giving me ideas for more videos and I wish you happy and safe travels in Chile!
Thanks for your response Dwyane. I understand. I hope that battle can take place, it would be the Mother of Battles: RV's vs Caravans. Likewise, good and safe trips. A hug from the south of the world... @@RVInspectionAndCare
One point I think was missed, (excuse my ignorance) is the downhill diesel engine braking assist?
That is a good point and thanks for mentioning it.
You also lose payload with a diesel. Even more if it’s a 4x4
It's true that payload is a big consideration when choosing a tow vehicle. Good point!
Watch out that sticker will get you 😮
Why can’t ford beef up their F53 chassis to tow more than 5,000lbs?
Actually the F53 chassis needs a lot more than increased towing capacity. They need to upgrade the suspension and handling as well. But the manufacturers like it because it is a low-cost chassis and helps them keep the cost on gas powered Class As and Cs down.
Buy what you want and can afford 😮
The cost of these vehicles certainly plays a large role in the decision making process. Thanks for contributing here.
How about the Ford 7.3 Godzilla it tows a lot more than the previous gas trucks. The only issue I see is if your towing at high altitudes then diesel is probably best.
Hi Walter. The Ford Godzilla 7.3 V-8 engine replaces the tried and true V-10 engine that has been used in many Class A and Class C RVs for years. It's a great engine up to a point. In fact, it produces 475 lb-ft of torque that can move loads up to 19,500 lb. But if we compare it with the Ford 6.7 Power Stroke diesel engine, the diesel engine clearly can move more weight. In fact, it produces 1050 lb-ft of torque at lower RPMs, so it can move loads up to 30,000 lbs. So like the video says, when it comes to gas vs diesel engines, towing power always goes to the diesel.
@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you, just wanted your thoughts on the 7.3 motor.
@@walterrafolski5662 Of course, it's a relatively new engine. But as far as I know, there have not been any major claims of persistent problems with it so far. And boy does it have a lot of power for a gasoline engine.
What about the difference between a diesel and gas rv, using same information?
My opinion there shouldn't be any motorhomes with a gas motor. They should all be deisel.
Hi Joseph. I made a video on that subject a while back. You can find it here - ua-cam.com/video/Z8S4FJE5riY/v-deo.html I hope that helps.
@@RVInspectionAndCare yes I watched it awhile ago. Thanks.