F250 vs GMC 2500HD for towing RV

GasPasser22

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Joined
Sep 22, 2024
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4
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Arkansas
Hello all! I am new to this forum and looking to get some advice for towing my GDI 2800BH. I am currently towing with a 2016 F150 3.5EB and looking to upgrade to either F250SD or GMC 2500HD. Currently, I’m getting around 7.8 mpg on flat highway and about 3-5 mpg through the hills of Arkansas. Looking to travel cross country to CO, FL, KY, etc. My question is this: Which vehicle (F250 vs 2500) do you guys recommend? We tow every 5-6 weeks and it will be my daily driver as well. I’m a huge Ford fan but the price tags are outrageous for new!

Things I’ve noticed is that F250 has more tow capacity, torque, HP, etc. but not too much more than GMC.

Looking to see if y’all think Ford has the superior engine, less engine issues (with proper maintenance), and if it is overall a better vehicle or are they about the same as far as quality of build. Just wanting to know if even though Ford is more expensive, is it worth it? Will the engine last longer, etc.?

Any advice is greatly appreciated and hope everyone is having safe travels in their rigs!
 
I think you will find plenty of owners who are passionate about each of the major manufacturers HD truck offerings, as well as plenty who have had bad experiences and “would never buy another <fill in the blank>”. You will find every variation represented in every RV park.

My point is, the majors are all competing with each other, and all produce excellent trucks that can do the job. You will spin in circles trying to get a consensus on which is “best”.

I am very happy with my Ford SD diesel, and have had great luck with several previous F150’s over the years. So, 1 vote for the Fords. ?
 
Thanks you classicrockguy for your reply. Yes, I agree with you that there are people who are biased based on their preferences. May just have to see what’s out there and try to get the best deal!
 
I’m biased toward Ford, and diesels. But, honestly, get a truck YOU like. Get in them, feel them out and you and your wife decide. ANY 3/4 or 1 ton will work - gas or diesel. They are all quite capable.

And remember, this may not (most likely?) be your last RV. So plan for growth. Even if it doesn’t happen you will have enough truck.
 
I’m biased toward Ford, and diesels. But, honestly, get a truck YOU like. Get in them, feel them out and you and your wife decide. ANY 3/4 or 1 ton will work - gas or diesel. They are all quite capable.

And remember, this may not (most likely?) be your last RV. So plan for growth. Even if it doesn’t happen you will have enough truck.
+1

Also, the gas vs diesel question is a big one, regardless of brand. Tons of postings on this topic on this and many other forums. I don’t want to start yet another “debate” thread on this. I would just encourage you to read what so many others have discussed (minus the emotional bits!), and make sure you know the +’s and -‘s of both drive trains. Big differences, but both are valid choices for the right reasons.
 
Everyone has given valid answers. My input follows what Larry - @traveldawg says. I like Chevy - but it's because I have always had Chevy's. The layout now fits me, and you basically know where everything is year over year, with (usually) minor changes. All of them are capable - it's a matter of which fits YOU. I have friends who have Toyota's and Ford's, and Dodge/Ram's. They will swear by them for all of their needs and would never switch.
 
recently going through the gas or diesel decision making process. weight savings, lower maintenance cost, no def issues, initial purchase cost. and the fact I am not at max capacity of the truck. it was pretty simple for me GAS.

truck has performed flawlessly towing through the appilacian, Adirondacks, Smokies, and all the mountain ranges on the East Coast.

Far as brand I have been a GM guy my entire life.
 
Dodge/Ram diesel vote here.
But as others have said, drive different trucks to find your best fit. Gas or diesel is really a personal preference. I went diesel since I was buying a 14k GVWR fifth wheel at the time. It’s over kill now.
Rich
 
You can't go wrong with either, it come down to a preference, I had ram, I had Chevy and now I have a GMC 3500, since you are at it I would consider a 3500, just in case in the future you might upgrade rv just a thought.
 
Hello all! I am new to this forum and looking to get some advice for towing my GDI 2800BH. I am currently towing with a 2016 F150 3.5EB and looking to upgrade to either F250SD or GMC 2500HD. Currently, I’m getting around 7.8 mpg on flat highway and about 3-5 mpg through the hills of Arkansas. Looking to travel cross country to CO, FL, KY, etc. My question is this: Which vehicle (F250 vs 2500) do you guys recommend? We tow every 5-6 weeks and it will be my daily driver as well. I’m a huge Ford fan but the price tags are outrageous for new!

Things I’ve noticed is that F250 has more tow capacity, torque, HP, etc. but not too much more than GMC.

Looking to see if y’all think Ford has the superior engine, less engine issues (with proper maintenance), and if it is overall a better vehicle or are they about the same as far as quality of build. Just wanting to know if even though Ford is more expensive, is it worth it? Will the engine last longer, etc.?

Any advice is greatly appreciated and hope everyone is having safe travels in their rigs!
I've towed with gas and diesels for many years. From my experience, diesels win hands down unless you are pulling a pop-up camper that weighs nothing. Here are the diesel advantages over gas---especially if you are pulling any hills, mountains, or anything over sea level.

Diesels offer a completely different towing experience since the engines make power at much lower RPMs. This means they are much quieter inside the cab, the engine is working allot less, and therefore the fuel economy is better empty or when the truck is working. With that said, the diesel engines have a much longer engine life compared to gas if maintained. Diesels also offer exhaust braking over engine braking on the gas engines. Exhaust braking is much more efficient and will control downhill speeds to a specific MPH without using the brakes. Diesel resale values are better than gas. Overall, it's a much less stressful and way more comfortable towing experience.....IMHO having pulled many campers large and small with both truck engines. If you are going to come to CO and hit the big boy mountains.....you will be in the right lane struggling up the mountains with the gas while listening to the engine race at high RPM or flying up the hills in the left lane passing anything you desire with the diesel. Remember, as you leave sea level, the air is thinner the higher you go which means you cannot take advantage of the advertised HP and torque on the gas engines like you can on the diesels since they have a turbo charger. The higher you go with gas, the more engine power is lost. Keep these things in mind and good luck with your choice.

On the truck brand---GM for sure! I love my new GMC. I've worked on them all professionally and still choose the GMs for many reasons.
 
Like everyone is saying, the one that fits you and your wife. Like what was mentioned in one of the posts above, look at the 3500 also, it is the same dimensions, unloaded the same ride feel, and usually only around $1K difference for the additional payload ability.
 
Thanks you classicrockguy for your reply. Yes, I agree with you that there are people who are biased based on their preferences. May just have to see what’s out there and try to get the best deal!
Tip: if you use the "Reply" button below a post, it will quote the person to whom you are replying.

You don't say, but if you are considering a diesel, forget the 3/4-ton trucks and go straight for a 1-ton (any brand). The diesel drive train is heavy and will eat up the payload in a 3/4-ton truck.

Rob
 
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I've towed with gas and diesels for many years. From my experience, diesels win hands down unless you are pulling a pop-up camper that weighs nothing. Here are the diesel advantages over gas---especially if you are pulling any hills, mountains, or anything over sea level.

LOL, well that is pretty far from factual.
 
Tip: if you use the "Reply" button below a post, it will quote the person to whom you are replying.

You don't say, but if you are considering a diesel, forget the 3/4-ton trucks and go straight from a 1-ton (any brand). The diesel drive train is heavy and will eat up the payload in a 3/4-ton truck.

Rob
Thank you for the tip!
 
Everyone has given valid answers. My input follows what Larry - @traveldawg says. I like Chevy - but it's because I have always had Chevy's. The layout now fits me, and you basically know where everything is year over year, with (usually) minor changes. All of them are capable - it's a matter of which fits YOU. I have friends who have Toyota's and Ford's, and Dodge/Ram's. They will swear by them for all of their needs and would never switch.
Thanks for the advice! I think driving them all and getting an idea of ride quality, torque, etc. is the best way to go about it.
 
"diesels win hands down unless you are pulling a pop-up camper that weighs nothing"

that is a blanket statement that is not true. what is your definition of winning? if it simply pulling up a mountain, then probably. There are more aspects to a best choice truck than "the more power" argument.
 
"diesels win hands down unless you are pulling a pop-up camper that weighs nothing"

that is a blanket statement that is not true. what is your definition of winning? if it simply pulling up a mountain, then probably. There are more aspects to a best choice truck than "the more power" argument.
I agree with you for the most part. Winning is having the truck you like that is, at minimum, able to perform the job/task you need it to do. In my "baby mountains" around here, it gets the job done. Is it as powerful as a diesel? No. It does what I expect it to. As for the argument about losing power in the "big boy" mountains... With the advent of fuel injection and VVT - not an issue. Again, not as good as it's diesel counterpart, but adequate for the job. I don't need to be the first to the top. I just need to get to the top. I can control the RPM's so that it isn't "racing at high RPM's" going up the mountain. I have passed my share of slower vehicles while pulling up hill. I normally choose not to unless they are really slow. I can't see all of that extra expense for the diesel (initial cost, added fuel cost, added oil change cost, fuel filter cost, then the DEF cost). One last thing. Properly taken care of, gas engines last just as long as diesels. And I use to work for a company that still makes about 50% of the parts in the drivetrain....
 

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