I’d guess my net environmental impact is just now lower than US average because, despite my fuel consumption when moving my home, it’s tiny, energy independent, and it doesn’t move far or frequently. I don’t really know. I just don’t want to be judged unfairly, particularly when seeking help trying to do it even better.
I want to downsize my truck for cost and fuel efficiency. I’ve had this truck, my first, for a year, 3.5k miles. I’ve towed the trailer a short thousand miles without incident and including city, highway, and interstate.
Current setup:
'19 Chevy 2500 6.0L 4WD
Hitch towing ~2.5 tons GVWR (14’, enclosed, tandem, brakes)
Getting 8mpg @ 70-75mph
Next truck budget is $10-20k. I’ll keep it probably until the frame rots. I’m planning on replacing shocks & wearable steering components, am not averse to some work.
Should I target a 1/2 ton gas (leaning Ford 5.0L 4WD), a different 3/4 ton gas (which and why), or a 3/4 ton diesel (leaning Dodge Cummins)?
The paper numbers say I should get a 1/2 ton gas. But, my more experienced friend thinks I’ll be a lot happier spending more for a diesel because diesel engines can last a long time, it’ll at least double my fuel efficiency, and it’s a little extra overkill for an easier tow.
I’m open to all informed perspectives. What’s my best plan and why?
Edit: I kept the Chevy 2500 6.0L because the local market didn’t support transition on the sale side. I also bought a '98 Dodge Cummins 12v diesel that needs work. It’ll eventually replace the other truck.
I have a 2WD 2019 F150 with the 5.0 I use to tow my horses around. With the tow package, I think its max is 12900lbs and it does a hell of a job on stuff in the 6-9k range but get up in the max range and it struggles a bit. I would say it gets about 8-12mpg depending on what we tow with it. I think it’s rated for 19/21mpg just on its own. I get about 17/19mpg just driving it around.
It lives a light-duty life hauling horses down highways and South Texas caliche roads, but I am happy with my f150 most days. I think when it comes time to replace it I will go back to the f250 for the higher towing capability but stay gas only because everything we run is gas.
Hopefully, my experience helps, have fun truck hunting.
The fact that you’re entirely happy with your F150 but will replace it with a 250 is very helpful. Much respect for moving living cargo. I think I’d want 5-10k miles before I’d trust myself to do that.