I'd say if you're towing over about 2k miles per year, then go diesel. If you're doing the occasional out-of-state deal, but mostly down to Sebring where it's flat, go gas. Diesel will automatically put you in a 3/4 ton, with heavy axles (lots of unsprung weight) very stiff springs, and total pig handling when empty (99% of your driving time). Don't even think about going 4wd. If you need more tire plies for stability on the 1500 (and you will) a 17" wheel will provide a LOT of choices for load range D or E (8- and 10-ply) tires. If you get the 20's, you'll be stuck with no sidewall support and damned little road hazard protection.
I really like my Hemi Quad Cab 1500. It gets 15mpg avg, about 18 hwy on 87 octane. It does better on 93, but MPG improvement isn't worth the cost increase.
I'd say if you're towing over about 2k miles per year, then go diesel. If you're doing the occasional out-of-state deal, but mostly down to Sebring where it's flat, go gas. Diesel will automatically put you in a 3/4 ton, with heavy axles (lots of unsprung weight) very stiff springs, and total pig handling when empty (99% of your driving time). Don't even think about going 4wd. If you need more tire plies for stability on the 1500 (and you will) a 17" wheel will provide a LOT of choices for load range D or E (8- and 10-ply) tires. If you get the 20's, you'll be stuck with no sidewall support and damned little road hazard protection.
I really like my Hemi Quad Cab 1500. It gets 15mpg avg, about 18 hwy on 87 octane. It does better on 93, but MPG improvement isn't worth the cost increase.
I have 105K on my 03 powerstroke, average 16mph on the interstate running 75-85. When pulling a 17,000lb trailer I still manage to get 11mpg. The truck has enough power to go through I-75 in TN though the big hill and never drop below 65mph. Truck is stock with no exhasut and no controler.
A gas truck could not even come close.
Unfortunatly diesel is more expensive than 87octane, which is mind boggeling..
The Cummins in the Dodge has the best history and performance. Unless Ford has finally come out with a decent diesel I'd go Dodge all the way. The japanese diesel in the chev isn't even worth talking about.
I sell the same Cummins engines in many of the products we have. Many are still going strong with no major issues even after 30,000 hours of service. Hell we've taken apart 45,000 hour 359 cu in Cummins and have found little wear. They rule in the torque dept also.
