What Is Best For Towing An RV?

In line with data collected by RV RoadSigns for the RV Industry Association, an estimated 332,400 to 366,100 recreational vehicle units will ship in 2026, a marked increase from the previous yr. Meaning more travelers shall be taking to the roads and seeing the sights of the U.S. while towing anything from small campers to colossal fifth wheels, and even this absurd $110K destination trailer with two bedrooms, a deck, and full-sized appliances. Nevertheless, many recent to the RV scene may wonder what form of vehicle they should pull considered one of these trailers. Specifically, should they go for a diesel over a gas model?

Each options have their very own pros and cons, but with regard to towing performance, diesel typically outperforms gas in available low-range torque. Nevertheless, that is only a part of the image, and there are other features to contemplate comparable to purchase price and fuel economy. So, for those who’re still on the fence about which variety of truck to get, let’s dive right into a direct comparison of the info to show you how to determine which one is true for you.

When pickups, it isn’t only horsepower figures that matter, but additionally how much torque they will produce. Torque is the quantity of twisting force an engine can exert, which is crucial when towing. Generally, diesels are likely to produce more torque for a wide range of reasons. As an example, the pistons in a diesel engine move higher within the cylinders than in a gas engine, allowing for extra compression. A diesel runs this fashion because, without spark plugs, each piston must generate enough heat to cause combustion, which is achieved through that extra compression at the highest of the cylinder.

As well as, diesel fuel is stronger than gasoline. In truth, 1 gallon of diesel will offer around 10-15% more energy than an equivalent amount of gas. With more energy, a diesel can generate more power (including torque), which lets you pull a big amount of weight, often times greater than gasoline engines can manage.

The dimensions of your RV may dictate which truck you wish. Fifth-wheels can weigh greater than 15,000 kilos, and it is not just towing capability that is vital. Payload can also be a consideration, as even among the lightest fifth-wheel’s pack a 1,560-pound hitch weight. Because gasoline-powered trucks haven’t got as many heavy components as a diesel, they often feature the next payload capability, so you will need to contemplate your options fastidiously.

While a diesel may give you more pulling power, it’ll also cost you more upfront. Data by Cox Automotive, as reported by Axios, shows the common price for a brand new pickup in early 2025 was nearly $60,000 — hardly an affordable purchase, and for those who desire a diesel, it gets worse. You can be anywhere from a further $8,000 to $11,000 above the associated fee of a gas truck.

The rationale for the uptick in sticker price has to do with the indisputable fact that diesel engines are made with more robust components that provide greater intervals between scheduled maintenance. Considering that these engines might even see rigorous workloads, the parts generally offer greater reliability and longevity, especially when running heavy workloads for prolonged periods. While a gas truck can handle difficult tasks, too, it’s higher for his or her lifespan if these tasks are infrequent. Nevertheless, resulting from aspects like more quite a few and expensive components, and the indisputable fact that diesel emission systems can clog, maintenance on a diesel will be rather more expensive than on a gas truck.

If you happen to’ve ever had the misfortune to want a substitute diesel particulate filter (DPF), you are aware they will run you as much as $10,000. That is is why for those who do go for diesel, you’ll be wanting to know tips on how to prevent your DPF from getting clogged, as this issue may lead to lackluster performance and, eventually, component failure. A gas truck has the advantage of not needing as many extra emissions components.

In line with the U.S. Department of Energy, diesel-powered automobiles can go 20% to 35% further on a gallon of fuel than a gasoline-powered vehicle. Automotive and Driver put this to the test once they measured fuel efficiency across nearly two dozen heavy-duty trucks and discovered that the diesel’s got around 18 mpg, while the gas pickups only managed 15 mpg. In truth, lots of the recent trucks with the perfect MPG feature either hybrids or diesels under the hood. By way of towing an RV, this implies a diesel won’t have you ever stopping on the pumps nearly as often.

Nevertheless, the common price for diesel fuel is higher than gas and, outside of a couple of instances, has been since around 2004. That is resulting from higher demand, increases in production cost, and a federal tax of 24.40 cents per gallon. In line with AAA, the national average cost for normal gas is $3.071 per gallon, while diesel is sitting at $3.739. For a cross-country RV trip, this small difference can add up, but perhaps not quite as much as you could think. For a 1,000-mile trip, a gas truck averaging around 15 mpg will use $200 in regular fuel. Compared, a diesel getting 18 mpg will cost about $208 (based on the national average fuel prices).