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?
Depends on what you need.
I use my truck about the same as you. But get 13mpg towing, and 18 not.
1995 Ford 250 PSD.
It’s not comfortable, it’s not fast, it’s not fancy. But it’ll pull whatever I put behind it. Carry almost anything I will ever need to (definitely more than I want to physically unload), and it’s economical, and “future proof” in that I can modify in almost any way and still register without new diesel problems (high pressure pumps eating the entire system, def fluid and filter plugging, egr cooler plugging etc.)
Personally I’d say get an older diesel that is in ok shape that you can make what you need.