Opinions needed on Tow truck - Diesel or Gas?

[Chevy454]

Having gone the 454/Paxton route myself in a '91 Dually, but stepping up to CAT power, my vote is for a "newer" diesel. Any of the newer Cummins/Powerstroke/Duramax offerings would be ok. The new 6.0L & 8.1L gas engines from GM are TONS better than the old 5.7L & 7.4L gas engines of old, but they are still healthy eaters when it comes to fuel. And of course, stay away from the anemic Dodge or Ford V-10s.

As for the trailer, though, I hope you have 36ft of floor space, or else you're not gonna get 2 cars in it...

[budnate]

DIESEL for sure, I had a gas Ford before the Dodge I have now best rig I have ever owned to date! I drove both diesels last year and found the Ford needed way to much area to turn around in and rode like crap unloaded, the Dodge turned nice and can be stuffed into a parking stall with little effort and rode decent unloaded, both will get the job done no problem, but when I compared the two back to back one day and not siding on brand the Dodge was a pleasure to drive.

Bud.

[PATRICKJOINER]

pantera
for the trucks/trailers i own my, i have my drivers all in dodge one ton crew cab duallys with the cummings h. o. diesel & the 6 spd. manual tranny. i also had a '03 chevy 3/4 ton crew cab with the duramax diesel, good truck, but with the trailers they pull, 36 & 48' you really need a dually. these are great trucks (dodges), get about 12-15 mpg, loaded with 2 cars on the 48' rigs... i am going to sell one of these dodges, they are all '03 slt's... e mail or send me a pm if you are interested..

[Pantera]

That sounds like a plan to me. will do.

[Pantera]

Thanks, that is my feeling on the Dodge over the Ford. I have never had good luck with Fords and don't know why. A buddy of mine has a 60k mi. 2001 Dodge, that I can get for $25k and it has the diesel and four doors. He does alum siding in the area and has 4 of them with little or no problems.

It is good to hear from all on here about it though. Thanks

[Pantera]

It is a old Ford show car hauler and the front car is ramped up into the nose of the gooseneck area. It is a 7 1/2 ft roof height too. I have a feeling that I will wind up springing for a whole new rig both trailer and truck. There is always someone that has a nice used one for sale. I can always sell mine. Heck it is a '78 model. Chapparall has been out of business for a few years now I beleive. I don't know why but I always loved the look of their trailers. But they are sure heavy!