Hello all,

First of let me say new to the forum and enjoy what I'm seeing so far.

I am in the current debate of getting a new tow vehicle for my camper. I have a 2019 Coachmen Catalina Legacy Edition 323BHDSCK with a maximum weight of 9000lbs, 7500lb dry weight. 950lb tongue weight. It is a 37' long pull behind camper. My current tow vehicle (2008 Nissan Armada) is pulling the camper fine but I don't feel comfortable with it and am looking for something bigger. I have a budget of about 15 to 20k to find a new vehicle. I'm trying to decide on either a 6.2 gasser or a 6.0 power stroke. I can't afford a 6.7 and I don't trust a 6.4. This vehicle will be a daily driver of 15 to 30 miles a day round trip to and from work and maybe the occasional groceries outside of towing. For the most part I keep my camping trips local (here in TN) but I do want to start adventuring out and getting some miles on the trip. I have a trip to Disney coming up next year and would like to find a confident vehicle. I'm in no rush at this moment however I do want to go ahead and make a decision so I can start looking. I tow once maybe twice a month as a "weekend warrior." Thanks everyone in advance for the inputs.

 

Been down same road before. I have always owned diesels except for a 2012 150 which towed very well. Diesel more expensive and in my personal opinion if your towing couple times a month I don't think I would mess with a diesel. Hope that helps!

 

It also depends on where you tow and how much. If you tow in the Rockies, or tow long distances, a diesel will do a better job and doesn't loose as much power at high altitudes as a non-turbo gas engine. If you tow on flat land, and not really that far a gas engine will be much less expensive. I have a 6.0 diesel and really like the way it tows, but I'm retired, tow long distances, my trailer weighs 10,000# loaded, and we tow up long, steep grades. A diesel performs better, gets better mileage (at least the older diesels), but it is more expensive in both initial cost and maintenance. An oil change cost $99 to $140. Even if I go to Walmart and purchase the Motorcraft oil and filter and do it myself, it cost about $80 and on a 6.0 you need to change the oil every 5,000 miles.

 

Good advice, I would say !