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New User
Posts: 3
Location: Elizabeth, co | I am looking to replace my truck with something new. I have a 2 horse keiferbuilt bumper pull with a dressing room. I haul 2 horses (one is around 1000 and the other around 1200) along with tack. I haul once or twice a week for lessons and then shows. I live in Colorado so I need a 4x4. Looking at either a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton. I have hauled with both over the years. Would appreciate any information and suggestions. Have owned Dodge and Ford. Trying not to spend a fortune. Gas or diesel is fine. Truck will be used mainly for hauling. |
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Regular
Posts: 88
Location: Washington | My suggestion would be 3/4 ton diesel based on your frequency of hauling and load. At least a 3/4 ton. Diesel comes with a higher maintenance requirement and repair costs but they don't run out of power on the hills and you typically don't end operating at the upper end of the truck's capability. New or used?? If you go used diesel, you need to thoroughly research which engine and transmission to buy. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
  
Location: western PA | Ditto a three quarter ton truck. Any of the big three will do the job. A diesel is expensive to buy and own, but offers the most power and needed torque on hills. The largest gas offerings will also do the job, just not quite as fast. The gas motors are better for every day running about and local chores, the diesels for longer over the road hauling. A 3/4 ton 4x4 truck with factory towing and camper packages is an excellent towing vehicle. The newer 1/2 tons now have higher towing ratings and have been considerably upgraded. I still prefer the 3/4 for its upgraded suspension, larger brakes, higher carrying capacity etc. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
 
Location: Vermont | If you go new and you go diesel, you will get to discover DEF(Diesel Exhaust Fluid) |
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Expert
Posts: 1989
Location: South Central OK | I'd pick the diesel truck in a 3/4 ton all day long until you told me you live in a cold climate. Really cold winters can be tough on a diesel causing the fuel to jell, think Jell-O, in the lines of the engine. It's a major problem in cold climates and can ruin an engine. Gas engines don't have these problems until it gets MUCH colder. You could need an engine block heater and fuel additives just to stay "in the running" during the winter months. A gas engine might be cold but you can start it and drive it (to the vet in an emergency) cold if needed. I have a 350 diesel sitting outside my house right now and I LOVE THIS TRUCK but I don't have the winters you do up there in Colorado so I'd have to vote gas for my money. Also, a gas engine is cheaper to replace when the time comes. Good Luck and keep your rails in the cups! |
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Expert
Posts: 2958
Location: North Carolina | Down at the coast, a gas engine works well. In CO, at altitude, a gas engine has a hard time breathing. A Turbo diesel has the power advantage in Denver or any high altitude location. |
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New User
Posts: 3
Location: Elizabeth, co | Thanks everyone. I live in the Denver Metro area, so not very hilly and I will only put about 5000 miles a year on the truck. I did have a lot of trouble with the diesel gelling. Even when it is below zero here, my gas truck started right up. Hoping to go truck shopping this weekend. Either buying new or fairly new. |
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Veteran
Posts: 134
| Personally I love my diesel truck and wouldn't tow with anything else. I have had diesel trucks for years. I live in Montana which is a cold climate and at altitude. If diesel trucks are maintained properly during the winter months which for me means running blended fuel and a little extra anti gel if it stays well below zero for weeks, I have never had a problem. In fact I have had my Duramax start and run when it has been -30 and it wasn't plugged in. I feel that they are worth the extra money and maintenance for what they can do, but everyone has different needs. Have a nice day! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 804
Location: Tenn/Ala. | For a bumper pull trailer, with the weather, and only 5,000 miles a year I'd go with a new 3/4 ton gas burner. Have had several customers recently with both Dodge & Fords and they pull much larger units than you have and they are delighted. One customer has both a gas and a diesel, and said he'd buy the gas over the diesel again, even pulling in the Smoky Mountains. Not your elevation, but not flatland either. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by hunterrider on 2016-05-18 4:53 AM
Thanks everyone. I live in the Denver Metro area, so not very hilly and I will only put about 5000 miles a year on the truck. I did have a lot of trouble with the diesel gelling. Even when it is below zero here, my gas truck started right up. Hoping to go truck shopping this weekend. Either buying new or fairly new.
Did you run you truck with the winter radiator shield in place? |
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Member
Posts: 15
Location: SW OK | I won't argue that diesels are the way to go if you tow heavy and lots of miles. But the upfront cost, plus the added cost of maintenance and repairs would take a really long time to recoup in the circumstances the original poster described. To each their own, but I've owned several diesel trucks, but I'm happy with the 3/4 ton gasser I'm driving now, and I tow on average 200+ miles a week, 8k - 14k. It works well for me. |
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need a new truck
