I have been reading many post and a little confused I have a 1500 Hemi now I have a trailer and 2 large quads through camping gear in the bed and off I go no problem going over 12k and 13k passes, oh yes I like in colorado. I want to move into a toy hauler 24-30 feet weight 6000 plus most hitch wieghts are near or above 1000lbs so that means a 2500 to a 3500.
Here is where the part gets sticky some of the haulers I been looking at are near the 8k mark at 2 large atvs 850 lbs each and 100 gallons of water and 10k lbs. but remember there is nothing flat about olorado up and down those hills and people will not slow down for anything so the power needs to be there.
Also looking ayt a price point I can pick up a new 2011 2500 nicely equiped for under 30k and stripped 2012 diesel for 38k I have looked at used 2500s 2008's and 09's slt and larime 30-40k miles and the steelers want for 33k to 37k.
This is something I would use every 2 weeks in the summer and yearly a couple 1000 mile trip also this would be my daily driver to work in the city about 12 miles one way.

 

So what do you want to know? Ask some more specific questions and you will get better answers.

 

IMHO, you don't want a diesel made after 1/1/07 if you're in an emissions testing area (or are adverse to violating federal law) and you're using it for daily driving with short trips. You're going to want one without the emissions B.S.

 

Agreed ^. The emissions slow you down and worse mileage. And if you want a diesel then honestly id recommend a 98.5-02 2nd gen 24valve. Thats all in my opinion. But id deff get rid of all emissions crap. Good luck

 

I guess what I am asking is from realy users what would be the best why of going for my use.
If I used the vehicle as a buisness then Diesel for sure.
The other point is cost or value to buy a new one is realy out my price point the main reason for buying a new vehicle is so I can get a toy haluer for the quads and occationaly my bike. I send all the money in one spot the the hauler is out of the question.

I have a 2007 1500 4x4 4 door hemi with 40k I would hate to go to an older vehicle with higher milage kinda back stepping specialy if this is my main transportation

 

I'd say you've already answered your question.

It sounds like your max load is within the 2500's towing capacity. Yeah, your mileage won't be as good while towing - FOR RECREATION, and you don't really want to spend a lot on a used diesel, nor a new diesel.. You can buy 2 2500's, for a new 3500 laramie...

It'll sting when you are towing, for recreation, occasionally, but it's better than a monthly sting of an unjustly inflated truck payment that you don't need.

 

Been to the dealer I can by a new long horn 2500 out the door for my truck and 10k cash. I havent got a bite on a good used diesel under 50k miles they are at 15k OTD plus. The only thing that I am thinking is I see the diesls pull away from me now with a trailer 2 large quads on the flats I pull away from them again thats only 3000 -4000 lbs not near 8k - 11k lbs. If I was some place like Kansas there would be no question the gasser would work but these darn mountains scare me. Maybe I should buy the toy hauler first and see how my truck handles it

 

Honestly. Cummins motors arnt broken in till 100-150k miles. So you looking for a brand new truck with a older year Ofcourse there going to be expensive. But you probably want a broken in for pullin that trailer up and down mountains. Just my opinion. Good luck and show pics of what you get. :-)

 

I have had two of each and have used all to tow. If you tow under 5k and then only occasionally, get a gas but I've had two small bumper pull toy haulers, a 17 ft & a 23 ft that weighed 6.5k and 8.5k loaded and there is no contest, especially if 6% grades are involved, the diesel is the only way IMO. Toy haulers are quite heavy as you can see. Be carefull when selecting a toy hauler to make sure it has 5000 lb axles and not 3500. Also NEVER use the dry weight figure for anything except perhaps to clean up with after using the toilet, it has no other value, but do look for the gross weight of the trailer as your guide as you will be surprised how much closer you are to that than dry weight.

 

Here's my 2 cents worth...

Find a third gen 5.9. Honestly, these are 350-400k motors, so finding a nicely maintained 5.9 with 100k is nothing to worry about. I would also recommend the 6-spd manual for the mountain passes. Just stick it in the proper gear and motor on up the mountain. Heavy weight, alot of torque, and big grades is tough on an automatic.

These motors also respond well to an cold air intake and a free flowing muffler, plus no DPF, emissions, etc.