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Home > Tom and Kris Camping Podcast, RVing and Tent Camping > Tiny Trailers, Big 5th Wheels and Diesel Pickups
Podcast: Tom and Kris Camping Podcast, RVing and Tent Camping
Episode:

Tiny Trailers, Big 5th Wheels and Diesel Pickups
Category: Society & Culture
Duration: 00:35:01
Publish Date: 2018-08-05 18:24:59
Description:
big 5th wheels and diesel pickups

Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

Big 5th wheels and diesel pickups is a topic that came from a listener’s question. At the heart of the question is “do we need a diesel pickup to tow a 5th wheel trailer?” The short answer is definitely no, but that doesn’t mean a diesel wouldn’t be an appropriate choice.

There are many things to consider when making the choice between gas and diesel. Here are just a few.

  • The diesel option is thousands of dollars more than gas. Sometimes, $10,000 or more.
  • Diesel fuel is more expensive than regular gas.
  • The cost of DEF adds to the overall fuel costs.
  • Maintenance costs are significantly higher with diesels.
  • The availability of diesel has it’s shortcomings in rural areas, especially at night. Many of the diesel fuel islands haven’t been updated to pay at the pump.  When the station is closed, no diesel. Go ahead, ask me how I know.
  • Gasoline doesn’t gel up in the cold winter weather. Again, that anti-gel additive adds to your fuel cost.
  • Plugging in during winter months.

The Advantages Of Diesel

  • Better mileage when towing
  • Auxiliary fuel tank options
  • Less power in high altitudes
  • More low end power for climbing hills
  • Longevity

The bottom line is choosing what you want, and can afford. Just don’t think it’s a need when it’s a want. In reading up on the subject, I found many large companies don’t make the jump to diesel like they used to. They tend to stick with gas engines in anything expected to be driven less than 50,000 miles a year.

Compact Campers

Kris and I have found a few of these. In fact, here are 2 that are so compact, they don’t have wheels.

The first of these is the Camping Pod. Looking like a teardrop trailer, the pod simply hangs from your hitch. Just fold open the tent portion at bedtime. We found this one on doityourselfrv.com.

The Hitch Hotel is the same in concept. It has no wheels, but it telescopes out in 3 sections. You end up with solid walls rather than canvas.

Given the choice, I think I’d prefer the RoofNest option. Rather than hanging off the back, the Roof Nest simply mounts atop your vehicle. Just pop it up for bedtime, and you’re set.

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