Diesel vs. Gas: Which is Best for RV Towing? – Jalopnik

According to data collected by RV RoadSigns for the RV Industry AssociationIn 2026, an estimated 332,400 to 366,100 recreational vehicles will be shipped, a marked increase from the previous year. That means more travelers will hit the road and see the sights of the US while towing everything from tiny campers to hulking fifth wheels, or even this absurd $110,000 destination trailer with two bedrooms, a deck and major appliances. Many who are new to the RV world may be wondering what kind of vehicle they need to tow one of these trailers. Should they specifically choose a diesel over a gas model?

Both options have their own pros and cons, but when it comes to towing performance, diesel tends to outperform gasoline when it comes to available low-range torque. However, that is only part of the picture and there are other aspects to consider, such as the purchase price and fuel consumption. So if you’re still unsure which type of truck to buy, let’s look at a head-to-head comparison of the data to help you determine which one is right for you.

Moreover, diesel fuel is more powerful than gasoline. In fact, 1 gallon of diesel produces about 10-15% more energy than an equivalent amount of gas. With more energy, a diesel can generate more power (including torque), allowing you to tow a significant amount of weight, often more than gasoline engines can handle.

The size of your RV can determine which truck you need. Fifth wheels can weigh more than 15,000 pounds, and it’s not just towing capacity that matters. Payload capacity is also a consideration, as even some of the lightest fifth wheels have a towing capacity of 1,560 pounds. Because gas-powered trucks don’t have as many heavy-duty parts as diesel-powered trucks, they often have a higher payload, so you should consider your options carefully.

The reason for the sticker price increase has to do with the fact that diesel engines are made with more robust components that provide longer intervals between scheduled maintenance. Considering that these engines can sustain heavy workloads, the components generally offer greater reliability and longer service life, especially when performing heavy workloads for extended periods. Although a gasoline truck can handle challenging tasks, it is better for its lifespan if these tasks occur infrequently. However, due to factors such as the greater number and more expensive components and the fact that diesel emissions systems can clog, maintenance on a diesel vehicle can be much more expensive than on a gasoline truck.

If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to need a replacement diesel particulate filter (DPF), you know they can cost you as much as $10,000. Therefore, if you do opt for diesel, you will want to know how to prevent your DPF from becoming clogged, as this problem can lead to poor performance and ultimately part failure. A gas truck has the advantage that not many additional emission components are needed.

However, the average price for diesel fuel is higher than gas, and with few exceptions has been since about 2004. This is due to increased demand, increases in production costs and a federal tax of 24.40 cents per gallon. According to AAAthe national average cost for regular gas is $3,071 per gallon, while diesel is $3,739. For a cross-country RV trip, this small difference can add up, but perhaps not as much as you might think. For a trip of 1,000 miles, a gasoline car averaging about 15 mpg will use $200 in regular fuel. For comparison, a diesel that gets 18 mpg costs about $208 (based on national average fuel prices).