Towing 3500 lbs. What's the best vehicle (used or new) for me to buy to occasionally go camping.?

Question

My usage would be occasionally pulling this 3500 pound fibreglas trailer through normal south east highways. I need unbiased opinions on what kind of used or new vehicle would be good for me, good mpg, trouble free generally, etc. Diesel vs gas?

Jeep Liberty Diesel 96-96 has been suggested, but I came upon a site that says they are nothing but trouble.

Another, the Dodge Cummins Diesel and the Chevrolet Duramax Allison. They seem like 'overkill' for a small 3500 lb trailer, especially price wise. Surely there is a dependable moderately sized vehicle that fits my requirements. I don't know where to start with so many makes and models out there. I need some unbiased opinions. Thank you.

Answer 1

This a question you have to answer for your self. I had a 2004 F-150 that was gutless pulling a 3000lbs. trailer. I got 8 TO 10 MPG With it ,OH Yeah, it was a gasser. I now have a 2004 Dodge 4x4 2500 W/a cummins  Diesel. I get 14 to 16 while towing the same trailer. I Don't have to down shift on every off or on ramp , hill or rise in the highway I get 23mpg Highway & 17.4 combined . I use the truck as my main transportation. The Ford got 17 on the road & 12-13 in town. The cummins will run for 400,000 The ford was finished at 124,000. The ford had to have the oil changed every 3500 mi. The cummins will go 7000. Diesel is 40-50 cents higher than gas. Think about this. FORD, 24 GAL Tank  AT 17MPG = 408 miles. DODGE 35 GAL Tank AT 23MPG= 782 miles. There is a big trade off here. In the long run the savings are worth it. IT'S your call. I Drove Fords for twenty years. They are a good Vehicle . Check out thier diesel & GM's as well. Do NOT ,,,DO NOT buy the JEEP .You will be buying the best friend a MOPAR mechanic ever had.