Thought about jumping up to a medium duty truck to use for work and tow a 18k-19k toyhauler.

What MPG would one expect out of a 02 FL60 with the Cat 3126 - 250hp/800tq - 6 spd auto? reliability?

or should I just stick with a 1 ton dually and save some money?

My neighbor has an FL60 tow rig, although with the 8.3 Cummins and a 7 speed manual. He gets about 11 mpg on the freeway unloaded.

I would imagine this rig being similar weight with an auto won't surpass that mileage figure. Your biggest upgrade with going to a medium-duty truck over a 1ton is braking, I haven't seen too many drastically outpull a 1 ton power wise, but braking and overall handling was better.

cat 3126s are anemic bags of shit.
i drove one in a kodiak one-car rollback....wouldnt get out of its own way, even with a 6 speed.

i would run from one with an auto.

Stick to the 1 ton, 3126s are weak and parts cost as much as anything else from CAT. (read FREAKIN EXSPENSIVE) I wrencher for a KW/Mack dealership for a while and never heard anything good about them in rollbacks.

right on guys, back to 1 tons it is. :beer:

The suspension in general is much more robust on med. duty trucks. Also your options for a power train are much greater. Bottom line the medium duty truck will stand up to the riggors of towing much better then a 1ton.

F650 crewcab with a CTD you panzy :flipoff2:

Peterbilt 335/340 w/ C-7 Cat and fuller 8LL will do nicely. You'll be able to run 85 mph all day w/ better then 8 mpg with that load.

Peterbilt 335/340 w/ C-7 Cat and fuller 8LL will do nicely. You'll be able to run 85 mph all day w/ better then 8 mpg with that load.

The C7 is just a new 3126, still junk. The truck you speced is a dump truck not a road truck, an 8LL for a tranny in a road truck? Along with such a little motor and an 8LL you will get a low rear ratio also.

Scott

The C7/3126 is not a junk engine. They are a robust platform with decent power. With a 6 spd auto you will make good power and fuel economy. 6 spd auto means an Allison 3000. These transmissions go into converter lock up in second range and stay locked up through all ranges. They put the power to the ground just as well as any manual transmission and have two over drive ranges for improved fuel economy.
With a medium duty truck, you have a heavy duty chassis, suspension, brakes and drivetrain that will last many, many more miles than ANY one ton truck.
Just remember, everything cost more when you go bigger - insurance, registration, parts.