Possible new owner of Delta 292RL or Avenue 298RL

[MeAndTheDogs]

Hi everyone!
I currently have a small Rockwood Mini Lite and am looking for more room. I'll also need to buy a new tow vehicle. For that, I am looking at the 2026 Chevy 2500 HD with a crew cab, long bed, and diesel engine. I looked at the possibility of getting the max towing package but there is already limited availability for the truck even without the max tow package. I came upon Alliance while researching and am pretty set on getting one. I have a question that may seem petty, but here it is: I've seen two different fabric colors in miscellaneous online videos. One looks to be a dark taupe color that I love and the other is a yellowy tan. I do not love the tan. I haven't gotten to look in person yet...

Thank you for reading!

 

[Bozo]

Hi everyone!
I currently have a small Rockwood Mini Lite and am looking for more room. I'll also need to buy a new tow vehicle. For that, I am looking at the 2026 Chevy 2500 HD with a crew cab, long bed, and diesel engine. I looked at the possibility of getting the max towing package but there is already limited availability for the truck even without the max tow package. I came upon Alliance while researching and am pretty set on getting one. I have a question that may seem petty, but here it is: I've seen two different fabric colors in miscellaneous online videos. One looks to be a dark taupe color that I love and the other is a yellowy tan. I do not love the tan. I haven't gotten to look in person yet...

Thank you for reading!

I Would buy the most truck you can get first, then shop for suitable camper. Better to have extra capability than not enough.

 

[2 Allies]

Welcome to the forum!

As Bozo says, get as much truck as you can. You may want to move up to a 5th wheel later. The cost between a 3/4 and a 1 ton is negligible and will save you money when you move up. Ask me how I know.

You can never have too much truck and you are right to find an Alliance RV that fits your needs. We have loved working with Alliance.

Good luck,

 

[Long Islander]

I also agree with what the others have said about buying a much truck as you can afford. Just realize as you move up in truck, say from 2500 to 3500 that there may be tradeoffs, you gain towing/payload capacities but you may also gain a stiffer ride. Now if there's a possibility that a Fifthwheel could be in your future than I'd stick with at least 3500 or more. We own and love our Delta 292RL, its the perfect size for my wife and I. We easily tow it with our 2023 Ford F250 6.7L diesel. I also like the Chevy/GMC line of diesel trucks, sadly my wife found the passenger seat a tad too stiff and uncomfortable, I thought it was fine. Unfortunately, she's a retired Nurse who's had major back surgery involving rods and screws, so her stringent seat requirements are understandable. Whatever truck you buy, make sure that you understand what its payload and towing capacity are, those numbers are on sticker inside one of the doors. The options you select can greatly effect those numbers. I once saw a Ram 2500 diesel on dealership floor with all of the extra options on it, like racks, fender bed storage, fancy bumpers, etc. and it was prepped for a fifth-wheel. I opened the door and looked at the payload sticker and was shocked to see that its allowable payload was only like 1400 lbs! I don't think that you could find a fifth-wheel with pin weight so low. So someone probably bought that truck thinking that it could pull a fifth-wheel because it was prepped for it and salesman said it could, at least that's what he told me.

 

[MeAndTheDogs]

Thank you everyone! There will never be a time (I know, I know) that I would need/want a 5th wheel. I have decided to forgo the diesel since the only reason I was getting it was because of the max towing package. And it adds $10K to the price, plus the cost of maintaining a diesel engine and the fuel itself. The max towing package only adds about 2000 lbs. We (me and the salesperson) haven't come across anything with the max towing package anyway. I'm also planning (hoping it can be found) to get the LT trim and no extras other than 20" wheels. Pickins seem to be pretty slim for a black 4WD 2500 LT with a long bed (with diesel anyway). That's what my Suburban is (less the diesel) and it is as fancy as the dogs and I need. The sales person will start looking for a gas truck tomorrow. Unfortunately, all of the dealers seem to order their trucks with bucket seats (I prefer a bench to accommodate the dogs), and if they order one with the long bed, they all seem to be outfitted for a 5th wheel.

I was originally going to get a bigger trailer but keep my Suburban. It is still pretty new (2023) with only 20K miles. I have all the seats in the back folded down so it's perfect for the dogs (4 largish dogs, avg 60 lbs each). But I realized that even with a hitch weight max of 800, tow of 8000, and GCWR of 14,500 lbs, it would be hard to get something even 29' long. It wouldn't be too hard to find a 25 or 26 foot trailer, but mine is 22 feet and it doesn't seem worthwhile to only go up a few feet. I did fall in love with the Jayco Jayfeather 27MK, but I'm very leery of getting something from one of the big guys. The 292RL is pretty close, but doesn't have the long table/desk along the back of the trailer. That is the part I love about it. However if I can't find an Alliance with the darker taupe color fabric, I will wait until the 2027 models come out and see what they look like. I've seen some dealers have started listing some 2027s marked as "in transit" but I don't know what status they are really.

I will eventually get a topper for the truck so I have to account for that weight as well. I am currently in Texas, but will be heading home to RI next month. It would be great to have everything done before I leave here (other than the topper), but it is a lot to make happen when you are working with the different dealers. The Alliance dealers are also not close enough to just swing by & check one out. And they aren't at home either.

The Chevy salesman actually said (re: the diesel) if the company says it can tow 18.5K pounds, then it doesn't matter what the hitch weight, GCWR, etc. is.... but you & I know there is always an * next to those things and there WILL BE small print. Thanks to forums like this and YouTube, I know better. But it will be only my 2nd RV so I am still absorbing information every minute that I can.

Happy trails!

 

[BryanValRox]

The Chevy salesman actually said (re: the diesel) if the company says it can tow 18.5K pounds, then it doesn't matter what the hitch weight, GCWR, etc.

Please find yourself a new truck salesman. With a statement like that he is inexperienced and just looking to make a sale.
Sorry, but hitch weight and GCWR and a ton of other consideration factor into towing.

Just search this forum for other posts supporting my comment, it is always a lively topic.

Best of luck with your search and pending purchasses.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

The Chevy salesman actually said (re: the diesel) if the company says it can tow 18.5K pounds, then it doesn't matter what the hitch weight, GCWR, etc. is.... .

 

[Flyer32RLS]

OMG! Run and RUN FAST!! That salesman is out to lunch. All the weights come into play when towing.

Also, I would take a good look into the statistics on gas vs diesel. I have seen many comparisons of the two and over time, the diesel is cheaper to operate. I know it is hard to understand but when looking at the breakdown of maintenance, fuel cost, oil changes, repair over time, the diesel wins out.
Either way, like others have said, go to at least a 350 or 3500. I had a 250 and had to trade up due to weight restrictions. Yes, the 250 with the 6.7L would pull a house but the cargo capacity is what hurt me. With the 350 sent from 2740 to 4114. Long bed is also a much better ride as the 350 has 176" wheel base. The towing capacity is also important. Just because it says it can tow 10,000 doesn't mean it will comfortably.
Not sure about Chev or GMC but I know my F350 has 500HP and 1200 lbs torque. AND I'm getting right at 12 MPG towing. You can't beat that!
Of course it is your choice but like was said, from a 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton is not much difference in price. And I am sold on diesel for towing.
Happy Glamping!

 

[MeAndTheDogs]

Please find yourself a new truck salesman. With a statement like that he is inexperienced and just looking to make a sale.
Sorry, but hitch weight and GCWR and a ton of other consideration factor into towing.

Just search this forum for other posts supporting my comment, it is always a lively topic.

Best of luck with your search and pending purchasses.

I know. But he is actually very nice, not smarmy & not pushy at all so I would rather stay with him and do my own calculations.

 

[MeAndTheDogs]

OMG! Run and RUN FAST!! That salesman is out to lunch. All the weights come into play when towing.

Also, I would take a good look into the statistics on gas vs diesel. I have seen many comparisons of the two and over time, the diesel is cheaper to operate. I know it is hard to understand but when looking at the breakdown of maintenance, fuel cost, oil changes, repair over time, the diesel wins out.
Either way, like others have said, go to at least a 350 or 3500. I had a 250 and had to trade up due to weight restrictions. Yes, the 250 with the 6.7L would pull a house but the cargo capacity is what hurt me. With the 350 sent from 2740 to 4114. Long bed is also a much better ride as the 350 has 176" wheel base. The towing capacity is also important. Just because it says it can tow 10,000 doesn't mean it will comfortably.
Not sure about Chev or GMC but I know my F350 has 500HP and 1200 lbs torque. AND I'm getting right at 12 MPG towing. You can't beat that!
Of course it is your choice but like was said, from a 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton is not much difference in price. And I am sold on diesel for towing.
Happy Glamping!

OMG! Run and RUN FAST!! That salesman is out to lunch. All the weights come into play when towing.

Also, I would take a good look into the statistics on gas vs diesel. I have seen many comparisons of the two and over time, the diesel is cheaper to operate. I know it is hard to understand but when looking at the breakdown of maintenance, fuel cost, oil changes, repair over time, the diesel wins out.
Either way, like others have said, go to at least a 350 or 3500. I had a 250 and had to trade up due to weight restrictions. Yes, the 250 with the 6.7L would pull a house but the cargo capacity is what hurt me. With the 350 sent from 2740 to 4114. Long bed is also a much better ride as the 350 has 176" wheel base. The towing capacity is also important. Just because it says it can tow 10,000 doesn't mean it will comfortably.
Not sure about Chev or GMC but I know my F350 has 500HP and 1200 lbs torque. AND I'm getting right at 12 MPG towing. You can't beat that!
Of course it is your choice but like was said, from a 1/2 ton to 3/4 ton is not much difference in price. And I am sold on diesel for towing.
Happy Glamping!

I actually just watched a video on YouTube of two guys, one driving gas and one driving diesel (both 2500) and they drove a 1100 + mile loop. They filled up before and also after. The diesel was $2.50 cheaper. They were on Colorado and 87 octane gas was $4.189/gal and diesel was $4.999/gal.

That did not take into account the cost of the DEF. I've also read that diesel uses a lot more oil and is more costly to repair (is this true?). Plus you have the extra $10K tacked onto the price. Since I am aiming to buy two new "things" I do need to keep the extra $10K in mind. Plus both diesel and gas are more expensive than usual for the time being.

Please keep the info coming. I will initially be towing only twice a year, RI to TX and TX to RI; 4 days / 3 nights each way. In between I drive very little. I work from home and am a hermit for the most part. I won't be retiring until 2030.

Here are the numbers I have compiled from various PDFs and websites online (I think I captured them correctly but I don't know if they are actually correct) in order to compare - not from actual vehicles, but okay for a gross comparison. They are all for 4WD, crew cab, 20" wheels and long bed, where I was able to specify it. Wheelbase is 172" on all. Both gas & diesel have 36 gal tanks. Some of the numbers may not "add up" correctly because I've been pulling them from where I can find them.

GAS - 2500 HD
GVWR 11,050
GCWR 26,000 lbs
Max tow (bumper pull) 16,000 lbs
Torque 464 ft lbs @4000 RPM
HP 401 @5200 RPM
Rear axle 3.73
Curb weight (LT) 6739 lbs
Max payload (LT) 3523 lbs
Curb weight (LTZ) 7047 lbs
Max payload (LTZ) 3565 lbs
I included LTZ because a lot of the available trucks have it.

DIESEL - 2500 HD - SRW (I am not considering the config with dual tires on back)
GVWR 11,500
GCWR 26,000 or 27,500 lbs - it wasn't clear which number went with what
Max tow (bumper pull) 18,500 lbs
Torque 975 ft lbs @ 1600 RPM
HP 470 @2800 RPM
Rear axle 3.42
Curb weight 7736
Max payload ?

DIESEL - 2500 HD - SRW, with NHT max towing pkg
From what I understand this is basically a 3500 with 2500 badging. I read that, in some states, you would otherwise have to have a CDL for the 3500 - no idea if that is true. When I look up specs for a 3500 diesel, the numbers are the same.
GCWR 30,000 lbs
Max tow (bumper pull) 20,000 lbs
I don't have as much detail like payload and curb weights on everything yet.

GAS - 3500 HD
Mostly the same as the 2500 gas engine
GCWR 26,000
Max tow (bumper pull) 16,000 lbs
HP 401 @ 5200 RPM
Torque 464
Curb weight 7524 (LT & LTZ)
Payload 6428 lbs (LT & LTZ)

Diesel - 3500 HD
Same as 2500 with diesel engine & max tow package

I have read that Ford and Ram have higher ratings.

Also, I don't mind a bumpy ride. I grew up driving a truck & towing a horse trailer all over TX.

Thank you!

 

[Long Islander]

Aside from power and stopping advantages with towing with a diesel truck, there are a whole host of others advantages. Diesel trucks generally come with larger fuel tanks and get better mileage when towing so you don't need to fill up as often. My friend used to tow with a gas truck and he was unable to upgrade the size of his 24 gallon fuel tank and I know that you can almost always upgrade the size of diesel fuel tank (unless its already large). It's so nice to be able to tow to your destination and not have to worry about where the next gas station is. Also, consider how easy it will be to fuel up when you are hitched to the 34 ft trailer and towing. Most stations that sell diesel fuel are all set up for larger vehicles so it is a lot easier to get to and from the pumps. Most gas stations are only set for cars and the pumps are set up in such a way the maneuvering in and out the gas pumps can be a challenge. I agree that trucks equipped with diesel engines are more expensive, but they also hold their value better.

 

[Lantley]

If you're buying the vehicle for towing get the diesel hands down. As mentioned besides the improvements of the engine providing more power the logistical advantages of the diesel as well. You are able to use truck stops and larger stations when towing refill vs. gas pumps which can be tight and congested. More range means you can go farther without refueling.
Lastly is the exhaust brakes that all diesel trucks now have. It is a difference maker that gas trucks simply don't have.
The premium initially paid for the diesel doesn't go away. It is returned at resale time. The diesel cost more but maintains its value and will always be worth more than the gasser.

 

[2 Allies]

The max payload between the 3500 and the 2500 is generally where you will run into problems is you want to move to a 5th wheel later. You will run out of payload capacity with the heavier pin weights. I kept matching my trucks to my RV at the time and had to keep moving up in trucks as we evolved to the 5th wheel.
Good luck,

 

[Fishfnatic]

When we first went full time we started with a f250 gas engine towing 33 ft bumper pull. 10000 lbs. with 36 gallon tank. Towing through the smokies in Tennessee some of the grades were sporting. Truck handled it but I was not comfortable. When we bought dually for fifth wheel and towed the bumper pull for trade in was like night and day handling difference. I would get a larger tank if possible too. A lot of the people on this forum are speaking from experience. I did all the research online too like you are doing. Specs and real world may be different. Enjoy whatever you get.

 

[Lantley]

When we first went full time we started with a f250 gas engine towing 33 ft bumper pull. 10000 lbs. with 36 gallon tank. Towing through the smokies in Tennessee some of the grades were sporting. Truck handled it but I was not comfortable. When we bought dually for fifth wheel and towed the bumper pull for trade in was like night and day handling difference. I would get a larger tank if possible too. A lot of the people on this forum are speaking from experience. I did all the research online too like you are doing. Specs and real world may be different. Enjoy whatever you get.

Good point you really need to tow the same trailer on the same roads preferably roads with a grade with both a diesel and gasser to truly experience and understand the difference in performance.
An on paper comparison does not do it justice.

 

[MeAndTheDogs]

Aside from power and stopping advantages with towing with a diesel truck, there are a whole host of others advantages. Diesel trucks generally come with larger fuel tanks and get better mileage when towing so you don't need to fill up as often. My friend used to tow with a gas truck and he was unable to upgrade the size of his 24 gallon fuel tank and I know that you can almost always upgrade the size of diesel fuel tank (unless its already large). It's so nice to be able to tow to your destination and not have to worry about where the next gas station is. Also, consider how easy it will be to fuel up when you are hitched to the 34 ft trailer and towing. Most stations that sell diesel fuel are all set up for larger vehicles so it is a lot easier to get to and from the pumps. Most gas stations are only set for cars and the pumps are set up in such a way the maneuvering in and out the gas pumps can be a challenge. I agree that trucks equipped with diesel engines are more expensive, but they also hold their value better.

Thank you! I hate having to stop for fuel! It looks like the gas & the diesel models, for Chevy, have the same size tank.

 

[MeAndTheDogs]

If you're buying the vehicle for towing get the diesel hands down. As mentioned besides the improvements of the engine providing more power the logistical advantages of the diesel as well. You are able to use truck stops and larger stations when towing refill vs. gas pumps which can be tight and congested. More range means you can go farther without refueling.
Lastly is the exhaust brakes that all diesel trucks now have. It is a difference maker that gas trucks simply don't have.
The premium initially paid for the diesel doesn't go away. It is returned at resale time. The diesel cost more but maintains its value and will always be worth more than the gasser.

Talk to me about exhaust brakes. I don't know what that means.

 

[MeAndTheDogs]

The max payload between the 3500 and the 2500 is generally where you will run into problems is you want to move to a 5th wheel later. You will run out of payload capacity with the heavier pin weights. I kept matching my trucks to my RV at the time and had to keep moving up in trucks as we evolved to the 5th wheel.
Good luck,

Thank you! I do not see a need to ever go to a 5th wheel.

 

[MeAndTheDogs]

When we first went full time we started with a f250 gas engine towing 33 ft bumper pull. 10000 lbs. with 36 gallon tank. Towing through the smokies in Tennessee some of the grades were sporting. Truck handled it but I was not comfortable. When we bought dually for fifth wheel and towed the bumper pull for trade in was like night and day handling difference. I would get a larger tank if possible too. A lot of the people on this forum are speaking from experience. I did all the research online too like you are doing. Specs and real world may be different. Enjoy whatever you get.

Thank you!

 

[George]

Talk to me about exhaust brakes. I don't know what that means.

For me it's not the only reason but it is the number one reason to go diesel vs gas for towing a heavy trailer. Unless you never intend to visit the mountains it's almost a requirement.

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