Help Campy's dad-

mpg can be good if it is maintained and all i went on a trip in mine from a panama city beach florida to kinder louisiana lil over 500 miles and i averaged 13-14 running 75 empty when i pull my dime on a 18ft dovetail i average around 10-12

How big is his 5th wheel. I don't know as though he needs a big block for only pulling on the weekends. Is it hilly where he goes? The 6.2 in stock form is kinda gutless imo and my burb had one. I think it even had the pump turned up. It stank and smoked and was loud. It did get 20 +mpg. So btwn 6.2 and 454 I'd do the 454 but I think he ought to think about just a 350 especially if he'd be willing to have a manual tranny.

i have a big fifth wheel camper, and my dually had the 350 with the 4-10 gear ratio, even had an automatic tranny in it. it would pull the shit out of my camper all day long with no problems. gas mileage was around 15-18mpg towing. hilly area was a little much for it though. if it was a 5 speed, it would have been just fine!

Anything but the 6.2 if he plans to pull any kind of trailer. 6.2s are great in 1/2 ton trucks or suburbans meant to cruise, but they have no power at all. I personally liked my small block alot better than my big block. Better fuel mileage and better towing but that could have been determined by the fuel injection difference. And brian is right, a 5speed always sweetens the deal!

Has he ever had a diesel? You either like the sound and different power band or ya dont.

The 454s are cheaper....

i would have to say 454.