Best Platform

[eyemgh]

My half ton Chevy is fun and gets us a lot of places. It has stock suspension save for a Helwig helper leaf and Bilsteins. We’re bumping up to and occasionally exceeding the weight limit though and still want extra amenities. Now we’re considering building a new rig. It would most likely carry a fully outfitted FWC Granby, but maybe a Scout Kenai or even a hard side Lance. It‘ll be a slide-in because we want a Sherptek deck for storage.

To that end, what are the motors to avoid? I’m agnostic to brand having owned all three big US rigs. I’m conflicted on gas vs diesel. I like the bulletproof ness and mileage of diesel, but the extra payload of a gasser. Any must have mods.

If you were starting from scratch, knowing what you know, what platform would you choose and why?

Also, really conflicted on the camper. I like the durability and agility of the little Raven, but want more space and amenities. I was thinking Hallmark, but I have a friend with one that’s leaking and experiencing electrical glitches. There’s no local service. I think a Granby is the ticket, but I’m all ears.

Essentially, I’m in ultra early planning mode with one known…Sherptek deck with side flanks long enough to carry skis.

Thanks!

 

[tacollie]

We recently stepped up to a 3/4 ton for the same reasons. We were getting close to the GAWR on trips and we want a flatbed with exterior storage. Our gas F250 has a lot more capacity.

If it's new stuff pick the one you like the best. They are all pretty good. The Ram 2500 isn't as good for carrying campers due to rear coil springs. The gas motors will be cheaper to own just don't pass a gas station ?

We're sticking with a 6.5' camper to keep the wheel base as sorry as we can. I tend to squeeze into areas I probably shouldn't. SXS and ATV people really don't like me.

 

[eyemgh]

We recently stepped up to a 3/4 ton for the same reasons. We were getting close to the GAWR on trips and we want a flatbed with exterior storage. Our gas F250 has a lot more capacity.

If it's new stuff pick the one you like the best. They are all pretty good. The Ram 2500 isn't as good for carrying campers due to rear coil springs. The gas motors will be cheaper to own just don't pass a gas station ?

We're sticking with a 6.5' camper to keep the wheel base as sorry as we can. I tend to squeeze into areas I probably shouldn't. SXS and ATV people really don't like me.

That’s what my gut is telling me too. With the deck and storage, we can go shorter.

Conflicted on camper too. We love our FWC, but they won’t customize configuration. ATC is great too, but as petty as it sounds, I hate the corrugated siding. Maybe a Scout? Lance? Conflicted! ?

Then there’s truck mods. I’m not a fan of giant, wide tires. We drive this as an everyday rig too. What are the must haves in a perfect world though?

 

[Deleted member 9101]

F250, 7.3 gas.

 

[Rovertrader]

Honestly, go 350 SRW and skip the 250 ‘step’ in capacity- especially starting from scratch!
I vote F-350 SRW 7.3 gas- good luck!!

 

[eyemgh]

My gut says F350, but there’s a F250 at the local dealer with a 7.3 and the 10,000 GVWR package. It already has a bed though. I have time to order with a bed delete, but the build and price program doesn’t seem to offer that. ?

 

[jbaucom]

New light truck diesels are not bulletproof; the emissions systems took care of that quality of diesels 10+ years ago. Any of the new 3/4 or 1-ton truck gas engines are good, but I'd favor the GM 6.6 or Ford 7.3 gas V8s.

 

[tacollie]

My gut says F350, but there’s a F250 at the local dealer with a 7.3 and the 10,000 GVWR package. It already has a bed though. I have time to order with a bed delete, but the build and price program doesn’t seem to offer that. ?

F250 is more than enough for what you want to do. Ours has over 3300lbs of payload. I added 35s and good shocks. It didn't even notice the camper.

Check out this build.

2020 Ford F250 on 37s - Expedition Truck Camper Build!

Introducing our brand new 2020 Ford F250 XL 4x4 Super Cab that we named "DONKI" our noble steed! This truck replaces our 2019 F250 XL Crew Cab 4x4 truck that we purchased in December 2019. It is extremely similar but shorter! It has the 148" wheelbase vs the 160" wheelbase and the total...

expeditionportal.com

 

[billiebob]

I was once a diesel guy but not today. Diesels are nothing like the engines of 20 years ago. The DEF thing, the computer management, the go to limp mode because of a faulty sensor complicate the modern diesel. Gas is so much more reliable. The only reason for diesel is for towing capability but gas is closing that gap too.

Add in a lot of the badly polluted big cities banning diesels from the city center and the writing is on the wall. It might never affect you in Montana or South Dakota but travel thru Miami or LA or New York or,..... and you might have problems. The reality of this gets closer every day.

Then comes cost.... the gasser is a no brainer.... the diesel takes a lot of justification.

 

[eyemgh]

F250 is more than enough for what you want to do. Ours has over 3300lbs of payload. I added 35s and good shocks. It didn't even notice the camper.

Check out this build.

2020 Ford F250 on 37s - Expedition Truck Camper Build!

Introducing our brand new 2020 Ford F250 XL 4x4 Super Cab that we named "DONKI" our noble steed! This truck replaces our 2019 F250 XL Crew Cab 4x4 truck that we purchased in December 2019. It is extremely similar but shorter! It has the 148" wheelbase vs the 160" wheelbase and the total...

expeditionportal.com

I saw that. Cool build. More money than I want in though.

I’m thinking proper off-road tires (Wildpeaks or Coopers), maybe oversized, but probably not (love to know why you did) and stock shocks until they wear out, then Bilsteins.

What’s the reason for all the extra mods? I’m sort of clueless, figuring most lift, go big tires and then rarely if ever go off road. I could be wrong though. What’s the rationale?

T

 

[ramblinChet]

Many detailed notes in my links below - hope some help!

 

[eyemgh]

Many detailed notes in my links below - hope some help!

maybe it’s a phone browser thing, but I don’t see any links. ?

 

[rruff]

My gut says F350, but there’s a F250 at the local dealer with a 7.3 and the 10,000 GVWR package. It already has a bed though. I have time to order with a bed delete, but the build and price program doesn’t seem to offer that. ?

Sell the bed yourself.

 

[GeorgeHayduke]

Your mention of skis at the end of your post makes me think you're planning on a lot of winter trips. If so, I highly recommend a hard side for better insulation. We had a Northstar TC650 popup and now have a Scout Kenai. The Northstar was a good unit but the Scout is so much better in cold weather. It has a nice mudroom area too that helps with snowy boots. If you really want a popup in cold weather, Hallmark or OEV with a Truma heater seem to be the way to go.

I still don't know what the right answer is on gas vs diesel. It's easy to get scared of diesel emissions from horror stories on the internet but our 2016 Cummins has been impeccable for 80k hard miles. I think that's actually the key -- modern diesels like to be worked hard and don't do well as mall crawlers. The 7.3 Ford gasser looks great, just plan on single digit MPG with a hard side truck camper. We get about 14 with our Kenai/Cummins setup on 35s. The extra range and exhaust brake on a diesel are enticing, but so is saving 10k by going with a gasser.

I think if you've driven diesels in the past and are already addicted to their torque it's tough to drop down to a gasser. If you haven't driven one, you'll probably be very happy with any of the gas options + low gears.

Don't get a coil sprung Ram 2500 for truck camper usage (I have one), otherwise 3/4 or 1 ton from all 3 domestics OEMs are likely all fine. We've added hellwig sway bars and timbrens to control the sway on our 2500. We also have Cooper AT3 XLT tires in 285/75R18 and are very pleased with their durability, traction and load capacity. Eyeing King 2.5s next.

I'd pay more attention to the cab, wheelbase, locker vs LSD, and transmission when picking a platform. Every motor offered in a current HD is likely more than adequate for a truck camper.

 

[eyemgh]

Your mention of skis at the end of your post makes me think you're planning on a lot of winter trips. If so, I highly recommend a hard side for better insulation. We had a Northstar TC650 popup and now have a Scout Kenai. The Northstar was a good unit but the Scout is so much better in cold weather. It has a nice mudroom area too that helps with snowy boots. If you really want a popup in cold weather, Hallmark or OEV with a Truma heater seem to be the way to go.

I still don't know what the right answer is on gas vs diesel. It's easy to get scared of diesel emissions from horror stories on the internet but our 2016 Cummins has been impeccable for 80k hard miles. I think that's actually the key -- modern diesels like to be worked hard and don't do well as mall crawlers. The 7.3 Ford gasser looks great, just plan on single digit MPG with a hard side truck camper. We get about 14 with our Kenai/Cummins setup on 35s. The extra range and exhaust brake on a diesel are enticing, but so is saving 10k by going with a gasser.

I think if you've driven diesels in the past and are already addicted to their torque it's tough to drop down to a gasser. If you haven't driven one, you'll probably be very happy with any of the gas options + low gears.

Don't get a coil sprung Ram 2500 for truck camper usage (I have one), otherwise 3/4 or 1 ton from all 3 domestics OEMs are likely all fine. We've added hellwig sway bars and timbrens to control the sway on our 2500. We also have Cooper AT3 XLT tires in 285/75R18 and are very pleased with their durability, traction and load capacity. Eyeing King 2.5s next.

I'd pay more attention to the cab, wheelbase, locker vs LSD, and transmission when picking a platform. Every motor offered in a current HD is likely more than adequate for a truck camper.

The Kenai was my original “it” camper. It’s missing two significant things though, real outside shower an the potential for AC (which we’ve never had, but occasionally wish we did). It also requires a long bed. That said, I think it’s the one to beat.

I have had the Raven deep into the teens with the Thermo pack without a problem. It prefer lower condensation potential though.

A Kenai on a Sherptek could be the cats meow!