Help me choose a truck for a pop-up camper

[bob91yj]

The sticker on my 2500HD Dmax says the same thing. The glove box camper weight sticker is what you can carry if all seats are occupied, tank is full, etc. The manufacturer camper loading guide lets you figure out how much you can really carry (based on actual empty truck weight, GVRW, max axle weights, and acceptable camper CG location in the truck bed). On my 2500HD, with just me wife and dog, I carried a 2250 lb (actual wet weight not the 1648 factory sticker weight LOL) hardside camper and was within all specs.

...or in my case two 70 pound dogs, 45 gallon fuel tank, and a trailer that can't weigh more that 9995#'s (says so right on the data plate), even with my '05 Wrangler Unlimited, tools, and parts stuffed in it!

 

[live2travel photography]

I built this truck to do exactly what you described.
My buyer fell through this morning and my Expedition Ford Crew cab 4x4 is back
on the market.
This is mt Craigslist link.

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/4821508491.html

You can also see more of my truck on EP under Expedition Platform.

If you have any question you can reply to my ad.

Good Luck and safe travels.

Boondocker

Nice truck. Wonder if a FWC grandby would fit in. Could you send me the specs on the bed?

 

[truck mechanic]

The one thing I have to offer, if you are going to be living in it, get the 8 ft bed and camper. I live in a 28ft 5th wheel with 2 slides, and that feels very tight sometimes. so go as big as you can with out going over the top.
just my .02

 

[red EOD veteran]

Diesel longbed, the extra space, fuel economy, drive train lifespan are all great to have. As far as weight rating since you are carrying a utility bed a 1 ton or heavier.

With the 3 main brands all have their upsides and downsides. With GM you have a smoother ride and an auto trans you can actually trust. The LLY and LBZ duramax are the ideal years to go with, none of the emissions crap that the newer models have and the injectors last much longer than those on the early LB7. Upgraded fuel filter and should be no other requirements. The IFS requires more maintenance than a solid axle.

Ford 6.0 is either hit or miss. Upgraded head studs, egr cooler, and head gaskets will help a lot. Body style is not maintenance friendly with engine work because you have to pull the cab. Fuel filtration and a auxiliary trans cooler help.

Dodge has the Cummins which is a solid engine. The 6.7 has some injector issues and oil pumps seem to go out more often than other engines. Interior quality is the lowest of the 3. Again fuel filtration upgrade.

 

[poriggity]

Thats what I was thinking. I had 325s on my truck for a bit. They where awful. I am still looking into lifts for the larger trucks. I want a suspension that I can maintain a little speed while on rough terrain, don't want to have to crawl down every dirt road.

If you go Ford or Dodge, and you want suspension that'll soak up the bumps, you owe it to yourself to check out carli suspension. I have an 04.5 dodge with a cummins, 4 doors and a long bed. and I absolutely love the space and comfort it gives me..

 

[homemade]

Ford 6.0 is either hit or miss. Upgraded head studs, egr cooler, and head gaskets will help a lot. Body style is not maintenance friendly with engine work because you have to pull the cab. Fuel filtration and a auxiliary trans cooler help.

You don't need to pull the cab but it is a lot of work.



If you happen to look at a Superduty a major change in function is in '05 the front suspension was changed and the turning radius reduced by several feet. I don't know about GM or Dodge but the turning radius on the '04 and older with front leaf springs is huge.

the 6.0 already has two fuel filters, one on the frame in a water separator and one under the hood.

 

[live2travel photography]

Been doing a ton of research on the type of vehicle I want to pick up and all of the input has been greatly appreciated. I have also added a F350/E350 Ambulance platform to my search. With the added space of the aluminum box I would be more comfortable and it seems I can get the 7.3L with decent miles for half of what it would cost me to just get a truck.

 

[rffarm]

What did you ever end up with? I'm in WV, too, and am looking at the same gas vs diesel, ford or dodge debate.

 

[live2travel photography]

I have basically narrowed it down to either an ambulance with the 7.3 or a f350 with the 7.3 so basically diesel. If I get a truck it has to be able to tow multiple vehicles so it just makes more sense to get the diesel one.

 

[R3D2]

Pretty happy with my 7.3 so far. Heading out on a 7000 mile trip with my wife for our honeymoon in June so I'm hoping its up for the task. Haha. Been getting 17mpg on the hwy and that's with 4.10 gears and 35s. I don't think you could go wrong with either a ford or a dodge. I personally like the look of the OBS fords better than the dodges of that era but the cummins sure is a hell of a motor.


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