Need advice from truck camper gurus.....

[outdoornate65]

Greetings....

My GF and I are in the planning phase of a 2-year, North American exploration that will see us visiting remote areas of the US, Canada and hopefully Mexico.

We have been researching available vehicle options based on our short list or requirements:

* able to get us off the beaten path: so 4x4 is a must
* self-contained: we plan to camp and want a rig capable of supporting 2 adults for several days at a time
* reasonable fuel economy: Diesel vs gas? Also, vehicle would be my daily driver prior to the trip
* enclosed area that would allow us to be out of the elements
* reliability
* $30k budget: so no Sportsmobile or Earthroamer

I currently have a 2008 4-Runner that has served us well for the last several years.....tent camping and exploring all over CO and Utah.
We also own a sweet 1984 Westfalia that we love. Both these vehicles have potential to work for this trip but they also have some major shortcomings based on our "wish-list.

"So get to your fricking question already Dude!"

My research keeps leading me back to the 4x4 truck with pop-up camper option. So I guess my questions are:

Full-size vs mid-size (Tacoma) truck/camper combo? Is the extra room worth the cost knowing we will basically be full-timing in the rig?

Gas vs diesel? never owned a diesel rig so not sure of benefits vs shortcomings

Is there a brand/model of truck that is notoriously reliable? (I'm a nurse not a mechanic)

Are there comparable, quality alternatives to Four Wheel Campers?

As the folks who have kicked-around these issues before, I welcome your feedback and guidance. Thanks in advance.

Nate

 

[longhorn1]

Greetings....

My GF and I are in the planning phase of a 2-year, North American exploration that will see us visiting remote areas of the US, Canada and hopefully Mexico.

We have been researching available vehicle options based on our short list or requirements:

* able to get us off the beaten path: so 4x4 is a must
* self-contained: we plan to camp and want a rig capable of supporting 2 adults for several days at a time
* reasonable fuel economy: Diesel vs gas? Also, vehicle would be my daily driver prior to the trip
* enclosed area that would allow us to be out of the elements
* reliability
* $30k budget: so no Sportsmobile or Earthroamer

I currently have a 2008 4-Runner that has served us well for the last several years.....tent camping and exploring all over CO and Utah.
We also own a sweet 1984 Westfalia that we love. Both these vehicles have potential to work for this trip but they also have some major shortcomings based on our "wish-list.

"So get to your fricking question already Dude!"

My research keeps leading me back to the 4x4 truck with pop-up camper option. So I guess my questions are:

Full-size vs mid-size (Tacoma) truck/camper combo? Is the extra room worth the cost knowing we will basically be full-timing in the rig?

Gas vs diesel? never owned a diesel rig so not sure of benefits vs shortcomings

Is there a brand/model of truck that is notoriously reliable? (I'm a nurse not a mechanic)

Are there comparable, quality alternatives to Four Wheel Campers?

As the folks who have kicked-around these issues before, I welcome your feedback and guidance. Thanks in advance.

Nate

I've never owned diesel so I can't comment. We have a 2013 F-250 long bed with 2014 FWC Grandby. It has been a great combo. The FWC Hawk would be a good choice and if you needed more room the long bed Grandby. You might want to consider the 3/4 ton truck for either choice. ATC (All Terain) is another choice for a pop-up. FWC camper has more distributors which would make it easy to see and order from the closest one. Both have aluminum frames and both are well made. Hallmark and Outfitter make quality pop-ups but their price range is a lot higher. Hope this helps. Longhorn

 

[Cummins_expo]

Make sure to read up Wander the West it is an amazing resource for all things Pop-Up campers. I went through the exact same thoughts and plans you are talking about. Only I already owned a 2003 Dodge Cummins 4x4. Adding a new 4 wheel camper Hawk was a simple solution and I keep it on full time. I don't even notice it is back there. Previously I had an older pop up ( Skamper) and it was very noticeable. I love the ability to set the cruse control at 75 and not even stutter at a massive hill our mountain crawls( and get 19 mpg). You will find 1/2 ton and the lesser you are pushing capacity once you add - water, fuel, camping, gear, the kitchen sink.

Diesel has only been a problem in the tiny Coastal towns around CA. So far all the other states we travel it has never been a problem. But i make it a rule to gas when ever I am unsure of the next stop. Sometimes that is 1/2 a tank or even if i only burned .25 a tank ( but bladder gave out first).

You mention Mexico:
Read up on Ultra Low sulpher Fuels ULSD
https://www.mexicomike.com/fuel_in_mexico/diesel-mexico.html
Check this site as well as you will find a wealth of info.

Given your price point it probably doesn't matter as you will be looking at pre-07 trucks anyway

If you can buy a 4wheel /Diesel combo. This will have a nice re-sell value if you decide not keep it.

 

[subterran]

Hi!
I'm partial to Toyota tacomas myself. Reliable is their middle name. I have been thinking of 'upgrading' to a larger truck, but in researching this, I am finding that no one is really making a long bed any more (extra cab + long bed) so really by getting a bigger truck, all you are getting is more width. You can just buy a FWC Fleet or similar, and achieve almost the same camper space.In South America, the older Toyota pickups are still heavily supported, so universally available parts are a consideration. I also have not owned a diesel truck (my old diesel rabbit doesn't qualify), but I have lots of friends that drive them. Most common stuff on them is repairable like any gas truck, but when certain things go south, like the fuel pump system or injectors, it can be costly and required a specialist mechanic. That's something that would worry me down south. My camper has as much space as a Grandby, but it's on a Tacoma. Fortunately, being in or near Colorado puts you in a good spot for finding older used campers like mine. If I were you, I'd find a 1986 Toyota 4x4 Pickup with extra cab, and an older FWC or simular, and spend the money you save in making the truck mechanically sound, and refurbishing the camper. Good luck, and great travels, whatever you do!

 

[bill harr]

If you are looking for a truck and camper check out Wander the West Gear Exchange.
You will see complete packages every now and then. There is this one on now and may be more if you look back.

 

[djmase]

Having owned a few TC and a boat load of vehicles, gas and diesel, I would vote for a late gen 1 tundra and a FWC hawk, which can easily be had for sub 30k.
The gen 1 is a 'full size' truck, but a small one at that. Economy on the 4.7 isn't terrible, and they are really reliable. The tundra will cost you much less to fix (if/when) you need to fix it than a diesel (which is huge) and the fuel savings will not be that different; 14+ on Tundra vs 17ish on diesel. The nice thing about the Gen 1 tundra is that it is essentially the same size as the gen 2 tacoma. You get a beefier truck, but it will still fit on the skinny trails you plan to explore.
Regarding your camper, there is really only one true choice, FWC. There is a reason that people love them and they command a high price tag. They are worth every cent.
If you found the mintiest tundra (18k) and a dialed hawk (12k), you'd be set. Although, I'd budget for a $14ish truck and $9ish hawk and put the rest into tricking them out with solar, recovery gear, locker, reliability stuff, et al.

Basically, look at what Bill did (above) and repeat.

 

[Regcabguy]

If you are looking for a truck and camper check out Wander the West Gear Exchange.
You will see complete packages every now and then. There is this one on now and may be more if you look back.

That's a good buy!

 

[dk8ur]

Having owned a few TC and a boat load of vehicles, gas and diesel, I would vote for a late gen 1 tundra and a FWC hawk, which can easily be had for sub 30k.
The gen 1 is a 'full size' truck, but a small one at that. Economy on the 4.7 isn't terrible, and they are really reliable. The tundra will cost you much less to fix (if/when) you need to fix it than a diesel (which is huge) and the fuel savings will not be that different; 14+ on Tundra vs 17ish on diesel. The nice thing about the Gen 1 tundra is that it is essentially the same size as the gen 2 tacoma. You get a beefier truck, but it will still fit on the skinny trails you plan to explore.
Regarding your camper, there is really only one true choice, FWC. There is a reason that people love them and they command a high price tag. They are worth every cent.
If you found the mintiest tundra (18k) and a dialed hawk (12k), you'd be set. Although, I'd budget for a $14ish truck and $9ish hawk and put the rest into tricking them out with solar, recovery gear, locker, reliability stuff, et al.

Basically, look at what Bill did (above) and repeat.

this

and All Terrain Campers

 

[CTDJeeperman]

I've owned 3 diesel trucks and driven many more for over 15+ years, for your budget and desires I'd recommend a 2nd or 3rd gen ram 2500/3500 SRW with the 5.9 cummins and a manual. The most reliable truck drivetrain on any truck in the last 20 years IMO would probably be a 94-98 Ram with the 5.9 Cummins and an NV4500 5 spd manual trans, the truck body sucks a little more than the Fords of similar years or the 3rd gen Rams. However, that drivetrain is amazingly reliable because there is no ECM in the engine, it's a purely mechanical diesel P7100 injection pump that can easily be upgraded. I'd look for one of those and put a 4WC Grandby or Hawk on the back. If you find the right truck you might even have the budget for a new 4WC flatbed (if you can find the truck with a bed already on it.) If you want a larger four door truck I'd look at an 03-07 Ram with the 5.9 and NV5600 or G56 6 spd manual trans. I think a diesel 5.9 Cummins 12 valve/NV4500 (94-98) Ram extended cab 2500 short wheel base with an 8' flatbed and 4WC flatbed Grandby is what I would do with that budget; early 98 would be best due to some cab/dash upgrades but those trucks are very rare. Late 98.5 models have a different 24 valve head design/VP44 injection pump. Still good trucks; I just like the 12 valves better.

7.3 Diesel Fords with the ZF6 are great options as well. I like the Duramax Chevy/GMCs as well but since you can't get those with a manual in any recent years I've never owned one.

Whichever truck you get, I'd def recommend a 3/4 or 1 ton truck and put some 33" or 35" tires on it and air bags in the rear and call it good (I'd recommend Toyo RTs or MTs) Both the Fords and Dodges most years will accommodate 35" Toyo's with only a "leveling kit (lookup carli suspension, but lots of other options too.)

Make sure you save budget money for some of the sustained off the grid options for whichever camper you buy, solar panels, and an AC/DC fridge, not a 3 way.

 

[pappawheely]

I am a fan of big trucks. If you are full-timing you will want more interior space and will probably have more stuff with you. With that said, I can't argue with anything previously stated.

 

[eblau]

I'll agree with papa, my old body style ford crewcab may seem like overkill for the 2/3/4 night trips we make but I don't know what I would do without all the extra cab space and the stability/ huge payload of the 1 ton truck. I am in no way biased toward American trucks vs. Japanese trucks (I own both currently) but I would consider a large platform truck to use for that kind extended trip you are about to take. Sure the tundras are nice and with airbags they can handle all the weight you can throw at them but I would just start with a truck that can handle the payload right out of the box.

 

[justbecause]

On a regular basis I drive a 2013 Tacoma 4 door, TRD
a 2011 nissan frontier 4 door pro4x
and a 2011 tundra 4 (smaller) door with the 4.6.

the frontier spanks the tacoma in every way; it is so much more comfortable, driving position, ride, you have a better sight line on whats right in front of you, because you are sitting up higher, also the trd sport has that stupid fake hood scoop that does nothing but block what is directly in front of the truck. the arm rests are better. the seats are better. It has a fully boxed frame so it will handle bed weight better than a taco. And it is significantly less expensive because it doesnt say Toyota.

The Tundra though, is better in every way than my frontier. I love that truck, and I looked high and low for one when I was shopping. I love having the extra space. not only for gear, but for being able to stretch out just a little bit while driving. We took the tundra from Alabama to Colorado, drove 24 hours straight. I was even able to kick out in the back seat and go to sleep. I am 6' even. The only thing the tundra doesnt have is a rear locker. But it got 20mpg, which is better than I usually can get from my Frontier.

I wouldn't even consider a mid-size truck for what you are describing.

Diesel offers you extended range, but you are going to pay more for fuel, and for parts (most of the time) I have owned a diesel and found the costs savings on fuel to be greatly outweighed by the added operating expense. The diesels I would still consider would be a "bullet proofed" ford 6.0 and if you could find a 7.3 that doesnt have 1/2 a million miles on it.

 

[goodtimes]

For full timing, I'd definitely lean towards a full size with a hawk or grandby on a 3/4 or 1 ton. The flat bed campers are, IMO, the best thing going right now. The usable space is huge compared to the slide in campers.

Again, for full timing, I'd be leaning towards a diesel. It's going to get better fuel economy when loaded. I average just north of 17 with my Dodge (Cummins) & FWC grandby. Gas engines are getting no where near that under similar conditions.

If you're only getting out for a long weekend every couple months, my opinion on both the camper and truck changes. Basically a camper is overkill & a bit of a pain to load/unload all the time, and the economy shifts back the other way - particularly if you add in the cost of the fuel. But you know how opinions are . . .

 

[FordGuy1]

On a regular basis I drive a 2013 Tacoma 4 door, TRD
a 2011 nissan frontier 4 door pro4x
and a 2011 tundra 4 (smaller) door with the 4.6.



Diesel offers you extended range, but you are going to pay more for fuel, and for parts (most of the time) I have owned a diesel and found the costs savings on fuel to be greatly outweighed by the added operating expense. The diesels I would still consider would be a "bullet proofed" ford 6.0 and if you could find a 7.3 that doesnt have 1/2 a million miles on it.

I would agree, go full size. It is so much better to have the room and excess capability, braking alone is huge. Being on the edge of GVW makes no sense, and no you really can't build your way into increased GVW. You are still stuck with size, weight, frame, cooling, your axle rating..on and on. Just because you can drive down the hwy overloaded does not make it the best idea or the safest. I agree, bullet proof a 6.0l and add a 65 fuel tank for a 1,000 mile range with a good tuner and never look back. You can buy a 2007 so cheap!

 

[tanglefoot]

There are many ways to go about it. It may be best to see some different setups and try to decide which works best for you. Each setup has its pros and cons.

Full-time presents some challenges that most travelers don't face. There are typically larger needs for storage and living space. Pop-up truck campers tend to be pretty limited in storage space.

My first inclination was to suggest a towable. Travel trailers offer much more living space and storage space than truck campers, and they usually result in nicer driving dynamics. A truck laden with a well-stocked truck camper tends to not inspire much confidence on the road. It's top-heavy and terrible in the curves. Although towing also changes driving characteristics, I usually prefer the feel of having the load behind, rather than on the driving vehicle. You don't need to go huge--a lightweight trailer trailer of around 16' provides plenty of space and can still be towed by something like your 4runner.

If you do decide on a truck camper, yes there are plenty of manufacturer alternatives to FWC, especially if buying used. I find campers to be great used purchases. Most people use them much less than they think they will, and the prices fall off considerably.

Vehicle choice has much to do with personal preference. I've sometimes thought about what I would choose if I were starting over. I like to stay away from timing belts and automatic transmissions, myself, so one that I'd be looking into is a '96 or earlier Ford F-series with the 300 I-6 and manual trans. I hear that engine is practically immortal. I do like compact trucks very much, but I can't decide on a clear winner. The earlier trucks had the durability but not the power. The newer ones have the power but not the durability...

You might also consider converting a van. I came across a couple who had full-timed in their E150 cargo with an interior they had built themselves. Maybe you can find a high-top Sprinter from a business fleet that seems judicious about maintenance and build an an interior to your liking.