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Camper Ordered, But Which Truck to get?

payload truck choice dependability advice for new truck owners vehicle choice

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#21 BigRanchInSky

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Posted 08 January 2019 - 04:46 PM

Thank you! I really appreciate all the quality feedback. The more I look here, the more I learn.

 

OregonOzzy, you're a perfect example of me finding spot-on comparison info from a first-hand source—Thanks!

 

I think the choice is getting less murky and I'm going to pursue the 3/4 ton options—just sounds like the right tool for the job. I'm not super handy with retooling things, so a better stock option will be less risky for me—I don't think this is a place I want to take risks. ;)  

 

Now as to which one? I guess I need to get test driving!


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2019 Hawk / Ford F250


#22 patrkbukly

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Posted 08 January 2019 - 04:52 PM

2017 f250 6.2 gas reg cab longbed on my granby and absolutely love it.
Capable offroad, pulls and stops like nothing is on it.
Also purchased from Denny with all additions we could fit.
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#23 klahanie

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Posted 08 January 2019 - 07:13 PM

   These guys estimate 35+ kilos for a recovery kit! https://www.youtube....?v=ta0xWzwbEeg'

 

Hey Vic, I watched the vid. Liked the comment section, eg

 

"Interesting, we used do go 4WDing 35 years ago, before it was this new popular thing to do. We took nothing. And we did harder tracks than we do today."

 

Reminds me, 35 years ago buddies and I used to go hiking in T-shirts and jeans. (joke was, "they we last seen wearing ..." ;) ).

How did we survive then ? how did we get to where we are now ? LOL

 

... sorry for the side track ...


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#24 Flyfisher

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Posted 09 January 2019 - 02:31 AM

Good point Bwht4x4. My brother just got the Dodge 1500 Diesel and gets great gas mileage. Being a Consumer Reports kind of guy, I have always shied away from non Toyotas, but the newer Toyotas don't seem to be quite as reliable as the old ones. New trucks are beyond my price range, so it will be interesting to see how the Dodge holds up and if the higher price for diesel pencils out.

Good luck with your decision Big.

Gregg


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#25 Vic Harder

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Posted 09 January 2019 - 03:26 AM

At the risk of being alarmist, I will add that we may see a diesel price spike in 2020 based on a change to international shipping fuel regulations:

 

https://www.reuters....o-idUSKCN1M521U

 

https://www.cnbc.com...alysts-say.html


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#26 XJINTX

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Posted 09 January 2019 - 01:04 PM

Scanned through and did not see mentioned... I "Think" when I ordered my Hawk the dealer said that the build was different for a Ford? Seems I remember him saying the Roof clearance is different? Since nobody has mentioned that here I may be mistaken but you may want to check if already in build process. If buying and money not the big issue I'd say go with 3/4 ton or even 1 ton. If not a DD and only for camping remember bigger trucks with FWC may not fit in your standard garage so storage needs consideration.


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#27 Mighty Dodge Ram

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Posted 09 January 2019 - 04:33 PM

Re: Ford roof clearance. Not sure about the F150s but that is true for the F250/350. I helped my FIL build a bed platform for their Lance camper and 2017 F350. The Lance had no problem clearing the roof on their Chevy 2500HD.


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Richard
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, lightly lifted, ARB bumper/Warn winch, BFG AT/KO2, Snugtop shell. SOLD! But not forgotten!
2002 Chevy 2500HD XC LB 6.0L 4X4, Leer Hi-Rise shell, completely stock...for now!

#28 AdventureDave

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Posted 09 January 2019 - 09:54 PM

I went through the same thought process.  I wanted a reliable Toyota base vehicle really bad.  But my payload was well out of range so I had to face reality.  Payload capacity is NOT just based on the suspension.  The most overlooked limitation is the brake duty cycle.  The brakes convert kinetic energy to heat energy.  They are rated for a certain overall weight.  If you're trying to stop extra payload, especially in an emergency situation or downhill, the brake disks will overheat and fade (stop working).  Other components that are designed to meet an OEM payload rating are the axle bearings, transmission and drivetrain, and cooling capacity.  I recommend getting a 3/4 ton truck.  I used Consumer Reports to get some idea of which years and models have the least problems.  It's a start.  Happy shopping.


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#29 Stokeme

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Posted 11 January 2019 - 06:18 PM

I had to get larger than a Tacoma to inspire my Bride to choose a FWC over a Sprinter setup. With research, strictly numerical, I found Ford to have the best payload ratio. With a loaded FWC, I figured (gear depending) 3/4 ton, with a Shell, 1/2 ton with HD pkg. Our life has been tents &/or packing, so I am used to being light. I drove a buddy’s F150 EccoBoost & was impressed with the torque/mpg ratio.
My Grandby Shell, with both a lighter build, & 12V plan, is definitely within F150 HD payload. I wanted RV & adventure, a flexible multi use vehicle. I will not be taking crazy trails, as my S-Cab long bed has poor turning radius, but it will be fun & mobile. Heat w/seating is new to us. My biggest concern, again, was matching payload to gear needs, with some comfort & good off grid potential. Good touring capability as well. Just my $.02, this worked for me. Many unique WTW’s here.
At Anza Borrego it was very interesting seeing all the FWC variations & modifications. Good future possibilities.

Edited by Stokeme, 11 January 2019 - 08:13 PM.

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#30 Bjammin

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Posted 11 January 2019 - 10:56 PM

I think the guy at FWC nailed it.  If you like lots of stuff, get a rig big enough to carry it safely. That being said, our Ford F150 does the trick for us.  We have a Hawk shell minimally configured.  I weighed the truck with the camper on at a truck scale and we are right at gross weight, though slightly under on axle weight.  Air bags balance the load and we love the mileage from our 2.7 ecoboost engine. Last trip it was 16.5 MPG.


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