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[Saddle Tramp]

I'm an old guy (just 75, widower) and it is now time to spend a few years on the road.  I'm thinking of buying a new Ford F350 DRW long bed and a new Northern Lite 10-2.

 

Questions:

Is a regular cab OK, or will the overhang block the view thru the windshield,  All the pictures I've seen have the camper mounted on a crew cab.

 

Will the standard 6.2 V8  be acceptable or do I need the 7.3.  I don't have any experience with diesel engines, and I'm in no hurry.

 

Any idea what kind of MPG I can expect?  I'm not as concerned with cost, rather with maximum range on a 32 gallon tank.

 

I have these destinations in mind:  Alaska, North Slope, Inuvik, Yellowknife, also the Atlantic Provinces.  Home base is Northern California (Shasta Lake)

 

Thanks in advance.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Hi Warren,

 

I have a 2014 F350 CC SRW and a Northern Lite 10-2.   I think you’re smart to go dually.  I previously had an older Super Cab Ford, and the front of the cab-over pushed the truck antenna a bit.  I had to cushion the front of the camper with a small rubber trim to eliminate the noise and scratching.  My 2¢ worth is you’ll have vision issues with a regular cab truck, plus a lot less storage space.

 

My F350 has the 6.7L diesel and the older 6 speed transmission.  I get between 11 and 15 MPG depending on terrain.  I think the new 10 speed transmissions will be better, but no idea how much.

 

Caveat:  look at how packed the engine compartment is, then think about repair costs.  At around 70,000 miles, I started experiencing check engine lights related to the turbo charger components.  My expense for the various repairs was around $6,000, Ford’s was a lot more, as they put in 5 turbos.  Four were remanufactured units, the last and seemingly the correct fix was a factory new unit.  I basically didn’t have total use of the truck for 6 months off and on. 
 

So...  My lesson learned was I should have bought an extended warranty.  I probably would have saved at least $2,000.   Lesson 2, insist on new parts.  Lesson 3, INSIST on new parts.  
 

I truly love the truck.  There is more power than I need, it gets reasonably good mileage, and it’s comfortable.

 

As you’re looking at gas, my uninformed opinion would be to go with the 7.3.  My guess is you’ll see an average MPG of around 8-9.

 

I’m not sure if the camper package is an option on a dually, but if it is, get it.  That will add in your rear sway bar and a few other goodies.  You may or may not want to add airbags, but they do a good job leveling the truck.

 

With respect to the camper, it’s very well made.  I have but two complaints.  The dinette seats, like most TCs, are not comfortable.  My back does not like sitting at 90°.   The other complaint could be more serious, but I’d easily fixed.  The powder coated rear steps need more nonskid that is closer to the step edges.  Both my wife and I have slipped and fallen when our feet were wet.

 

If you want, we can talk offline.  Send me a PM if you do.

 

Steve