I've recently landed a loaded Hawk and currently have it sitting on a 2002 Sierra 1500 w/airbags. During our first trip, my fiance and I, plus our gear, NO water in the Hawk, we're at 400 lbs over our GVWR, according to the scale at the dump. We knew we were pushing it so we opted for not filling during this trip, just carried a 5 gal jug. The 1500 drives around no problem , but the sway and taking it down some dirt roads definitely makes me nervous.
Anyways looking to upgrade to a 3/4 ton and my price range puts me in a Gasser with 125-200k miles, or a diesel with 200k+ miles (year 2000-2008ish). The Hawk will live on the truck as we'll definitely use it year round.
Main question: Does the fact that the camper will live on the truck make a diesel the better choice?
Here are some questions. Your current truck has air bags.
How are the lines plumed for the bags? Do you have one valve to put the air in the bags or do you have two?
What PSI are you running in the bags?
What is the rating on your tires?