Newbie here

Sounds like your getting things together on making your decisions. A rule of thumb as I was told when shopping for a truck, was that if I was going to travel 50,000 miles per year t hen a diesel was the way to go but if its going to be 5 or 6 k a year then consider the gasser if not just for the minimal repair cost and was given the explanation that the guy I talked to said his buddies bragged about their diesels as they sat around his shop but let one of those diesels break down and they were the biggest babies when they got the repair bill. Also, lots of diesels are traded in because there was some indication of serious trouble on the horizon and if many diesel owners claim 2 to 3 hundred k of travel then why would some one trade in a perfectly good truck with less than 100 k on it? Just say'n! Of course you could buy new and get the warranty I suppose. Just food for thought is all. Having said that you might benefit from a diesel from the location on your post. Anyway, your lodging agreement sounds similar to what we had. I did have the best time in the campgrounds with other co-workers camped also, either in tents, toppers, vans, station wagons or tt/5ers and motor homes. drink a beer with the guys and play some cards and watch a ball game at someone's site or the enjoying the good will of campers who took pity on a rail roader who spent the day in the hot sun and would bring over a full meal or get invited to their site for burgers and beer. I think your on the right track (no pun intended), but you will make the choice that's best for you. Good luck and step clear or those big headlights coming toward you, there is usually a train right behind them!