Hi ThereNew member here although have been lurking for quite a while.Soon looking at becoming a solo full timer.I'm newly retired this year and my plan is to go the truck camper route for the flexibility in getting in places easier then a motorhome As stated in the subject line I'm going to try to stay around 60k for the truck and camper.Both used of course.So that I don't look back later and wish I'd chosen differently my thoughts are to go with a 1 ton duallyI'm thinking 35-40 for the truck and the balance for the camper.Does that sound reasonable for a package that could give me comfort and reliability for some years of service.Need good four seasons capability in the camper.West coast guy here and plan on going southerly at times but also have lots of connections in coastal Alaska so could see myself traveling that way as well.Anyway I know it's a broad asked before question but looking for input on truck and camper choices in the used market based on above.Thanks!

FWIW I just special ordered a brand new F-350 DRW and went with the 6.2L gas engine as I don't tow anything, so figured the 6.2 would be plenty of motor for our usage, and after $3500 of rebates the truck cost barely over $40K. If you insist on diesel that's different, but if you're willing to consider gas you may be able to get new, depending on what your camper wants and needs are. Enjoy the hunt and good luck with whatever you decide on.

$40k will get you a low mile dually gasser no problem and $20k buys a very nice used camper with slide out. With a dually you'll have minimal $ in upgrades to hold the camper. Tie downs and maybe something for the rear suspension depending how big a camper you get.

I was in the same shoes a year ago and after seeing several years old trucks with 40k miles selling for $45,000 I decided to order the truck I like straight from the factory for $60k. Thanks to avoiding options like CC, 4WD, or sunroof, that I have no need for, it did not come too expensive afterall. I am handy, so I can restore $7000 camper to full potential, but there is no way I can make 360 degree cameras on the truck. ... or voice recognition GPS.Or make the older truck/6000 lb camper making 13 mpg with power to spare.

You certainly could could get a new nicely equipped gas truck and a really nice used TC for 60K. If not planning on towing and just the camper the gas would be fine. I bought my used TC for 5500 and it is as big as they get without a slide. It was in excellent condition and is a four season. As Kayteg says you can do a lot to a Truck Camper for relatively cheap. With my solar and my 12 volt danfoss fridge which you should check into if full timing I probably have about 8500 in my TC and I would be very comfortable full timing by myself in it. I do think you would like having the 5 year power train warranty when heading off into the wilderness. For 10k you can get some really nice TC's if you shop around. Unless of course you want multiple slides and in great shape. JMHO

60k Budget truck and camper | Good Sam Community

SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Aug 12, 2017
We bought the 2012 Chevy in our signature new for $35k

The Eagle Cap leftover was also new at $27k. So we blew the 60k limit by 2 thou.

Oops! :B
dave17352
Explorer
Aug 12, 2017
You certainly could could get a new nicely equipped gas truck and a really nice used TC for 60K. If not planning on towing and just the camper the gas would be fine. I bought my used TC for 5500 and it is as big as they get without a slide. It was in excellent condition and is a four season. As Kayteg says you can do a lot to a Truck Camper for relatively cheap. With my solar and my 12 volt danfoss fridge which you should check into if full timing I probably have about 8500 in my TC and I would be very comfortable full timing by myself in it.
I do think you would like having the 5 year power train warranty when heading off into the wilderness. For 10k you can get some really nice TC's if you shop around. Unless of course you want multiple slides and in great shape.
JMHO
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2017
I was in the same shoes a year ago and after seeing several years old trucks with 40k miles selling for $45,000 I decided to order the truck I like straight from the factory for $60k.
Thanks to avoiding options like CC, 4WD, or sunroof, that I have no need for, it did not come too expensive afterall.
I am handy, so I can restore $7000 camper to full potential, but there is no way I can make 360 degree cameras on the truck. ... or voice recognition GPS.
Or make the older truck/6000 lb camper making 13 mpg with power to spare.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 12, 2017
$40k will get you a low mile dually gasser no problem and $20k buys a very nice used camper with slide out.
With a dually you'll have minimal $ in upgrades to hold the camper. Tie downs and maybe something for the rear suspension depending how big a camper you get.
NGaMountains
Explorer
Aug 12, 2017
FWIW I just special ordered a brand new F-350 DRW and went with the 6.2L gas engine as I don't tow anything, so figured the 6.2 would be plenty of motor for our usage, and after $3500 of rebates the truck cost barely over $40K. If you insist on diesel that's different, but if you're willing to consider gas you may be able to get new, depending on what your camper wants and needs are. Enjoy the hunt and good luck with whatever you decide on.
daily_double
Explorer
Aug 12, 2017
Sounds doable to me.

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