Forum Discussion

Explorer

Sep 05, 2019

Advice on truck and camper purchase

Greetings I have been reading and learning at the Forum for the past 3 years taking notes. I finally decided to buy a truck and camper. Like many of you I face the following dilemmas off-road ability vs. style and comfort. or spending big bucks for something I may not be crazy about for years on end. Having almost ruled out a popup camper. I am considering making the following compromise decision advice and criticism please.
2019 RAM 2500 4x4 Crew Cab Tradesman 8ft box 6.4 gas Hemi
PAYLOAD 3190.00LBS Off-road package ,Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle, Electric Shift-on-the-Fly Transfer Case LT275/70R18E OWL On/Off-Road Tires 3690 payload, Hill decent ,off-road shocks Ground clearance 8.6” Many components from the Power Wagon will be adding rear progressive Sumo Super springs Please advise?
Palomino HS750 hard side dry weight with options about 2150lbs H 8'2' W 86” FL 8'2 Solar panels 200w,2x Battery Group 24 12V AGM Battery, Tie Down Package-4 Torklift Brackets W/4 Happijac Turnbuckles & Chain, rubber bed mat. Palomino now has all aluminum frame with upgraded interior small but doable for a single man

Question how much 4 wheeling will I be capable of ? Forest roads only Burr Trail or Mogollon Rim trails like or something more extreme. Should I buy a Pop-up instead? Thanks

Truck Campers

35 Replies

burningman
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2019
Don’t buy a rear-coil-spring 2500 Ram for a camper!! Get a Ford or a Chevy or a 3500 Ram.
LadyRVer
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2019
I bought a 2019 Palomino HS8801 and put it on my 2500 Dodge Ram, HD, CC, LB.
Ideally the weight was just right, handled beautifully. Did install airbags first. Being solo (with furkid) I found it a bit confining for more than 3 days set up. Did not try the off-road, but I would agree at looking at a 3500.
jimh406
Explorer III
Sep 06, 2019
If you are thinking about 4 wheeling as a single person, I can’t think of a reason for a Crew Cab. I’d go short bed and supercab. I’d also go 3500 to give you more rated capacity. Finally, I’d go popup if off road is important to you. Sure, you can go offroad with a hardside, but that will impact your ability to go faster with it on and there will be a lot of flex.

Personally, I’d for sure go Chevrolet or Ford if you are going gasoline and strongly consider holding out for the new 2020 gasoline engines from either.

Finally, I’d strongly consider buying used especially for the truck unless you are getting a screaming deal on a new one.
Tom_Barb
Explorer
Sep 06, 2019
Just my opinion, but after three different trucks and camper combos I'd never put a cab over camper on any thing but a dually.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2019
Limited IMO as a former 4x4 TC owner. It’ll get you in “there” but not be able to explore.