Arctic Fox 1150 on F350 DRW diesel?

cdbinns wrote:
@brholt - thanks for the info. Is your F350 a 4x4? We are looking at a diesel for a couple of reasons - one is the power and towing capacity and the other is better MPG which hopefully will result in a better cruising range. How does the truck handle mountain roads when carrying the camper? What MPG are you seeing with and without the camper? I appreciate the input. It really helps to hear from others who have gone through the same assessment.

- Celina

It is a 4x4. The diesel will undoubtably have a higher cruising range. This is offset a bit by a lower availability of fuel. Diesel will get better mpg but offset a bit by more expensive fuel (and greater initial cost). We are rated to tow 15,000 lbs and a 5,000 lb camper is only 1/3 of that so the gas engine seems to be powerful enough if all your going to do is put on a truck camper, even a heavy one like the Artic Fox 1150. If you are going to tow heavy too than the diesel may indeed be an advantage though if your exceeding the GVWR with the 1150 in a diesel adding the hitch load of a heavy trailer will put you significantly over. I don't know how important that is to you.

Gas vs diesel is a long running debate in the forums. It is pretty clear recent changes have swung it more toward the gas engine but whether or not it is the better choice probably depends on your usage. I think the choice is much less clear for truck campers (who need high GVWR) compared to people who are pulling trailers or 5th wheels (who need GCWR). When I looked at the truck to go with my camper I chose to go with gas but I wouldn't begrudge anyone who chose to get a diesel.