Best truck for Northern Lite 10-2
My wife and I just ordered a 2020 Northern Lite 10-2 LE and are now shopping for a truck. I hoping to get some advice on which would be the best truck for our camper. We're planning a 1 year trip...
Forum Discussion
otrfun wrote:jaycocreek wrote:I get the point you're trying to make. However, in terms of raw engine load, a decent-sized hard-side camper is still a challenge, even for a big-block diesel. I say that based on mpg's---mpg's more or less define the load on the engine. Our Cummins gets 17-18 highway empty. It gets approx. 11 mpg pulling a 12,000 lb. 5th wheel. It gets approx. 12-13 hauling our camper (3,500-4,000 lbs. loaded). Based on these numbers I'd say our Cummins is still workin' a tad hard hauling the camper. IMO, it's not so much the weight of the camper that's the issue, it's the wind coefficient. A camper is very inefficient aerodynamically. All the flat surfaces on the lower rear (each side), behind the cab, plus the jacks, not to mention the big cabover, creates a *lot* of wind drag.
. . . As for gas vs diesel with a truck camper,a gas does just fine with 4500# in the back..That diesel engine isn't for hauling a measly 4500# it was meant for heavy loads like big fifth wheels etc..JMHO
Wasn't trying to be snippy.If I was,sorry..I do not understand your point other than TC's buck the wind etc and there is a 4000# load in the bed..That 4000# load is nothing for a modern pickup or even my ancient 460..Wind or whatever does make a difference but on average,a diesel motor is not needed for a truck camper alone,modern gas engines and there new transmissions do wonders over the old engines like the 454 and 460 that were common in 34-35 foot motorhomes..
I could see no advantage for me(as an example) to upgrade to a diesel just hauling a 4000# load..The speed limit is mostly 55 mph where I live with an occasional 65 mph..I can do those with ease with my gas engine and my 39-4000# camper...Compression is fantastic rarely needing breaks on the local passes...
The diesel engine is just overkill for anyone who just takes there truck camper,all the HP and torque is not needed when obeying the speed limit..Diesels are expensive to drive/repair and maintain..I just could not afford a 16K break down as Buzzcut posted a couple weeks ago....
As a gas guy,I see the benefits of a diesel for heavy loads,just not with a truck camper..
