I am 51 now, and would not like to consider the tall steps that I had in my F-350 and camper back in the 90's.
I would recommend upgrading to a class C motorhome, larger water tanks, dually with lighter overall weight, and the ability to dry camp longer than most pickups with a camper can do.
If you really want to off road, get a small 4x4 to tow behind for sightseeing.
I had a 1975 F-350 supercab SRW with a 3,600 pound cargo rating. It had a 8' bed, and that allowed me to carry a 1972 camper with a 9' long floor length. The long bed allows more weight to be transferred to the front axle, than a short bed, especially when there is a really long rear overhang.
I liked my layout a lot, it had a forward bath, taking up the forward 3' full width of the camper, with the closet streetside, and sink over the water heater on the curbside. Wet bath, with a raised dinette, and the blank tank under the dinette. Probably one of the first basement style campers, built by Coachman in 1972, only the dinette was raised, and the bathroom was raised too, with the fresh water tank forward, and under the hall part of the bathroom.
Good luck on your camper pick! You might make the best decision by driving the camper to the dealership as part of a vacation. . .
Fred.
