Thanks everyone. I have a 2012 Lincoln MKX AWD with 70K and aftermarket hitch. Only issue that worries me is these Ford PTU's fail around 70K if not fluid not maintained. If maintained, they last on average 250K. Ford says to change PTU fluid every 100K in owners manual but many have proven fluid starts looking like mud by 40K, (probably 10K if towing).
I used to drive a 40 foot corporate marketing truck (never towed anything) to show off our products for 8yrs and 47 states, usually never the same customer twice. drove m-f, stayed in hiltons or holiday inns every day, fly home weekends, so this will be my first camping experience. There were a few places I'd like to go back to since sometimes I didn't have any time to look around. I'll try to detour around mountains such as taking I-80 around Rockies or taking I-71/75 instead of traveling thru West Virginia.
Sure easiest is to get a Ford F450, but I like challenges in my life...(and to save money)
I just found online probably the best camper for me. An Apache Yuma camper which is only 1200lbs with more room than the Aliners. I'd remove the front bed and just have a wall there since its just me. (probably reduce it 100lbs). Only problem is not many of these campers survived.
Youtube shows these Apaches are just as easy to setup as Aliners. Great idea if there are any millionaires out there that want to start a camper company. So if I start with 1100lbs. After restoration, upgrades and my stuff, I'll probably be up around 1500lbs total. Do you think this will work?
