I'm looking for a replacement truck
Ok, first off, I don't want to start a brand war here, but would appreciate some input based on experience. My TC hauler, a 1997 Ford F350 diesel dually suffered frame damaged by hurricane Michael....
Forum Discussion
This topic is morphing right along, as expected. If your current, fixable rig doesn't work out, you might try a nationwide search (as on Craigslist or others) for a complete rig:
1. 3500/350, 4500/450, dually with
a. diesel engine if you are going to put more than 250K miles yourself on it, or
b. big, fuel sucking, gas engine if only to be used occasionally. The difference is the original "diesel penalty" you pay to get the oil burner that you don't pay for a gasser.
2. large camper already attached with the bugs worked out.
Every week there are hundreds of older RV-ers whose lifestyle is changing that are finally shedding their camper/pickup baggage. This is your focus group, but you must cast your net wide and expect a lengthy gestation. Also, have your cash ready to pounce if you find the right one. Several members on here have done very well with this outlook. This time of year is the best for buying a complete truck camper outfit. Anytime of year is good for getting some of your money back on a used diesel pickup.
One other issue that I will point out is the matter of a manual trans. Mine still works fine, and I do love it, but Jeanie is less and less inclined to drive it which leaves me to do almost all of the driving. Short trips: O.K. Long trips: not-so-O.K. Here again it's a matter of age.
jefe Death Valley March 2008:
1. 3500/350, 4500/450, dually with
a. diesel engine if you are going to put more than 250K miles yourself on it, or
b. big, fuel sucking, gas engine if only to be used occasionally. The difference is the original "diesel penalty" you pay to get the oil burner that you don't pay for a gasser.
2. large camper already attached with the bugs worked out.
Every week there are hundreds of older RV-ers whose lifestyle is changing that are finally shedding their camper/pickup baggage. This is your focus group, but you must cast your net wide and expect a lengthy gestation. Also, have your cash ready to pounce if you find the right one. Several members on here have done very well with this outlook. This time of year is the best for buying a complete truck camper outfit. Anytime of year is good for getting some of your money back on a used diesel pickup.
One other issue that I will point out is the matter of a manual trans. Mine still works fine, and I do love it, but Jeanie is less and less inclined to drive it which leaves me to do almost all of the driving. Short trips: O.K. Long trips: not-so-O.K. Here again it's a matter of age.
jefe Death Valley March 2008:
