Looking for advice on new camper and truck.

czunc wrote:
I think I’ve decided to order or find an F350 crew cab 4x4 with the heavy duty service package. After doing research I think this would be the safest route plus allow you to carry more "stuff". I hate to think I'm putting $60k in a truck just to haul a camper but I’m sure I'll find other uses for it. Now I just need to narrow down the camper choices. I called the Bigfoot dealer in Colorado the other day but I'm still waiting a reply to what he has available. The wife really wants the dry bath and I kind of agree it would be nice. We could always use the shower as a drying room and not have to remove everything just to use the toilet.

Don't go into the dealer's showroom expecting to pay $60,000 or I guarantee you that they will be happy to sell you a truck for that amount. In 2011 I was looking for a diesel short bed extended cab GM or Chevy heavy duty truck. After a couple months of searching dealer's lots and inventory within a 400 mile radius of my house I found a new Chevy diesel truck that was fully loaded for $41,700 at a dealer that was 110 miles from my house. As it was in September of 2011 and the 2012 trucks were already being delivered from the factory the dealer wanted to move the truck.

I got the dealer to swap out the factory mirrors for camper/tow mirrors and add a bed liner, and GM 6-step chrome side bars at no additional cost.

With what I paid I will be taking a lot less of a hit when I decide to sell it. Too many people are paying way too much for trucks and it has jacked up the prices for used diesel trucks.

Diesel is great but do consider that for hauling a 5,000 lb. camper around a gas engine with low gears (4.10 or lower) will work just as well 95% of the time and you will pay less up front, less in maintenance and repairs, and pay less for fuel at the gas pumps, and be able to get fuel at any gas station along your route. With diesel I have to plan my fuel stops to get to places that pump diesel. Diesel adds about $9,000 to the purchase price for a pickup and it is most definitely a luxury item for people hauling campers and not towing 15,000 lb. 5th-wheel trailers.