Forum Discussion

kerrlakeRoo's avatar
kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Mar 29, 2017

Starting from scratch

We are looking at selling the house and hitting the road.
Currently we are planning on budgeting $75k for this endeavor.
$35k for a new 3/4 ton 4wd pickup
$25-$30k for a TT planning around 26-30' rear kitchen with 2 slides and at least 70 gal grey tank. (currently leaning Rockwood)
$5k for a pair of 150-250 cc scooters for exploring the back roads out west.
We hope to hit Ak the first couple summers, winter in Az and NM, before going to a Wy/Id/Wa summer and Tx/Ms/Al winter pattern
Any suggestions for changes to my previous items are appreciated.
Tx Russ
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2017
    Spend a grand or so more and get a 3500 series. More capacity for your load.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2017
    3/4 ton with gas seemed like it was more than what I needed, 7000 lb trailer, 800 lb tongue weight, 800-1000 more in bed, am I missing something, or is there more than raw numbers in the upgrade?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2017
    Consider what you might want in 1 to 2 years. If you decide like so many others to upgrade after a year or so are you prepared to spend more on another truck? Get the truck you will need for your next trailer this time. BTW a 3500 SRW diesel will carry a much higher resale value in 3 to 5 years than a comparable 2500 gas motor. No one, or at least not many want a used 2500 gas motor.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2017
    BTW, scooters? Those things are really on asphalt vehicles, not off road vehicles. You would be far better off with a couple of dual sport motorcycles.
  • jwandvassie's avatar
    jwandvassie
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2017
    3/4 ton is plenty. Reconsider the rear kitchen because things back there really get bounced around. Rear living is preferable because the best view from the inside of a camper is nearly always out the rear.
  • clarkster's avatar
    clarkster
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2017
    The term "scooters" is often just a generic term for motorcycle.

    My former biker buddies (Harleys) often referred to those heavy road bikes as "scooters"

    The OP in this case "may" be generalizing with the term
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 29, 2017
    "$35k for a new 3/4 ton 4wd pickup"

    Where is anyone selling these for 35k?
  • clarkster's avatar
    clarkster
    Explorer
    Mar 29, 2017
    kerrlakeroo wrote:
    3/4 ton with gas seemed like it was more than what I needed, 7000 lb trailer, 800 lb tongue weight, 800-1000 more in bed, am I missing something, or is there more than raw numbers in the upgrade?


    I like the plan......sounds reasonable to me, including the truck.

    But......a $35K budget for a new 3/4 ton might be a tad short.
    Think Ford XL or Dodge Tradesman....the lower end of the trim levels.

    Add sales tax and even with the low end trim, it could easily bust up a $40K bill.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 29, 2017
    Get the 3500. It's surprising how quickly you eat up GVWR and like Don wrote, it isn't much more.

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