While I know a ~$60,000, 2015 Dually, Diesel, one ton, crew cab would be great. And a brand new ~$30,000 Lance 850 would also be great. I have a hard time laying out that cash on depreciating assets. I know these items aren't 'investments'.Maybe a Wolf Creek 850 can be had for under $20k? The camper is the easy part.The truck though...I agree a dually would be best in a lot of ways. A diesel would be preferable.Price wise... SRW and gas...Is the gas truck going to be a total dog with the weight and air resistance of the camper on it? 0-60 mph in a minute? 1 mpg on the highway and a smoked transmission?The thought of having a back tire let go with the high center of gravity from the camper being on it just doesn't sit well with me..Is a 3/4 ton truck really enough truck for the job?

I have no problem pulling my 12k lb fifth wheel with my gasser. See truck specs below. I would think you would have no problem with a TC. Yes it sucks gas averaging 8 or 9 Towing, but diesel does not make sense for my situation. With gasser I would recommend a low gear ratio axle ie 4:10.

Is a 3/4 ton truck really enough truck for the job? It all depends on how heavy the camper is and how much payload, axle rating and GVWR your truck has. If you are over look for a bigger truck or smaller camper.I think you had the right idea with the dually diesel; look for pre owned for your budget and have plenty of truck for the camper.

If you stay with a lighter TC, yes a 3/4 ton truck will do it.But the $$ difference between a similarly equipped 2500 (or 250) and a 3500 (or 350) is going to be very little. If 1 ton trucks are common where you are, take a good look at one. We are in a rural area and surprisingly our Chevy dealer didn't have one on the lot.If you stay with a lighter truck camper, the engine and transmission will have no problem pushing it down the road and have good longevity if it is maintained properly. And with a lighter TC, a dually isn't always necessary.Fuel mileage? Your results will vary, but with our combo- heavy TC on a beefed up Chevy 2500- we get 9-10 mpg and I stay around 55-60 mph.This is just my opinion- others will add theirs.BTW, there are some good deals out there if you are looking at 8 or 10+ year old TCs. Like HERE

Camper: 8 feet wide. Stance of truck, in rear end, where camper sits:6 feet, or 8 feet. You pick, but please recognize that one makes more sense than the other. Gas or diesel? Gasser is cheaper to buy, less powerful, gets far worse fuel mileage. Again, choose for yourself, but don't pretend that one is not FAR better suited to do the job at hand than the other. Joe

Truck camper rig on a budget? | Good Sam Community

SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
If you stay with a lighter TC, yes a 3/4 ton truck will do it.

But the $$ difference between a similarly equipped 2500 (or 250) and a 3500 (or 350) is going to be very little. If 1 ton trucks are common where you are, take a good look at one. We are in a rural area and surprisingly our Chevy dealer didn't have one on the lot.

If you stay with a lighter truck camper, the engine and transmission will have no problem pushing it down the road and have good longevity if it is maintained properly. And with a lighter TC, a dually isn't always necessary.

Fuel mileage? Your results will vary, but with our combo- heavy TC on a beefed up Chevy 2500- we get 9-10 mpg and I stay around 55-60 mph.

This is just my opinion- others will add theirs.

BTW, there are some good deals out there if you are looking at 8 or 10+ year old TCs. Like HERE
stickbowjoe
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
Reconsidered.

Joe
jmtandem
Explorer II
Feb 21, 2014
Is a 3/4 ton truck really enough truck for the job?

It all depends on how heavy the camper is and how much payload, axle rating and GVWR your truck has. If you are over look for a bigger truck or smaller camper.

I think you had the right idea with the dually diesel; look for pre owned for your budget and have plenty of truck for the camper.
therink
Explorer
Feb 21, 2014
I have no problem pulling my 12k lb fifth wheel with my gasser. See truck specs below. I would think you would have no problem with a TC. Yes it sucks gas averaging 8 or 9 Towing, but diesel does not make sense for my situation. With gasser I would recommend a low gear ratio axle ie 4:10.

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