Thoughts:
- A new truck makes no sense if you are considering finances. Trade in is going to be negligible and depreciation is likely going to be more than upgrading everything.
- What is happening that the bed is failing? We are from Michigan (the rust state) and 20yr old trucks typically still have their beds intact.
- For $5-10k, you can probably find a 1 ton dually, might not be diesel but for a truck camper for a couple years, should be fine.
I would go for a newer used truck option (and that's what we typically do). If you are uncomfortable assessing it, make an offer contingent upon taking it in to a mechanic to look over. Yes, there is a risk but a small one if you pick well.
