Wanting to buy a "newer" truck.

KD4UPL wrote:
When you start talking "larger camper" you really need an 8' bed. If for no other reason then you'll have about 10 times more options when looking at used campers.

That's what I was going to say as well.

For me a long, phat truck is a non issue because it's not my daily driver (DD). I have a crew cab dually, for one person.

Short beds have smaller fuel tanks (at least the GM trucks do)

I had a crew cab short bed as my last truck, and I couldn't go more than about 160 -180 miles before fueling up, to stay above 1/4 tank on trips. That was when I was towing a toy hauler.

I sold that truck and upgraded to the long bed in 2009. Earlier this year I borrowed my dad's truck, a 2006 Duramax/Allison short bed. I got annoyed at having to stop for fuel twice during a 300 mile trip due to the smaller fuel tank. That aspect alone is enough to keep me from every having a short bed truck again if it's something I plan on hauling or towing with.

KD4UPL wrote:
I agree, 2 or 3 people don't need 4 doors but unfortunately most extended cab trucks now have the "suicide" rear doors. I hate those. Trying to put anything in the back seat while parked between other vehicles is practically impossible. You have an open door on each side of you and not much way around.

If you use the truck as a daily driver, think about grocery shopping and trying to load your items in to the cab from the cart. Will be very difficult unless you park in the back forty of the parking lot with now vehicles around you.

KD4UPL wrote:
. I would strongly recommend you get a 3500 series or "one ton" truck over a 2500 series. Depending on the make and model you may gain stronger rear axle, rear springs, wheels, tires, overload springs, etc. All of these are quite desirable for hauling a TC.

A 3500 series opens up more opportunities for campers - bigger and longer,which are heavier.

KD4UPL wrote:
Which truck? If you like your Chevy I'd stick with that. I've had great service out of every Chevy I've owned.

GM trucks have a lower step-in height, so they are a little bit easier to get in and out of. I like the smoother ride due to the front suspension being IFS (independent front suspension). I drove a 2012 Dodge Dually the other day and the first thing I noticed was that I felt every imperfection on the road surface through the front suspension since it has a solid axle.

A lot of the decision on which truck to get comes down to how you use it and how big of a camper you want.

If it isn't your DD, then it opens up more options for a longer truck.