60k Budget truck and camper

[Oldtart]

Hi There
New member here although have been lurking for quite a while.

Soon looking at becoming a solo full timer.
I'm newly retired this year and my plan is to go the truck camper route for the flexibility in getting in places easier then a motorhome
As stated in the subject line I'm going to try to stay around 60k for the truck and camper.
Both used of course.
So that I don't look back later and wish I'd chosen differently my thoughts are to go with a 1 ton dually

I'm thinking 35-40 for the truck and the balance for the camper.

Does that sound reasonable for a package that could give me comfort and reliability for some years of service.

Need good four seasons capability in the camper.
West coast guy here and plan on going southerly at times but also have lots of connections in coastal Alaska so could see myself traveling that way as well.

Anyway I know it's a broad asked before question but looking for input on truck and camper choices in the used market based on above.

Thanks!

[Kayteg1]

In California smog tests are grandfathered till MY 1998.
Spending your money is one of the biggest wisdom one can learn in his life.
Lot of people learn to make big money, but only few how to keep them.
Find how many Football millionaires are ending in shelters.
With my mechanical skills buying new in the past was wasting money for something I did not need.
Years ago I bought GMC dually dump bed for $2500. Used it for about 8 years and parted as hydraulics went to newer truck, chassis got sold for $500 and flatbed made good garden shed.
But for my retirement, having money I figured out some luxury is needed.
With new truck not only I have extreme comfort, excelent GPS, TPMS, 360 cameras, lane departure warnings etc, but 5 years warranty with roadside assistance.
Engine runs at 1600 rpm no matter what freeway grade I am taking, so I can listen to Elvis, or Hard Rock on my Sirus radio without turning volume up.

[Reddog1]

I should have pointed out the '04 Dodge I bought had no warranty and it was not a bare bones truck.

[noteven]

Google "Kijiji Ram truck and camper combo Calgary" asking $48000 US

Can't finger out how to link the ad from iPad

No connection to the unit

[cartmancartman]

You can get a new barebones dually ram diesel in the mid 40s. Factor in the new warranty as well.

[Reddog1]

Last year, I a purchased a 2004 Dodge Diesel, Quad Cab, long bed, 4x4 DRW with 103000 miles for $19000. I spent another $1200 (about) on tires. So, I figure about $20000 on the truck. I already had my TC. I see lots of real nice used TCs advertised for $10000 to $20000. If you went with the more expensive TC, the total would be about $40000.

If you are concerned with the 103000 miles on the truck, consider the fact you still have $20000 in your pocket for repairs or to simply purchase a different truck.

I will point out, in choosing a truck I think it is worth considering a truck with the least amount of smog controls. The maintenance and repairs on them can be very spendy, dsl or gas. I am of the understanding, 2007 and newer Dodge Diesels was the beginning of the pricy smog controls for the Dodges. I don't know about Ford or GM.

Wayne

[Oldtart]

All great input
Thanks
Gas sounds like it could be a way to maximize bang for the buck in my budget.

[SugarHillCTD]

We bought the 2012 Chevy in our signature new for $35k

The Eagle Cap leftover was also new at $27k. So we blew the 60k limit by 2 thou.

Oops! :B

[dave17352]

You certainly could could get a new nicely equipped gas truck and a really nice used TC for 60K. If not planning on towing and just the camper the gas would be fine. I bought my used TC for 5500 and it is as big as they get without a slide. It was in excellent condition and is a four season. As Kayteg says you can do a lot to a Truck Camper for relatively cheap. With my solar and my 12 volt danfoss fridge which you should check into if full timing I probably have about 8500 in my TC and I would be very comfortable full timing by myself in it.
I do think you would like having the 5 year power train warranty when heading off into the wilderness. For 10k you can get some really nice TC's if you shop around. Unless of course you want multiple slides and in great shape.
JMHO

[Kayteg1]

I was in the same shoes a year ago and after seeing several years old trucks with 40k miles selling for $45,000 I decided to order the truck I like straight from the factory for $60k.
Thanks to avoiding options like CC, 4WD, or sunroof, that I have no need for, it did not come too expensive afterall.
I am handy, so I can restore $7000 camper to full potential, but there is no way I can make 360 degree cameras on the truck. ... or voice recognition GPS.
Or make the older truck/6000 lb camper making 13 mpg with power to spare.

[Grit_dog]

$40k will get you a low mile dually gasser no problem and $20k buys a very nice used camper with slide out.
With a dually you'll have minimal $ in upgrades to hold the camper. Tie downs and maybe something for the rear suspension depending how big a camper you get.

[NGaMountains]

FWIW I just special ordered a brand new F-350 DRW and went with the 6.2L gas engine as I don't tow anything, so figured the 6.2 would be plenty of motor for our usage, and after $3500 of rebates the truck cost barely over $40K. If you insist on diesel that's different, but if you're willing to consider gas you may be able to get new, depending on what your camper wants and needs are. Enjoy the hunt and good luck with whatever you decide on.

[daily_double]

Sounds doable to me.