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!

[jimh406]

You didn't mention the tires/wheels. That would be my concern.

[woodhog]

Oldtart wrote:
Follow Up
Although not a done deal it's looking promising.
I originally was seeing myself becoming a full timer but not yet anyway.
Hence the package I'm close to closing is a 2010 AF 811 on a 2004 Ram 2500 HD gas hemi. 59 K miles on it
I know this is a heavy camper.
Seller says he's put a lot of suspension work in.
1 ton dually spring pack with overloads on as well as having two of the original leaves reshapped and inserted.
Goodyear air bags. Rancho 9000 adjustable ride shocks.
Rear anti sway bar
HD steering stabilizer
New front U-joints
New ball joint ends
New discs brakes


He has changed the truck into a one ton and added all the right things
for a 2004 Ram..Good luck

36K
Should know tonight
Again thanks for all the advice and welcome any opinions pro or con

[Oldtart]

Follow Up
Although not a done deal it's looking promising.
I originally was seeing myself becoming a full timer but not yet anyway.
Hence the package I'm close to closing is a 2010 AF 811 on a 2004 Ram 2500 HD gas hemi. 59 K miles on it
I know this is a heavy camper.
Seller says he's put a lot of suspension work in.
1 ton dually spring pack with overloads on as well as having two of the original leaves reshapped and inserted.
Goodyear air bags. Rancho 9000 adjustable ride shocks.
Rear anti sway bar
HD steering stabilizer
New front U-joints
New ball joint ends
New discs brakes

36K
Should know tonight
Again thanks for all the advice and welcome any opinions pro or con

[Kayteg1]

FYI some pointers what new truck gives you beside mechanical warranty.
Just today I drove 340 miles and traffic-monitoring GPS advice me about 48 minutes delay in front of me, while giving me option how to detour it.
When mapping can still be done with paper maps, you will not get the feature on older truck, while using your android while driving might bring some issues.
- tpms saves you about 10 minutes every morning and let keep your hands clean
-cameras, so you don't have to get out to check what is behind you, or how far are you from the curb
-remote start, great for coming back on those 120F parking lots. That thing will start truck who I can't see yet. Have to really test it some time, but I think 1/4 miles is good estimate.
-instant mpg and distance to empty. Pretty accurate with 0.2 mpg error on my truck. DTE obviously will change with road condition and speed.
-darn truck will even tell you when light bulb in camper tail is burned out.
-blind spot warning is obstructed by camper wings, but still works to some degree
Some might say those are gadgets and I could agree, but those gadgets give lot of pleasure, while saving time and increasing safety of travel.

[Oldtart]

All this advice is greatly appreciated!
Plenty to consider.
I have been looking at truck-camper units already married as I also think that would possibly save a lot of tweaking.
Not ruling out new truck though as suggested.
In 2000 when I started looking for a good 2-3 year old Toyota Tacoma with relatively low miles I came to the conclusion I might as well buy new which I did.
Still have it. Approaching 160,000
Anyway...
The quest continues.
Thanks again.

[Grit_dog]

^Eggzactly what he said!
.....Never knew you'd get so much advice eh?

[jefe_4x4]

To the O.P.: Three things.
1.The gas vs. diesel discussion is one that can be solved by knowing approximately how many miles YOU plan on putting on your rig. If over 150K to 200K miles, then a diesel is at the break even point getting the nod. If say, 50K to 130K miles, then a big gasser would be more appropriate.
2. The best win/win situation for you would be to find a late model something that has BOTH the truck and camper already mated. The beauty here is there is no 'period of adjustment' so common when you purchase each part separately trying to get the tie downs right, the suspension perfect, and the center of gravity working for you.
3. One added part is, 'how much off the beaten track' traveling are you contemplating? If the answer is very little then a 2WD dually with traction device would be the ticket. This will save you a lot of cash, both in initial cost and upkeep down the road. Most of the very high mileage diesel pickups I've seen with 400K to 600K miles on them are 2WD.

[jimh406]

Reddog1 wrote:
So, you are of the belief that a truck is an old truck if it does not use DEF?

2010 or older for a Ford without DEF. I think most think that 7 years old is pretty old. 2010 is my "newest" vehicle. 😉

[Reddog1]

zb39 wrote:
... make sure it is pre DEF. Well then your talking about an old truck. ...

So, you are of the belief that a truck is an old truck if it does not use DEF?

[Vinsil]

Or if you can, do what I did and delete it. IF you can, I realize not everyone lives in a free state or county.

[dave17352]

My 2011 duramax had def and particulate filter problems. All fixed under warranty. The problems would have left me in hot water had I been on the road. The truck was fantastic as a hauler but I did trade off after warranty because of the possible issues. My big beef with these systems is how they can literally shut you down a thousand miles from home. When they could run just fine until home where they could be repaired by your own mechanic. That could get expensive while out of warranty and at the mercy of any dealership. JMHO

[noteven]

What Grit Dog said about PNW ^ When we lived in the Pacific Southwest of Bee Cee our vehicles got washed once a month whether they needed in or not. Easy climate on vehicles.

[zb39]

I was not aiming that post at anyone. Sorry if you thought so. I have read a ton where people will advise someone to only buy used and make sure it is pre DEF. Well then your talking about an old truck. The OP wants to full time( I think). I think it would be better to have a newer truck or brand new for that matter. No issues because there is a warranty. The new trucks from the big 3 are ultra reliable for many miles.
But I firmly believe in FREEDOM here in the USA. BUY whatever floats your boat.

[adamis]

zb39 wrote:
...Do not let anyone "scare you" about DEF or smog gear. I heard all kinds of **** about my 2011 RAM 3500.
I never had it to the dealer even once...

I don't think "scare" is a very fair statement for what myself and others have pointed out. We aren't trying to scare anyone from purchasing any particular vehicle. We are trying to point out to be informed that used trucks with mandatory smog equipment can cost a lot of money to repair if something fails. Not saying it will, but just that it can.

I brought this point up because I'm looking at it through the lense of my financial position. When I consider buying a truck, I'm looking at putting at least 100k to 200k of miles on it before I move on in part because I can't afford a new truck every few years. Given the original posters' budget of 60k spread between both truck and camper, it is likely he will end up with something that has 50k to 100k of miles on it. Now if he is able to trade out his truck in a few years after putting 50k to 100k of miles on it then yes, very likely he doesn't have to be concerned about SMOG issues. However, if he ends up keeping the truck for many years and puts a lot of miles on it then the chances of components failing go up and the cost of repair can be very pricey. For that reason, it is important to consider the repair costs because most states will not let you defer that maintenance come registration time.

[jimh406]

DEF is just one more thing to buy. DPFs are death to diesels. Maybe a slow death. Too bad that someone didn't build a solution similar to Mahindra's tractor engine ... maybe someone tried. Anyway, advantages and disadvantages if each diesel of the past 15/20 years.

It's work to find a clean truck in Washington, but still the best place to look if you want a used one. The weather is much better and less rust bucket.