Advice & Feedback on Truck/Camper Combo Before Purchase

[rogerwaters]

Hi Everyone,

Long-time lurker, first time poster.

I'm just about to pull the trigger on a new truck and camper and wanted to run my specific combo by the community as a sanity check before committing to such a large purchase.

The camper is a new Lance 1172 with most options and I'm looking to put it onto a new Ford regular cab dually with diesel engine. If I can't afford the weight of the diesel, which I do prefer as an engine, then I'll go with the gasser which will do the job just fine as well.

The cargo capacity door jam sticker on the truck that I'm looking at is 6390 lbs. and I've estimated my total payload to be 6280 lbs. leaving only ~110 lbs. of buffer. Now I know that these trucks can handle weight above the specified limits, but I'm one of those guys that doesn't want to be even one pound over these limits - not passing judgement on anyone who sees it otherwise.

To me, this is a decision of whether or not I can afford the weight of the diesel. A big consideration is that I will be launching a boat in the shoulder season where the ramps can get quite slippery. The weight of the diesel would ensure great traction on the front tires when pulling the boat out. Therefore, even if I end up going with the gasser, I am considering sticking with the regular cab in order to shift as much as weight as possible towards the front tires - does that make sense or will the regular cab vs supercab result in very little difference of weight on the front tires?

I'm looking for feedback from the community on this combo and how I am planning on using it. Additionally, and maybe I'm just being paranoid here, but if end up with the diesel, is there any chance that I might end up with too much weight on the front axle?

Base Camper (dry) = 3923
Options = 400
Water (60 gallon) = 500
LPG = 60
Extra Drinking Water = 40
Torklift Talon Tie-down (front) = 30
Torklift Talon Tie-down (rear) = 18
Torklift Locking Guns = 5
Torklift SuperHitch Magnum = 105
Torklift SuperTruss 48" = 83
Torklift Ball & Mount = 10
Torklift Wire Harness = 2
Torklift Stable Loads = 9
Timbrens = 6
Rubber Mat = 48
Rock Tamers = 35
Boat Tongue Weight = 475
Clothes + Personal Effects = 100
Kitchenware = 100
Food = 80
Driver Extra = 50
Passenger = 200
-----------------------------------------------------
Total Payload = 6279
Truck Payload Capacity = 6390
Excess Truck Payload Capacity = 111

Thanks I look forward to the feedback!

mike

[rogerwaters]

Grit dog,

Not sure why you jumped on me for not wanting advice, because i certainly do and that's why I posted what I did.

Bumpy's and brholt's comment might be enough to push me to the supercab, which puts the diesel out of the equation and opens up the supercab gasser combo, which i was discrediting, until I read Bedlam's comments about weight distribution at the launch not being impacted.

I've very happy with the feedback and advice I'm getting and ask for more.

pretty negative energy there man.

mike

[skyhammer]

The only problem with a regular cab is that the camper overhead will extend well over the hood. If that doesn't bother you OK, I don't like it as it makes me feel as though I am driving in a tunnel and it obstructs my vision.
With a crew cab, you won't see the overhead at all.

[Grit_dog]

Cmon brholt, I think the 6.2 is a great engine as well, but don't pretend that with 6000 lbs of 12' tall camper in the bed, boat in tow, on the freeway, uphill at 8-10kft that it will have power in reserve.
That power train doesn't have power in reserve with half that much in the bed at half the altitude, uphill.
At least the 2 I had didn't.

[Grit_dog]

Lol, you forgot beer and toilet paper on your list. And better not have a fat fishin buddy. Only allowed 200 lb there.....
Since you don't really want advice, the only real question you asked was about a slippery boat ramp and front axle weight.
The truck, camper, front axle, boat and ramp won't care or know the difference whether you have a diesel or gasser under the hood. If the ramp is iced up, everything will end up in the water. If it's not, it will be fine.

[brholt]

The gas engine mated to the 6 speed transmission will have plenty of power at even the highest altitudes. We have had no difficulties driving at what ever speed we want in the Beartooth Mountains and many other high altitude locations. Keep in mind the gas engine is rated to pull a 15,000 pound trailer so unless you are also pulling a really heavy boat the power train will have a large reserve. Just be aware it's an overhead cam engine and let it spin.

Diesel is a great engine if you want it but as you noted you do lose a lot of payload and will weigh more with all of the implications (longer stopping distance, emergency handling etc.). There not the old breed diesels which could run any fuel etc. With all the pollution equipment they are now very complicated. The power and torque are impressive though.

I would think hard on the regular cab. You gain a fair amount of usability just going to the super cab.

[Bedlam]

1. If you are launching and retrieving the boat with the camper on the truck, it will not matter if you have the gas or diesel engine weight difference for traction. The weight saved with a gasser will add to payload capacity.

2. If you plan to travel west into higher elevations, you will be much happier with the forced induction of the diesel. Otherwise, you will be fine with a gasser and high ratio axles.

3. I don't think you will find large redistribution of weight between the standard cab and the extended one. The extended cab will weigh more and take away from payload.

4. Only you know if your extra you are packing will actually total up to that weight. If you take your boat often, the heavy items can be stowed there to free up your truck GVW.

[Bumpyroad]

my first pickup was a regular cab. the next three weren't. hated it.
bumpy

[billtex]

You'll be fine. Nice rig you will have there...enjoy.
In fact, you will have better capacity than most...
Bill