DRW plus TC combo - your recs

Thanks everyone, I am back and hope to get a few more thoughts as I've narrowed down what I'm looking for.

We are an early 40s couple with kids 7 and 10, who like to camp, ski, hike and want the ability to take the rig off road (but not extremely so); and also need a 'guest room' for a few weeks a year at the house. We're all in good health and pretty active runners, hikers, and skiers.

I am ready to buy a full ton DRW but need it to have the largest cab possible, so I can carry 5-6 adults in some comfort for long drives. I was looking at a Ram MegaCab but finding a lightly used one in the 3500 DRW category has been rough.

I want the TC to be able to hold 4 adults for a 3 day weekend off grid with enough juice and water for the basics (but we are used to tent camping so could definitely skimp on the amenities). And I want it to hold 2 adults for up to a week in a combination of on grid and off grid camping. We would supplement with a tent in good weather so I don't think living space is a big deal. Again, we are used to tent camping exclusively.

I want it to be winterproofable for those off grid ski weekends; but mostly it will be a 3 season vehicle and a guest room in a mild climate (pacific northwest) and a very cold winter day for us is 10 degrees. About 90% of the year our temperatures are between 30 and 70 degrees.

And... I want to keep this under $75,000 (give or take). Willing to spend additional for whatever upgrades are necessary for winterproofing. Somewhat flexible on budget, that is probably not the most important consideration. Functionality and durability/longevity are definitely more important.

OK: so will you please propose a couple rigs that might fit the bill? Like: "5-8 year old RAM 3500 DRW with new Arctic Fox TC model XXXXX"??? I just need some help narrowing down my choices.

Appreciate all the help you've given me over the year. We want to get this purchased ASAP and be ready to use this spring.

Truck Campers

jimh406
Explorer III
Jan 27, 2017
I would look into a used TC. 2006 or newer Host Tahoe if you want a dry bath or Ranier if a wet bath is ok. Yukon if you want the long one. I would buy a double slide at least for the more open floor plan ... I did, after all. :) You can also consider a Yukon with Tent option. That will give you extra room to sleep.

There are a lot of RVs that are barely used. Spend the money on a new RAM if you are set on a RAM from Dave Smith in Idaho. They come way off the MSRP. At least, talk to them to get a price. I don't think you'll get a deal on a used one.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 27, 2017
I agree with Jim...Spend the money on a new RAM and get a used TC.
rvshrinker
Explorer III
Jan 27, 2017
sure, that seems logical - but won't a new RAM (or full ton anything) cost close to my full budget?
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Jan 27, 2017
Buy used. I got my Lance two years after the original owner bought it for half off. Same with my truck, new it went for 78k I paid 38. For skiing get a 4x4 crew cab long bed. It will get you there and hold a big enough TC to hold 4 without being wedged in.
jimh406
Explorer III
Jan 27, 2017
rvshrinker wrote:
sure, that seems logical - but won't a new RAM (or full ton anything) cost close to my full budget?

You'd think that but people have posted that they've bought new RAM diesel DRWs for low to mid 40s. YMMV. Call Dave Smith and talk to them. If you are talking Ford, buy used.
kohldad
Explorer III
Jan 27, 2017
New Ram Crew Cab SLT with gas engine can be had for <$45k, diesel for under <$50k. However, any Dodge/Ram 2005 or newer, deisel with under 100k miles will give you another 5+ years and can be found for under $30k. The quad cab would be tight in the back seat, but when they switched to the crew cab, it added a few more inches in the back seat making it much nicer.

Problem with the mega cab is it is only available with a short bed. This will limit your camper choices and keep their length down. Only advantage to the mega cab is the back seat reclines some.

Campers I will let others discuss because I'm only familiar with the older Lances. But if you want to keep the cost way down, look for an older Lance 1010, preferably a 2004 version as that was the best year for them. One big advantage to the 1010 which may make going old woth it is the dinette was the largest at just over 6' which makes it nice for teenagers and adults. The tanks will also let you meet your requirement. You can find nice condition 1010s for around $10k. So combined with a new truck, you would be under $60k even if you went diesel.
FireGuard
Explorer II
Jan 28, 2017
I agree with buying a new Ram.
Forget the Mega Cab as the short bed will limit your options for an appropriate sized TC.
Check Dennis Dillion Dodge or Dave Smith.
You should be able to pick up a new Tradesman DRW CC 4x4 Cummins 68RFE trans for low to mid $40k.
A nice used Lance 1181, 1191 or AF 1140,1150 should be in the high teens to low $20k.
With tie downs and susp mods you should be under $70k.
towpro
Explorer
Jan 28, 2017
New ram 3500 dually tradesman with upgrades $45k. Arctic fox ? $35k. Wait. I can't add, but it's close
GeoBoy
Explorer
Jan 28, 2017
You could buy a new GM crew cab long bed, gas engine, dually and a used Arctic Fox TC for your price.
rvshrinker
Explorer III
Jan 28, 2017
great, this is really great.

I don't want to open a new can of worms, but between Ford/GM/RAM: is there a sweet spot for performance and value? I'm not a 'truck guy' so am still learning but have to say I've always liked the look of RAMs and that is why I've been focusing more on them. Is one line particularly prone to breakdowns or repairs?

OK, I can get rid of the megacab. Crew cab it is, long bed, and I think if I get a tradesman RAM it can seat 3 in the front, right? I'd love this to hold six passengers.

By the way - with this all tricked out, can I still put snow tires on this thing?

keep the ideas coming.