Gas VS Diesel FORD For Truck Camper

[Basswest1]

Hey all, new to the forum and new to truck campers.

I do not have a camper or a truck yet but have been doing a lot of research and trying to come up with a solution for my specific needs.

The biggest debate seems to be Diesel vs Gas in my decision making.

First off, the truck camper I am looking at is around 3050lbs DRY with no pop outs. I will also be towing a bass boat which will weigh a maximum of 5000lbs soaking wet.

I realize that if cost weren’t a factor, it would probably be a resounding DIESEL due to the overall efficiency aspect of a diesel while towing, however, my research is pointing toward gas for several reasons.

The truck I am looking at is a F-350 (SRW) with the 6.2l gas engine, which properly rigged is rated for 4,500lb payload capacity and more than enough towing capacity after that. The reason I am leaning toward this setup is that #1, I really want to stick with a SRW truck versus a dually because it is going to be my primary vehicle too, and the SRW Diesel offerings dont have that kind of payload capacity due to the added weight of the Diesel engine and I need the cushion in payload for added gear. #2 the up front cost of a diesel is a huge factor, with the cost of fuel also being pretty costly, not to mention maintenance. I dont plan on keeping the truck for more than 200k at most, so longevity of a diesel is not a factor for me.

Now, the reason I am writing this is because after all my research of the pro’s and cons, I have not been able to find any reports from owners of the 6.2l gas engines on how they perform with a truck camper. All my needs seem to be getting met with the 6.2l but it all comes down to real-life performance.

Anyone have experience with this engine? Is gas going to perform ok for my needs, or am I going to be turning around and getting a diesel?

Thanks in advance.

[BradW]

Basswest1 wrote:

BradW wrote:

Basswest1 wrote:

The truck I am looking at is a F-350 (SRW) with the 6.2l gas engine,

What axle ratio?

4.30 is the one that I’m seeing would be best.

Yep. That motor, TC and a 5,000 lb boat; 4.30 is what you want.

[twodownzero]

You are going to need dual wheels. That camper is going to be over 4,000 pounds when you're loaded to go down the road, which barely gives you enough weight for passengers in your truck. You won't have any excess payload for trailering while carrying the camper. Get a truck that has 6,000+ lbs. of payload.

I don't know what the resistance is to DRW trucks; if I could buy my truck again, I would absolutely go with a DRW truck even with the SRWs having higher ratings than years past. Carrying heavy on those two little tires is really hard on them and they'll be maxed out; it just makes little sense.

Gas or diesel does not matter, however, if you insist on a SRW truck, get the lightest one possible, because you're going to need the payload.

[Kayteg1]

Few members who are active in this section will give you direct experience .... hopefully.
When adding airbags or timbrens can be cheap, buying set of 19.5" wheels is not.
I bought my heavy camper with SRW truck I had at the time. I went as far as relocating spare wheel on front bumper, then I removed rear generator, than build front rack for batteries.
Still the vision of getting tire blow with tall camper made me buying dually 4 months later.
Life is too short to spend it on solving self-inflicted problems.

[3_tons]

Kayteg1 wrote:
The diesel v/s gaser dilemma is very simple when you take pen & paper and do some calculation.
In all those years of thousands similar debates, I have seen only 1 member on this forum actually doing so.
All others argue for the sake of arguing.
Bottom line, it is as simple as "pay me now, or pay me more later".
Same with choosing SRW.
3050 lb "dry" camper is probably 3500lb sold with options. Add water, food, beer, clothing and you are at 4500 lb.
Boats don't have big tongue weight, but still might add another 2-400 lb on rear axle.
You can pay less now for SRW and pay later for suspension and wheels upgrade, but most of members going this route ended up buying dually after-all.
Pay less now, to pay more later.

Good luck with with your choice.

After having to do a 2500 to DRW re-purchase, I learned this lesson the HARD way ($$), I well concur...

Disclaimer: Others may have different opinions...

[Basswest1]

Kayteg1 wrote:
The diesel v/s gaser dilemma is very simple when you take pen & paper and do some calculation.
In all those years of thousands similar debates, I have seen only 1 member on this forum actually doing so.
All others argue for the sake of arguing.
Bottom line, it is as simple as "pay me now, or pay me more later".
Same with choosing SRW.
3050 lb "dry" camper is probably 3500lb sold with options. Add water, food, beer, clothing and you are at 4500 lb.
Boats don't have big tongue weight, but still might add another 2-400 lb on rear axle.
You can pay less now for SRW and pay later for suspension and wheels upgrade, but most of members going this route ended up buying dually after-all.
Pay less now, to pay more later.

Good luck with with your choice.

Under those assumptions regarding payload. What suspension add ons and wheel upgrades are you referring to? Depending on what they are it might be worth it to invest in those on the front-end if the cost of them still makes sense versus getting a lighter camper.

[Kayteg1]

The diesel v/s gaser dilemma is very simple when you take pen & paper and do some calculation.
In all those years of thousands similar debates, I have seen only 1 member on this forum actually doing so.
All others argue for the sake of arguing.
Bottom line, it is as simple as "pay me now, or pay me more later".
Same with choosing SRW.
3050 lb "dry" camper is probably 3500lb sold with options. Add water, food, beer, clothing and you are at 4500 lb.
Boats don't have big tongue weight, but still might add another 2-400 lb on rear axle.
You can pay less now for SRW and pay later for suspension and wheels upgrade, but most of members going this route ended up buying dually after-all.
Pay less now, to pay more later.

Good luck with with your choice.

[Basswest1]

BradW wrote:

Basswest1 wrote:

The truck I am looking at is a F-350 (SRW) with the 6.2l gas engine,

What axle ratio?

4.30 is the one that I’m seeing would be best.

[BradW]

Basswest1 wrote:

The truck I am looking at is a F-350 (SRW) with the 6.2l gas engine,

What axle ratio?

[Grit_dog]

6.2 with deep gears will do what you want just fine.
Don't buy it because of the additional "payload" it offers. Long discussion and every 4th thread is about the same ___ so you can read up on that.
Have had 2 of them. A 2012 and a 2015 model 6.2 F250s both with 3.73s and wouldn't have hesitated to to drop a camper on them and tow a small/med trailer at the same time. (Company rigs, not camper hauler)
The engine/drive train combo is as reliable as anything out there IMO.
The most similar "load" I hauled/pulled was about 1500-2000lbs in the truck bed and an enclosed high profile trailer weighing about 4klbs. Got the same mileage as towing a 10-14klb flatbed trailer with low profile load. Average about 8mpg towing, 13 empty.

The truck you're contemplating will be a great fit for your intended purpose.

[cheftim]

Similar camper weight, not towing anything just yet, air bags, stable loads, and Ranchos. Handles like a dream.

Driving through hills and mountains with tow mode on feels like you're driving a standard.