I have a 2001 Silverado Dually with a Duramax .
The 2005 and later have lower costs for things like injectors replacement. But I would not let that dissuade me from buying any year Duramax.
Cost can be high if you buy an older or high mileage one. Issues are well known and can be budgeted.
Here is what I found. While looking for a 2590, I found a 3500 and never regretted buying it. One cool thing was that I discovered that the bigger campers are cheaper because only dually can carry them. I found a 15 year old Bigfoot 3000 series for $4500. I did have some maintenance updates because it sat for a long time. I also added 8 solar panels (2 on the don’t face for winter Sun angles). The fast charging allowed me to be energy independent. I spen aboutvhakf of the last three years living in it. Mostly parked while working on home remodels, and also dry camping on the road, and a twice in military campgrounds.
It’s s pretty big camper with a short queen, 5’ high fridge freezer that I ran on propane, a dinette that converts into a bed, a wet bath. I also have a Tivo loaded with AMC movies running off an electric blanket.
It was roomy enough for a couple, five dogs, and six five week old puppies. That was a bit of work but for a family it would be very nice
I winter camp in it often. I use the furnace mostly when it’s below freezing, and an electric blanket does a credible job keeping it warm in above freezing conditions.
The Bigfoot campers are well insulated. The larger models are aluminum framed, rubber roofed, and fiberglass sided “winter wall” foam core R11 (I think). I did find the fiberglass nose to be loosely fitted foam panels that allowed air to move freely until injected with Great Stuff spray foam. Now it is very cozy. More. comfortable than my bed at home.
The big battery and massive solar mean I can recharge quickly and when topped off burn off that power charging phones, laptops or running my electric blanket on a timer to keep it warm inside.
By myself I use about 65 AH a day. 75 AH would be above normal, and 90 AH might be the high running the TV a lot and the electric blanket at 3-5 setting on one side of the two zones. The E blanket uses 1 AH at the low setting and 10 AH at high. I use high fir at most 15 minutes to warm the bed and leave it typically on 1 at night turning it off the moment the sun comes up.
Future plans are to install a 4 sq ft solar hot water panel with a 15 Watt circulation pump. A circulation pump to bring hot water to the sink in a loop to have instant hot water. I can spare energy but not water.
I have a 32 gallon water tank and plan to put another tank for three season use in the generator compartment.
I also plan to buy lithium batteries this year. That will nearly triple my energy storage.
At some point I’m swapping my two way fridge freezer for a low power danfoss type DC fridge /freezer as I have ample power. The nice thing about DC is I have more power available win the summer when I need it more. It’s a prefect match to solar charging and lithium batteries
I have no need for the dinette sleeper. I plan to install two swivel chairs with lifting arms, and reduce the size of the table to make it easier to fold out of the way. I plan to add a small wood stove in the corner as my goal is to make this as off grod capable as possible and eliminate my need for dependency on propane or fossil fuels.
My camper has no slides which is another reason it is warmer. It’s about as big as they come without a slide and I feel it’s just about perfect.
I love being able to park in any parking space as my total length is only 22’. I leave my gray water open and back over grassy areas when doing the dishes or showering. I avoid using the toilet. Finally I’ve found I can always find a place to park in and about cities. I scout locations before dark, prep my meals in parks. Scoot it and lights out and go to sleep, leaving the next morning. I’ve only had one incident with the police when I had a dead battery and was trying to charge it at night.
It would not be difficult to live in a truck camper full time. Finally I like being able to pick up and go any time. I’m planning on visiting friends as soon as I finish some service on my Silverado.
