What kind of truck would I need for this slide-in?

[K1ngN0thing]

I don't know much about diesel. How's http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/4866666676.html for diesel mileage? Do the engines typically last longer? How does the mpg compare?

 

[msbarth]

I had the same camper on my truck and according to truck stop Cat scales it weighed 3,740 pounds.  This is actual weight and with empty water and black tanks.  They are definitely one of the heaviest and best made campers.

 

[msbarth]

I had the same camper on my truck and according to truck stop Cat scales it weighed 3,740 pounds.  This is actual weight and with empty water and black tanks.  They are definitely one of the heaviest and best made campers.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I don't know much about diesel. How's http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/4866666676.html for diesel mileage? Do the engines typically last longer? How does the mpg compare?

Diesel Engines do typically last much longer than gas engines do.  The downside is, when they break, they are a LOT more expensive to get fixed, both parts and labor.  Good diesel mechanics are not nearly as common as good gas engine mechanics.

Regards
John

 

[Seraphim]

And diesel runs more expensive than gasoline. We average about 12.5 mpg highway at 60 mph, but we have a heavier and taller rig (about 12.5 feet). The wind resistance on ours is worse than average. We made some concessions for the additional height. A smaller camper, especially a hard shelled popup, would give considerable gains in fuel mileage. We lose 1 to 1.5 Mpg speeding up to 65 or 70 mph.

 

[Seraphim]

Worst we have ever gotten, back roads in mountain territory, has been just over 10mpg

 

[Seraphim]

Just for comparison purposes - you could do a LOT smaller and get much better mileage. Especially for a solo traveller.

 

[Seraphim]

Kind of a fun outfit - might be too new to find a used one, though. And it's on a Tacoma...



This would be my choice were I single....

 

[akrvbob]

The core of a diesel engine could last 400-500,000 miles. Sounds good doesn't it!! But!!!! everything around that core is going to break down just about as fast as a gas engine and repairing it will cost 5-10 times more. In the long run, in a pickup, it'll not save you money.

But the weak link with a diesel in a pickup is the automatic transmission. All that torque causes premature failure and rebuilding them costs much more .

If you're pulling a heavy load, then you want and probably need a diesel, otherwise I think they cost more in the long-run.
Bob

 

[Seraphim]

I'm curious why repairs will cost 5-10 mores? Would that be parts, or labor?

 

[Seraphim]

http://www.dieselforum.org/files/dmfile/20130311_cd_umtritcofinalreport_dd2017.pdf


Interesting paper on gas vs diesel costs...

 

[LeeRevell]

Rather off-topic, but a superb rig to survive the coming apocalypse in..... 'Stealth' isn't great though.

 

[highdesertranger]

well that study that seraphim linked to shows that for the total cost of ownership diesel beats gas in every category as well as overall cost. as far as that dodge that kn linked to, while that cummins engine is the best light truck diesel, it ends there. they say that dodge put a 10,000 dollar motor in a 10cent truck. but that truck will haul the largest slide in made, no problem. highdesertranger

 

[K1ngN0thing]

Just for comparison purposes - you could do a LOT smaller and get much better mileage. Especially for a solo traveller.

Unfortunately it's slim pickings for slide-ins round here. Most are at least double the price of the one I'm looking at, if they have a shower at all.

 

[K1ngN0thing]

Now I'm seriously considering this project http://providence.craigslist.org/rvs/4849313142.html

Waiting to hear back on what's wrong with it, but I assume it leaks at the very least. How difficult/expensive is a job like that?

 

[Seraphim]

Unfortunately it's slim pickings for slide-ins round here. Most are at least double the price of the one I'm looking at, if they have a shower at all.

Same here. We had to drive four hours to find what we wanted. This isn't truck camper territory where we are.

 

[LeeRevell]

Now I'm seriously considering this project http://providence.craigslist.org/rvs/4849313142.html

Waiting to hear back on what's wrong with it, but I assume it leaks at the very least. How difficult/expensive is a job like that?

That damage and splitting sheet metal low on the right side would worry me.  Maybe indicates water damage further up?

 

[Almost There]

That damage and splitting sheet metal low on the right side would worry me.  Maybe indicates water damage further up?

I agree. I'm dealing with wood damage from leaks that are 6' away from the damage. Water ran along the easiest path and then soaked into wood at the lowest point, collecting there, freezing and thawing over the years nicely hidden behind insulation and paneling. Most of it is easy to re & re but one piece is going to be a real PITA to get out. And that's after I've stripped and tossed the entire interior. I also have to decontaminate for mold.

 

[K1ngN0thing]

Making a deposit tomorrow on one of these
Getting it for a steal at $1600 as he needs it gone asap. Only 6 miles away but the guy doesn't want to haul it for an extra $200 unfortunately, so I'll have to rent a truck. Think I can get away with a 1 ton without dually wheels for a 6 mile drive? Camper's around 3400 dry. Will the tires be able to handle it?

 

[LeeRevell]

Very nice! And you're right, the price is a killer deal! Pretty stout load for your truck, but that short a tow, if done slow and careful, should work.
Do you have or plan to get a stouter truck for the permanent install?