Buddy has had 2 of the v10s
Both have been reliable and he liked everything about them
but the gas mileage.
I personally think the 8' is the way to go for campers however it is surprising how fast a camper loads you up. I run an unmodded 3/4 with an old camperette and it sure seems to feel the weight when she is in the back. Payload is key.
The biggest think to check is the "Consumer Information Truck-Camper Loading" document for your year/make. People would be surprised how many of their trucks are "not recommended" for slide in campers by the manufacturer.
I could not find the 1996 on line but as an example, here is a shot from a page of the 2009 Dodge Ram version
