1st time truck camper set up. Seeking advice.

Pastaman · #1 10-16-2021, 02:33 PM

Hi Outdoorsmen,

Into my mid 30’s now and I’m looking to get a used pickup and put an in box camper on it and either haul the small boat or the trailer with a couple quads for hunting season or some outdoor fun. I live in Edmonton so most trips are over 300km one way. I could take this conversation any direction but I’ll start with the truck. My buddy is selling a 1996 Ram 2500 V10 gas guzzler that gets 500km to the 130L tank. It’s got an 8’ box for $3500. Do you think this is a good starting point or should I hold out for something better as I plan to spend about $10k on a nice camper. To be honest I don’t know how much a nice, used truck camper is worth yet. The truck deal came up quick and I’ve got to decide quick. Please post some of your lessons learned or things to remember. I appreciate all of the input I can get. Picture of the truck is below. Is a dually necessary for a truck camper? Thanks.

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Stinky Buffalo · #2 10-16-2021, 03:03 PM

That truck looks like it's in good shape. How many kms on it?

First thing you look up is the load capacity of that truck, and also, what kind of slide-in you are expecting to put in. Many of them really are best off in a 1-ton. If you go for something simpler (without a toilet/shower) then it does make it more manageable.

Consider where you would store it when you don't have it on the truck. Also, watch some videos of loading/unloading it, to get an idea of whether you'll need help with that process (spouse/friends).

With an 8-foot box you definitely have more options for a camper too, so that's good. You'll appreciate the room! Also, there seem to be more used campers available for eight-food beds because not that many people buy long beds nowadays. Watch out for water-damaged junk, of course. These days RVs are going for top dollar. This summer outright junk was selling within days of posting.

About the truck - Personally, if it's been looked after fairly well I would have jumped on it by now. Especially if it's a standard (my weakness!) Could always resell it if you change your mind.

Pastaman · #3 10-16-2021, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the advice!

It has 223000kms. I’m told it’s rated for 5340lbs payload and 10000lbs towing. It’s a 3/4 ton but has 1 ton axles.

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Jims83cj5 · #4 10-16-2021, 05:07 PM

Open the drivers door and read the sticker

ghfalls · #5 10-16-2021, 06:14 PM

I had a gen 2 dually with a 10’ slumber queen adventurer for a while. I loved the truck camper life. Anywhere you can drive your truck is can be your campsite. The truck looks clean. I’d look closely around the fibreglass running boards to see if they caused any cancer. Budget in some airbags as well. Will be money well spent. There will likely be some good buys over the winter on campers. Another thing to consider is a good tie down system is quite expensive so start keeping an eye out for used stuff. Good luck

jstubbs · #6 10-16-2021, 06:25 PM

You don’t need a dually for a truck camper but it’s certainly nice to have, and of course a necessity for some of the larger truck campers out there.

Truck is a great deal if mechanically solid. I’d buy it regardless.

brslk · #7 10-17-2021, 01:43 AM

Depending on mileage and general condition of the truck, I'd buy it. That sounds like a heck of a deal. I doubt you'd lose any money if you changed your mind and decided to sell it.

walker1 · #8 10-18-2021, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jims83cj5

Open the drivers door and read the sticker

I don't think those door jab stickers noting payload were around back then. I think it was around 2006 or so they were found but could be wrong on that. There was axle and tire ratings white sticker probably which would also work.

I would skip the 2500 if going in bed camper but that is just me. Great looking truck.

Dylan15 · #9 10-18-2021, 10:52 AM

Price is cheap enough that spending money to upgrade suspension, springs, airbags, etc would net you a great truck. Finding a comparable one ton is going to cost much more, unless you can find another good deal. I agree one ton would be better, but money spent upgrading could get you something more suited than a stock one ton, possibly. I know some older trucks used to use the same frame (I'm pretty sure) between one and 3/4 tons, with the difference being axles and suspension. You already have the 1 ton axles. Not sure if that is the case with these Dodge pickups, but worth looking into IMO

Dean2 · #10 10-18-2021, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylan15

Price is cheap enough that spending money to upgrade suspension, springs, airbags, etc would net you a great truck. Finding a comparable one ton is going to cost much more, unless you can find another good deal. I agree one ton would be better, but money spent upgrading could get you something more suited than a stock one ton, possibly. I know some older trucks used to use the same frame (I'm pretty sure) between one and 3/4 tons, with the difference being axles and suspension. You already have the 1 ton axles. Not sure if that is the case with these Dodge pickups, but worth looking into IMO

In the case of this truck you are correct, the V10 has the same frame, axles, front steering gear, tranny, transfer case etc as the one ton did in 94-2003. It is only true for the V10 version as far as gassers go of the 2500 but due to the power (they put out double the HP of the diesel and the same torque) and weight they were beefed up a lot, just like the diesel version was.