Tell me which truck to buy... Losing my mind!
 

Seeking help in my next new-to-me truck.

Budget: up to 30k

Purpose: solely for a cabover camper that will be around 3,500-4,000lbs wet.

Going to buy diesel (first time)

Looking at the 7.3, 6.4 or 6.7 engines. NOT the 6.0.

For this weight do i need a 350. And, do I need a dually?

Any input greatly appreciated.

Stick with an F350, 6.7L PSD.

When you find an F350 you like, weigh the front and rear axles during the test drive to see if the camper may take the truck over the axle ratings.

Buy a Dodge and then you will be sure you LOST your mind:-X19

whatever you get.. MAKE sure it has the SLIDE-IN CAMPER option..
stronger spring pack and rear anti-sway bar.

my opinion... F 350.. with a 6.7.... but you can go with the 6.2L Gas as well.

If this is a secondary vehicle. Are diesels a problem if they aren't run all the time. It might be possible that the truck sits for 2 - 4 weeks at a time.

You need the dually with that kind of weight. You will be over on your axles on a SRW. Either engine will handle the weight. My slide-in puts our 6.2 at 3,100 pounds and we have no trouble with power including out West where there are real hills. Glad to see you are planning based on wet weight. Most folks do not. :)

Steve

Ask 10 people get 30 answers.... RV_Tech. With your diesel, any major issues? I've never owned a diesel. So if they sit, any issues? Is using them in COLD places without being able to plug in a problem on 2002 and newer? Going to avoid the 6.0 engine so I think that leaves me with up to 2002 and then again 2008 to present/newest I can afford.

No major issues, but it was a 7.3 so didn't expect any. Now I use my 6.2 more often and haul the truck camper with that one as it has camper package. I find the 6.2 SRW easier to drive and I know some folks are putting campers as heavy as you plan on the SRW, but you will have to add some parts to the rear suspension to carry the weight. AT 3,100 it does just fine. 4,000 pounds is a different story. I don't see power as an issue with either truck.

Would add this thought. While it is often said diesels can't sit, I have never found that to be an issue and, although I have often asked in forums, so far no one has been able to provide solid data to demonstrate that is the case. I guess the validity of the oft repeated statement and opine that no engine does well when sitting regardless of fuel type.

Just my thoughts,

Steve

Periods of non-use isn't as bad for a diesel as short or intermittent trips. And even still with that all you really loose is MPG, and you may experience the occasional "Drive to Clean" message if you keep your trips short. For most that's not an issue.

My truck will sit for 8+ days and then get driven for 2 that will total 300 miles. Never had any trouble. I do also though keep my truck garaged which helps control the temp and prevent water from getting into the fuel system,

I cannot add much to your other questions. My 250 is a 10,000 gvrw, I use it to tow. As said by others the 350 dually is probably your best option.

If you have to ask them you better buy a Toyota Prius.

Duelly, 2012 and up 6.7 or 6.2.
I'd steer clear of the 6.4 and the 6.0.

The 6.7 dually would be a great choice. The 6.2 would be my choice with more payload and less maintenance.

Since your truck will have occasional down time, might get a half gallon jar and check fuel for water before you fill up. I do it every single time and have driven away from 2-3 pumps in the 6 years we've had a diesel. Should be able to see your hand clearly through half gallon jar of fuel. Fuel may be yellow, greenish, or bluish but if it's too cloudy to see your hand clearly then I find another place to fill up. Cloudy fuel has water and water gets very expensive in modern diesel fuel systems.

If you're parking it for a month or so may consider dosing the tank with "Biobor JF" to prevent bio-growth. That does happen in stagnant diesel or heating oil tanks.

For cold starts, I expect any diesel pickup truck in the past 15 years or so to be able to start down to 0F or maybe a little cooler. Some guys plug them in just so they have heat faster inside the cab.

6.4L had its share of troubles too.

7.3 is going to be a lot older than the 6.7, but about 1/3 the price upfront. The engine is what has stood the test of time, but everything around it will need it's upkeep as the dinosaur ages even more. If you're a DIY-er, then the 7.3 will be cheaper and easier to work on (but not as cheap to maintain as a gasser). On the other hand, a newer truck may be worth the price to you for having that peace of mind that everything around and under the engine will be good for many more years.

I think they are both exceptional platforms and will serve you well either way. I wish you luck in this cross road decision of yours.