Camper Ordered, But Which Truck to get?

[Bill D]

3.5L Ecoboost and I checked.
The new truck has absolutely no problem hauling the Hawk safely and is well under payload.

Most trucks have no issues "hauling" a Hawk.

Some people want to able to "hammer" a Hawk on 4X4 terrain or on the way to work
A 3/4 ton at 1/2 payload may offer a more spirited/safer ride than a 1/2 ton at/near max payload.

 

[klahanie]

Some people want to able to "hammer" a Hawk on 4X4 terrain or on the way to work
A 3/4 ton at 1/2 payload may offer a more spirited/safer ride than a 1/2 ton at/near max payload.

I don't know what that means. Just, please drive carefully on public roads. Traffic fatalities numbers, esp pedestrians are tragically high.

 

[Bombsight]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed, I really appreciate everyone's input.

After looking around a bunch I pulled the trigger on a gas 2019 Ford F250 crewcab/shortbed. I went to a 3 dealers in Salt Lake City and played the buy-a-vehicle game. I feel lucky to live in a large metro area that has a bunch of Ford dealers vying for business—it made getting the one I wanted easier. $45K out the door. I probably paid too much, but what the hell.

I got the XL model, with a STX appearance pkg, including SYNC 3 (not to be confused with the basic Sync) which gives you a larger larger display for backup camera and other radio/phone integration features. Also has the FX4 offroad pkg—beefier tires, skid plate. I couldn't find one that had the camper package in a shortbed, those are mostly incorporated into towing models that are diesel, longbed, etc. I figure the basic payload specs are fine. Ford has about one zillion options, so finding one with exactly what you want is daunting.

It came without running boards which makes in almost impossible to get into so I ordered some aluminum ones off of amazon, APS iBoard Running Boards 5" Matte Black. Also ordered Rough Country floor mats and Shear Comfort Cordura seat covers. The dealer threw in wheel liners, I pick those up this week, hope they are easy to install.

This is my first truck. It is a beast. I flipped it into 4WL in 12+ inches of snow on a slight hill and it didn't hesitate one bit. Booya! Hawk Camper will be picked toward end of March. I'm excited to get rolling!

I'm a 3500 GMC owner and also have a 2003 Tacoma (second Toyota). Though Toyota makes a great truck, it isn't ideal for hauling a Hawk around. That said, you made an excellent decision in getting a larger platform. Enjoy!

 

[BigRanchInSky]

Here is the door sticker for the F250 STX w FX4 pkg, I think I'm within specs.

 

[Bill D]

Here is the door sticker for the F250 STX w FX4 pkg, I think I'm within specs.

Thanks for taking the time to post your door sticker BigRanch.
To put your mind at ease here are my numbers on a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD regular cab 6.5' box.

GVWR: 2903kg (6400lb)
GAWR FRT 1452kg (3200lb)
GAWR Rear 1701kg (3750lb)

Here is the actual axle weights of my near fully loaded Hawk with 2 people and camping gear.

GVWR: 3050kg
GAWR FRT 1400kg
GAWR Rear 1650kg

As you can see I was underweight on each individual axle, but 150kg over on GVWR (total weight).

You'll have an extra:
GVWR: 1633kg
GAWR FRT 500 kg extra on the front axle
GAWR Rear 1200 kg on the rear axle

You can pack 2000lb of gear and likely stay within payload specs

 

[kgree3]

Wow, again great information and advice for the new folks. Can someone chime in on the Ford F150 3.5L ecoboost vs the 2.7L ecoboost engines. Is going with the 3.5 a must for hauling the Hawk? im thinking yes, but would like to hear what others in the know think.

thank you

 

[smlobx]

I would suggest the 3.5 over the 2.7.

The mileage difference is not that great and my understanding is that the more the eco boost engines are taxed the worst fuel mileage they get, so it’s entirely possible that with a heavier weight the 3.5 engine may get as good or better mileage.

Also, the 3.5 allows you to get a heavier payload package.

https://www.ford.com/services/assets/Brochure?make=Ford&model=F-150&year=2019

 

[kgree3]

THANK YOU Eddie! As i thought! And thanks for the brochure! The dealerships typically say they are all out of these Now i just need to find one i like enough to pull the trigger Any suggestions for making deals on one of these trucks, new or preowned?

Thank you again Eddie!!!!!

 

[Bwht4x4]

I love negotiating on new truck purchases. The 2018 Ram 2500 I bought in October had a sticker of $63,185, but I negotiated it down to $53,000 even. Not the deal of the century, but it was exactly the truck I wanted so I was happy.

 

[kgree3]

Thats great! i want to keep my current vehicle though, so i wont be buying new.

Would something like this work for the Hawk? I tried to capture the highlights of this truck specifically for its use with the camper. It will not be my daily driver and the camper will most likely stay on the truck. Looks like truck has the FX4 package. The mileage seems a little high for the 27,900 $. Am i looking for the right things? Any added features i should be looking for in a F150?

Thanks for any and all feedback!!!!!! i really appreciate the help and expertise from members!!!!!





4D SuperCrew
Mileage:67,982
Engine: EcoBoost 3.5L V6 GTDi DOHC 24V Twin Turbocharged




CARFAX One-Owner. COME WITH 2 year / 24K MONTH limited Pre-Paid Maintenance, no cost to you with the purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
4WD, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, ABS brakes,
Electronic Locking w/3.73 Axle Ratio, Electronic Stability Control,
GVWR: 7,200 lbs Payload Package,
Traction control, Trailer Brake Controller,

 

[BBZ]

From my understanding, the ecoboost is a beast for towing and hauling but MPG's suck under load.

I have a 14 SC 6.5 bed with 5.0 motor and its amazing.. With camper on still gets 16-18 mpg.. its for sale by the way.. 66k and cheaper than the above mentioned f150

 

[Bwht4x4]

IMO I'd spend $5k to $8k more and get a 3/4 ton with a diesel that will have way more power and provide better mileage when under load.

 

[Bombsight]

IMO I'd spend $5k to $8k more and get a 3/4 ton with a diesel that will have way more power and provide better mileage when under load.

Some argue that one can buy a lot of fuel with $8000 .... but yea, performance and safety sometimes overules the need to save money.
I love my Duramax 3500.

 

[No longer here]

Just my .02. I have a 1st gen 2005 tundra. It works. Sure I am probably over GVWR but don't care. It stops 100x better than my Landcruiser, accelerates 1000x better and is 10000x more comfortable. I have airbags, and Alcan springs setup for the weight.

The folks here can offer some valuable advice, but also some advice that can prevent you from just following common sense.

 

[wandern]

A half ton will carry a Hawk or Grandby just fine (although Ford and Chevrolet generally have much higher payload capacities than Toyota), but a 3/4 or 1 ton will carry the camper like it isn't even there. The difference in brakes alone really must be experienced to be understood. If carrying the camper is an occasional thing, and the truck is going to be a daily driver and grocery getter, a Silverado 1500 or F150 would be fine- and you get great gas mileage (22-25mpg depending on whether you have 2wd or 4wd) when the camper isn't loaded (Tundras get gas mileage as bad a gas HD truck). If you're going to be carrying the camper regularly or using the truck for other heavy payload hauling / towing tasks, save yourself the trouble and expense of buying two trucks, and get the HD truck off the bat. Note that Ram 3/4 ton trucks have coil springs and lower payload than Chevy/GMC/Ford (which in single rear wheel configuration are basically identical to their 1 ton bretheren except for overload leaf springs).

 

[captaindorky]

I'm lurking around and feel inclined to post.

I was at the Overland Expo last weekend in Flagstaff. This is the second year in a row my wife and I have attended and we are getting VERY close to kissing our corporate jobs good bye and living in a FWC full time (with 2 cats).

The vehicle conversation seems to be endless. We have looked at the Hawk as being what we are looking for in a camper. That being said, understanding the right tray and truck can be a little difficult. General consensus seems to be Norweld for the tray?

As for the truck - it sure sounds like the lines have blurred between gas and diesel along with payload capacity. I am looking at a full ton truck. Ram 3500 Diesel or a Ford F-350 Gasser. I am trying to weigh out the pros and cons, but I keep leaning towards the Ford. I don't plan on doing any crazy offroad stuff but we want to get away from it all and have the capability to do so.

One last question - in general there seems to be avoidance to a longbed and a camper. What am I missing here? General maneuverability?

Appreciate all input. This site is excellent!

CD

 

[klahanie]

^ Welcome aboard CD !

...
I don't plan on doing any crazy offroad stuff but we want to get away from it all and have the capability to do so.
...

One last question - in general there seems to be avoidance to a longbed and a camper. What am I missing here? General maneuverability?

Long bed, short bed is another Betty / Veronica question, but one with more difference than hair colour

We have a supercab with the equivalent of a 9' box. Call it the length of a CCLB. So I'm missing it too (missing out too ?)... Biggest thing is the worry of turning it around. "crazy offroad" is off the table anyway. Smaller will fit in more places, for sure. Whether you'd go to those places, I couldn't say, everyone's situation and experience is a bit different.

Here's one thread, more or less, about the subject.
http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/14239-truck-length-constraints/

 

[smlobx]

I'm lurking around and feel inclined to post.

I was at the Overland Expo last weekend in Flagstaff. This is the second year in a row my wife and I have attended and we are getting VERY close to kissing our corporate jobs good bye and living in a FWC full time (with 2 cats).

The vehicle conversation seems to be endless. We have looked at the Hawk as being what we are looking for in a camper. That being said, understanding the right tray and truck can be a little difficult. General consensus seems to be Norweld for the tray?

As for the truck - it sure sounds like the lines have blurred between gas and diesel along with payload capacity. I am looking at a full ton truck. Ram 3500 Diesel or a Ford F-350 Gasser. I am trying to weigh out the pros and cons, but I keep leaning towards the Ford. I don't plan on doing any crazy offroad stuff but we want to get away from it all and have the capability to do so.

One last question - in general there seems to be avoidance to a longbed and a camper. What am I missing here? General maneuverability?

Appreciate all input. This site is excellent!

CD

Congratulations on your decision to get out of the corporate rat race!
I am officially retiring today!!!

As far as the discussion of short bed vs. long bed is concerned I think it boils down to a couple of points:

1. The length of your camper- I personally believe that the floor of the camper should be fully supported although some people don’t share this concern, so a Hawk should be on a short bed and a Grandby on a long bed... I have a Hallmark Everest (8.5’) and it’s on a long bed.

2. Maneuverability. The longer the wheel base the more difficulty you’ll potential have on tight turns off-road.

3. Everyday driving. Once again a short bed truck will be easier to get around town, everything else being equal. For me it’s not a big deal as I don’t ever intend to drive into downtown LA or NYC with it.

Good luck in your research!

 

[ntsqd]

I started out looking for a 6BT powered ClubCab short-bed 4WD, preferably with a manual trans. Those are Unicorns. What I found in good condition, in our price range, was a long bed with an Auto. I don't regret the extra length. I have other vehicles for the tight trails & routes. Although I did take this truck w/ the old 6.5' camper to the Funnel Lake (Coyote Flats) over-look and very probably should not have.

We are very anti-move stuff around. We want to put something in the truck or camper and not have to move it to do other things. We don't pack light, but we don't pack heavy either. If something in the truck isn't getting used it gets jettisoned. No point in carrying it unless an emergency aid type of object. That takes some space to store those things. Shoes are the worst, figure out where they're going to live in the camper where you're not walking on them. What drove us to this 9.5' camper is the need for an indoor toilet & shower. The toilet we do with the PETT WagBags, neither of us want to deal with a black water tank or a cassette.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

My former truck, a ‘96 Dodge 1500 Club Cab shortbed was very maneuverable. It’s turning radius on a 139” wheelbase was amazing. My current truck is an ‘02 Chevy 2500HD Ext. Cab (same as club) longbed and it’s nowhere near as nimble with its 157” wheelbase. But I really like having the long box and like others have remarked, I’ve given up any notion of rockcrawling. I’m still using a canopy for camping but some sort of camper is definitely in my future. The comfort and storage factors have really become more important to me. If I want to keep up with the “crazy crew” I’ll find something more appropriate. But I tend to be more carnage avoidance in my old age.

Edit: I believe that a “crew cab longbed (6’)” Tacoma has a similar wheelbase to my old Dodge full-size. I’d give up the overall size penalty for the additional bed space any day. YMMV

2nd edit: Re-read the original post. OP mentioned a Tundra, not a Tacoma. I guess I should put down the coffee and pick up the reading glasses.