John, thanks for your comment. I'm looking at a new Alaskan and a new GMC. The 1500 has a maximum payload of 1880. Therefore, the 6.5 vs. the 7 footer. I'm looking into the use of helper springs which would increase the safety margin. We are light travelers, currently have a Casita trailer and previously being backpackers. Still, your points are very well taken.Optimistic Paranoid said:Published weight figures for campers tend to be optimistic and lower than actual real world weights. And people don't usually allow for enough weight for passengers, food, clothing, bedding, the dog, etc
You didn't say if you were buying new or used. Wet weight for the current 6.5 cabover is 1550 lbs. What sort of figures do you have for your proposed 1500?
Sounds like you will - technically - be over the trucks's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Some people are bothered by this, some don't seem to worry about it. Adding helper springs and such-like will certainly level the truck, but LEGALLY, no aftermarket add-ons increase the truck's factory certified GVWR.ArtTrek said:John, thanks for your comment. I'm looking at a new Alaskan and a new GMC. The 1500 has a maximum payload of 1880. Therefore, the 6.5 vs. the 7 footer. I'm looking into the use of helper springs which would increase the safety margin. We are light travelers, currently have a Casita trailer and previously being backpackers. Still, your points are very well taken.
PackRat, what do you think about the difference between an 8' and a 7'? After all of the input, we've decided to go with a 3/4 ton pickup... makes a lot more sense! Now, our question is 6 3/4' bed or an 8' bed. The cost difference between the 7' and 8' Alaskan is marginal, so it comes down to which truck bed to get. Any more thoughts?PackRat said:Go with a 3/4 ton....you will never regret it. By the way, if you do, you can move up to an 8' CO Alaskan. I know you said you traveled light but with a slightly bigger rig you can carry more water, have a bigger 'fridge and room for TWO to get dressed, make your meals and move around in there.
Just sayin'......
We're looking at a Ford Super Duty (3/4 ton)... It comes with either a 6 3/4' or an 8'... You're right about the small beds. 5' is fairly common, and 5 1/2 is the new "normal" for "regular" size beds.wagoneer said:Do they still make an 8 foot bed? lol It used to be 4 x 8 foot plywood needed to fit. With all this combining vehicle truck/passenger Hibred am seeing 4 ft beds in our future. My feeling about 8 foot bed and a one ton non dual is pretty strong here.
ArtTrek said:We are looking at the 6.5 foot cab over. Our plan is to get a GMC Sierra 1500 regular cab.
ArtTrek said:PackRat, what do you think about the difference between an 8' and a 7'? After all of the input, we've decided to go with a 3/4 ton pickup... makes a lot more sense! Now, our question is 6 3/4' bed or an 8' bed. The cost difference between the 7' and 8' Alaskan is marginal, so it comes down to which truck bed to get. Any more thoughts?
Are you still wanting a regular cab ? Myself, I wouldn't buy a reg cab with short box, too many limitations for resale.ArtTrek said:We're looking at a Ford Super Duty (3/4 ton)... It comes with either a 6 3/4' or an 8'...
Food for thought... Thanks!klahanie said:Are you still wanting a regular cab ? Myself, I wouldn't buy a reg cab with short box, too many limitations for resale.
Reg cab long box would work great for an 8' or 8.5' and still be a good all rounder size (ime). Have you been inside a newer Alaskan to gauge how it might suit ? With these longer camper lengths there is space to alter the size of dinette and cabinet storage.
If you are now considering extended or crew cab then your comfort with overall truck length comes into play.