4x4, Crew cab, FWC camper, 2x kids, dogs...
plus all the associated toys and tools for each...
IMO, only one choice a one ton, 4x4, crew cab with a diesel. My choice would be a Ford F-350 XLT Super Duty with the diesel engine. Yes, the diesel is heavier than the gas motor and reduces payload accordingly. But, I seriously doubt you will approach GVWR of the 350. I'm not into the "Gucci options" on pickup trucks these days so an XLT model is perfect for my life style.
The Ford diesel engine obtains about the same MPG at max weight as every day driving because of the torque curve.
Several years ago, when Ford went from steel to AL body panels on the F-150, dealers passed along deep discounts and incentives to buyers to move the last of the steel body trucks off their lots. I'm hoping the same happens late summer 16 with the F-250/350 since Ford is going to start introducing the AL technology in the '17s.
While my F-250 is sufficient, the F-350 would give me payload numbers where I could even tote the kitchen sink!
Fuel range: I have yet to have an issue with fuel range. Yet, if I purchased a new F-350, I would likely install an Aluminess rear bumper with tire carrier. In the void left by moving the spare tire out of the factory location, I would install a
Titan 30G aux fuel tank. This would easily get me 600+ miles down the road on a single load of fuel. Even the additional ~200lb of fuel in this location wouldn't get into the F-350 payload numbers. Yet, I would get a 350 with the increased payload option. I have yet to see a dealer have a 350 on the lot without the increased payload option. When you get into the 1 ton trucks, not having the increased payload option is counter intuitive as a selling point.
The 350/3500 trucks may seem like a lot of truck, but, they are very easy to drive and feel rock solid on the road.