Trucks for an Alaskan Camper

[Moose Dog]

Hi everybody,

A newbie here. After many years of dreaming and scheming I'm finally starting the process of putting together an Alaskan/truck combo. Choosing the Alaskan Camper is decided, however I'm not so familiar with trucks and would like to nail down the truck/heavy camper combo to the best of my ability. I've scoured around this forum for truck info but am staring a thread to focus the topic.

Assume a 8' CO, used for cross country trips but also parked in cities. I'm an artist and work at chalk festivals so the rig would be parked at those as well. For this reason a 1 ton might be too big but I'm open to possibilities.

Preferred companies? Lemons? Gas vs. diesel? I welcome your opinions.

Thanks also for this forum, it's very informative. Cheers...

 

[Rusty]

Any 3/4 ton would do fine....not 1/2 ton...

a single rear wheel 1 ton if you can find one in good shape, 4 wheel drive if you wish in either

stay away from 6.0 and 6.4 liter Ford diesels, problematic engines...the Ford 6.7 diesels seem to be holding up...

if you can find a Ford 7.3 liter diesel in good shape your good to go....Dodge w/ Cummins diesels are a good bet as well

if you have the desire...older pickups are still available to go with period Alaskan campers...buyer beware

an 8 footer would go in a long or short bed...if you want to contain it (tailgate up) while driving...a long bed will suit you...but a short bed with the tailgate down works well also

most 3/4 tons will have gas engines sufficient to haul a camper...stay away from the smaller v-6's

smaller trucks work with the newer mini-Alaskans built for them but you won't find any in the older Alaskan category

 

[thisoldcamper]

Check out a utility bed and truck combo - It would give you a lot more storage space.

 

[mike dominick]

I'm running a Dodge 3500 with a Cummins diesel with my 8 ft 2004 CO Alaskan. It works perfect, this my 5th Cummins diesel.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Hi everybody,
<snip>
Assume a 8' CO, used for cross country trips but also parked in cities. I'm an artist and work at chalk festivals so the rig would be parked at those as well. For this reason a 1 ton might be too big but I'm open to suggestions.

I welcome your opinions.

Thanks also for this forum, it's very informative. Cheers...

Moose, there's no physical size difference between the 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, just capacity differences. If you're buying new, my recommendation is to go 1 ton. Not much price difference, and a little better resale price. Best of all, you can load it down. Get one that is meant for a camper, as it will have suspension tweaks that better handle campers.

 

[Moose Dog]

Thanks for the input everybody. Ideally I'd like a reliable used - ha in my dreams - but seeing how I know small planes a little bit but not trucks your replies are very helpful.

I'm currently curious about the F250 and your opinions on gas vs. diesel?

 

[Rusty]

F250...1998-early 2003....diesel....early 2003 better (late build, fourth upgrade 7.3 liter Diesels)

don't buy late model 2003 F250's with 6.0 liter diesels...that's the year they switched from 7.3 liter Internationals to 6.0 liter Ford Diesels

6 speed automatic

IMHO......

they're still out there...but if you find a clean one...get it quickly...they don't last long on the market....my son was looking...and missed 3 or 4 by hemming and hawing...missed a really good one

 

[rdavis231]

Hi Everyone,

I just bought a 1988 F250 extended cab diesel (non-turbo 7.3L). It has a full size bed (8'). I am wondering what year/model alaskan will not fit in the bed? Also I have a plastic bed protector. Will an 8' alaskan still fit with the tailgate closed?

 

[Rusty]

any should fit.......you may have to remove the liner portion on the tailgate....give it a try first...there's usually an inch or so.

The tailgate width revisions have been the issue and with older pickups the width was fine

 

[rdavis231]

I have finally found an Alaskan that I am scheduled to inspect. it is an 1988 8' cabover. I know these campers were finished with a veneer instead of solid wood. However I am more concerned about the hydraulics and appliances. The camper has been sitting in a garage since 2002 with no use. I am asking what to look for when I inspect and how do I test the hydraulic system?

Any and all advice on my upcoming inspection would be helpful. I have read about looking for water damage and dry rot and will be focused on these issues as well.

Thanks.

 

[hangster]

I have finally found an Alaskan that I am scheduled to inspect. it is an 1988 8' cabover. I know these campers were finished with a veneer instead of solid wood. However I am more concerned about the hydraulics and appliances. The camper has been sitting in a garage since 2002 with no use. I am asking what to look for when I inspect and how do I test the hydraulic system?

Any and all advice on my upcoming inspection would be helpful. I have read about looking for water damage and dry rot and will be focused on these issues as well.

Thanks.

I didn't test my hydrolic till I got it home.
I was buying it wether or not they worked.
Naturally 3 spurted oil.
With hindsight I should have check oil level in the jack. low=leak.
Placed rags under the jacks and around the tube tops prior to testing.

 

[Rusty]

Moose dog should have picked up her Alaskan by now....maybe too busy

 

[Moose Dog]

Truck in September, Alaskan after that! Won't bore everyone with details, but after (over)thinking some more, to my surprise I chose diesel.

Absolutely thrilled this is coming together

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Truck in September, Alaskan after that! Won't bore everyone with details, but after (over)thinking some more, to my surprise I chose diesel.

Absolutely thrilled this is coming together

I think you'll be happy with the diesel. Keep us posted!

 

[hangster]

waiting with bated breath

 

[Rusty]

she's going to be a "happy camper".......and sparkles too......

pictures at 11

 

[2tallDA]

3500 if new. No tpms system.
That can be maddening.

 

[ski3pin]

Truck in September, Alaskan after that! Won't bore everyone with details, but after (over)thinking some more, to my surprise I chose diesel.

Absolutely thrilled this is coming together

This is wonderful! Thanks for sharing your excitement. Congrats on it coming together!

 

[Rusty]

It's mid September Moose Dog.... ....where's da twuck

 

[Moose Dog]

Any day now!!! Been a delay. I'm going out of town again for an arts festival but upon return will begin my campaign of dealer harassment

Can't wait. First thing I'm going to do is take out the back seats of the extended cab and create Dog Kingdom. If anyone wants some Ford '17 seats...