AndyLyyc
Calgary
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Joined: 06/15/2008
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G'day folks!
Need some help, time to upgrade the truck as we've already realized it's shortcomings for what we're doing.
Current truck is an 82 gmc C2500 reg cab longbox, 6.2 diesel/auto. Camper is a '76 Vanguard 96T, weighing in at a dry 1550lbs (almost 2000 fully loaded going by one trip through the scale and trucks 'dry' weight out of the manual).
We know we need the 1ton due to weight, the 4x4 due to getting stuck, the diesel for economy's sake... However the biggest reason for upgrading - need a crew cab; our 5yo daughter sure doesn't like being squished between us for hours of endless driving 
Tried loading it on a buddies F350 recently and was reminded of the fact that not all boxes are the same - as it didn't stand a chance of getting past those monster wheel wells (camper was at least an inch wider than space available).
Realistically we'll be looking at old stuff - no newer than early 90s - I can't stand this computer controlled crap... But the question is basically - can ya save me a bunch of driving around to measure trucks that the camper wont fit into?
Thanks in advance,
Andy
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JumboJet
Tontitown Arkansas
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Joined: 01/31/2007
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Should fit any Dodge truck - 2500/3500 SRW.
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/cgi-b........1998+(12-Valve)&results_format=headlines
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SoCalDesertRider
SanDiego, CA, USA
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Joined: 12/14/2003
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This truck hauled a 2000-lb 1982 Six-Pac camper and pulled a trailer full of dirtbikes and atv's, buggie, etc before it became my work truck. The '94-'96 years of this truck had the very good 7.3L diesel engine.
Inside bed dimensions are ~65" wide x ~98" long and more than 48" between the wheel wells. Ford used the same inside bed dimensions from '73 to '97. The inside bed sheetmetal on my truck is acutally the same stamping as all Ford longbed trucks from those years. Back windows are the same too.
'92 F350 CrewCab 4x4-
05E350 6.0PSD
97F350DRW 7.3PSD 4x4 4.10 11' flatbed
98Ranger
69Bronco ATC250R CR500
20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
Callen Camper
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
B&W TurnoverBall, Curt Magnum V
HD Springs Bilsteins,
285/75-16E BFG AT on 16x8 Stocktons
4.56's & LockRite rear
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Sportsman Matt
Blackstone, MA
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Have you thought about anothe GMC? I know they make a Crew Cab 4 door 1 ton with the 8 foot bed in both SRW and DRW.
Just a thought.
Life is short, Play harder.
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Regular Cab Long Bed 4.3L V6 Automatic 2WD
2010 KZ Sportsman Classic 19BH Travel Trailer
Fishing and Hunting New England and eventually the world
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AndyLyyc
Calgary
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Oh, i've definitely eyeballed the -87 gmc 3+3 1ton SRW's - but those are rather hard to come by with the diesel, I can find dozens with the 454 - no 6.2/6.5's...
Just contemplating other options, I'm not a diehard loyalist to any brand...
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Paoli
Quesnel BC
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Joined: 10/29/2005
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Did you consider waiting for a Toyota or Nissan one ton diesel dually truck?
I'm would not be suprised to see these on the market soon!
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AndyLyyc
Calgary
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Not interested in "new". However I've eyeballed those JDM Toyota Dyna 1.5ton crewcabs that have been getting imported lately... Not sure if the cabover would clear the cabover 
Isuzu elf looks pretty good too...
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robseg
San Jose, CA
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Joined: 02/20/2006
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I would stay away from the mid to late 80's diesel GMC trucks. The motors are junk. I would go with the early FORD 7.3L motor. They are bullet proof. My 2c Rob
2005 F-350 SRW 6.0L 4X4 Line-X Torq Lifts
2006 Lance 835
2006 Sand Car 1989 Honda Pilot
2005 Honda EU3000is
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SugarHillCTD
Sugar Hill, NH, USA
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AndyLyyc wrote:.....Tried loading it on a buddies F350 recently and was reminded of the fact that not all boxes are the same - as it didn't stand a chance of getting past those monster wheel wells (camper was at least an inch wider than space available).
.....can ya save me a bunch of driving around to measure trucks that the camper wont fit into.......
Andy, we have had two different TCs and 3 different trucks, so we have been through different "fittings".
How wide is the box on your current camper? The F-350 that you tried must have had 48+" between the wheel wells since less than that would be bad for selling to contractors. Our last Dodge diesel had 49-1/2" between the wheel wells.
Any thoughts on looking for a flat bed pickup, or buying the truck you like and changing to a flat bed?
Just some thoughts.
Good luck,
John
John & Cathy
'05 Chevy 2500HD xcab 4x4 sb
'11 Lance 825 Lightweight and hittin' the road
B4 that- 2006 N* 850SC TC (sold)
B4 that- 2004 Nash 25S TT (sold)
B4 that- 2002 Adventurer 810ws TC (sold)
1992 BMW K100RS 2004 R1100S BoxerCup 2 bikes, 2 much fun
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JoeChiOhki
Sauvie Island, OR
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You'll want an early 90's Dodge, with the 1st Gen 12 Valve Cummins, but the likely hood of finding one with a crew cab is likely Nil.
The other catch is they're a PITA to find in Good Shape.
If you go up to a second or third gen truck in any of the three, you'll be looking at having to make risers to make the camper fit.
An early 90s Ford, with the 7.3 and a crew cab is more likely to be found, but the fit will still be tight.
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'1992 Dodge W-250 "Dually" Power Wagon - Club Cab Long Bed 4x4 V8 5.9L gashog w/4.10 Geared axles
'1974 KIT Kamper 1106 - 11' Slide-in
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