Just read a post about using your TC to avoid having to worry about lack of sleep when you need to get to work early or stay late....and it got me thinking?
What would be the best mileage I could expect with a lightweight TC (maybe a pop-up type, for low profile) that would have the basics (bed, head, kitchen).
I know it would depend on the truck, and that most TCs really need to be on a 3/4T which won't get very good mileage, but do some of these new lightweights fit on a F-150 with gearing that will give me MPG vs. power....I don't really care if I might burn more fuel going up a hill or something.
Just wondering?
We've got a 31' "C", and it's great for the whole family, but I was thinking about myself, when I'm driving between NC and NY/CT/MA to get to/from work. I usually just pull over and try and sleep with my 6'7" frame jammed in my little Honda Fit (surprisingly roomy)...but fantasize about sleeping in a bed
Anyone have what I'm looking for?....a TC that gets 25-30 mpg?
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I get 25MPG with my truck camper on - BUT that is a compact turbo-diesel truck of a type that you don't get in the US.
Maybe one of those small Japanese vans that convert into a camper - if you could get one with a modern turbo diesel (don't know if they are available in the US) you should get 30MPG +.
Steve.
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What you're looking for doesn't exist yet. What you really need is a 1/2 ton pickup with a diesel. There's been talk of Ford putting out a diesel F150. I'd love to see it, but with a diesel you usually lose payload.
The 3.5L ecoboost that Ford is producing now comes close to what you're looking for as it gets around 21-23 MPGs, but with a camper that would be reduced. In your situation a diesel van conversion would probably be better, but that would give you 2 motorhomes.
* This post was
edited 03/10/12 05:59am by Mello Mike *
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Mello Mike wrote: What you're looking for doesn't exist yet. What you really need is a 1/2 pickup with a diesel. There's been talk of Ford putting out a diesel F150. I'd love to see it, but with a diesel you usually lose payload.
The 3.5L ecoboost that Ford is producing now comes close to what you're looking for as it gets around 21-23 MPGs, but with a camper that would be reduced. In your situation a diesel van conversion would probably be better, but that would give you 2 motorhomes.
to bad dodge didn't put 4bt cummins engines into half tons would fit your need prefectly with shortbed pop up...have seen guys posting 25/28 miles per with them in lifted bronco's and such
About the best way to accomplish this would as some others have said get a small van. Personally I think it would be worth it to slap a VW TDI in there, save on gas x2!
You could install a small head, bed and such where the seating is, more or less making your own conversion van.
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I have already posted too much on this so if you are interested Personal Message me. I am using the new Heavy Duty F150, with HD payload and HD trailering pkg and the Ecoboost (2400-3200 lb payload), with a very light camper. It won't get you 25 mpg but empty you might get 20-21. I don't have mileage figures when loaded with the Truck Camper yet. Of course it will be less, but better than a bigger truck. I just sold a 23 foot motor home so the transition to a light truck camper on a half ton is a culture shock. Before making the decision to do it, BE SURE. The folks with larger trucks are right. If you don't buy more truck than you need now, if you decide to upgrade it is too late.
DRAGONFLY - 2014, 19' Airstream Flying Cloud, towed by a Ford F-150, 4WD, extended cab, long bed, with Ecoboost engine, max payload & tow pkg, and 8200 lbs GVWR
Dragonfly wrote: I am using the new Heavy Duty F150, with HD payload and HD trailering pkg and the Ecoboost (2400-3200 lb payload), with a very light camper.
You should update your sig...
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