I'm looking at options for replacing my '65 F250 with something newer for hauling the camper. I'm figuring on an approx budget of 15K, maybe as high as 20K. Obviously I won't be getting a brand new truck for this amount, I put new in quotes as to say it will be new to me.
I'm fairly positive I want to go diesel, DRW, and prefer a manual trans. I'll be having 4K pounds in the bed between the camper and trailer tongue weight, so I feel I'll be solidly in 1 ton territory, perhaps even 1.5 tons. I'm still on the fence as to whether I want to go 2WD or 4WD. I'm not sure I'd ever need it, but I'd like it just in case.
I have no brand loyalty in this.
I'm also aware that everyone's needs are different, people's opinions/wants are different, etc. I'm just curious what other people choose. Perhaps they come up with an option that I didn't think of or consider.
1965 Ford F250 Camper Special 352/4spd - tow vehicle
1974 Juno Real-Lite - truck camper, currently undergoing rebuild
I have been window shopping in the same price range on ebay and various sites. There seems to be a decent selection of 5-8 year old 3/4-ton and 1-ton rigs with less than 100,000 miles on them in that price range. I know there are a few engines out there that should be steered clear of, but most should get you 250,000-350,00 without a lot of problems.
Happy Shopping,
Todd
Todd
1993 Ford E-350 pushed by a 1988 Wilderness 24' TT
On the east coast its hard to even find a 2X2 truck anymore. The dealers dont even stock them. Im sure it would have to be special order, so finding a good used 2X2 is very hard. My 4 wheel drive is hardly ever used but when you need it its awful nice to have. I went with diesel because I wanted the torque and horsepower for my heavy TC, and I dont regret it a bit. I love the Duramax and you can't beat the Allison tranny in the GMs. If I went out today to buy new,I would not discount any of the brands. Buying used is a different story. There are a few years in some of the brands that I personnally would stay away from, but I will not start a brand war at this time. Just do your homework and get on some of the truck forums and start asking questions.
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually D/A, Supersprings, Stable Loads, Bilstein Shocks, Hellwig Sway Bar, Front Timbrens.
2010 Arctic Fox 1140 DB, 220 watts solar, custom 4 in 1 "U" shaped dinette/couch, 59 interior and exterior mods to date and still adding
If you can find a 99/02 Ford 7.3 that would
be a good truck to get and still have some
$$$ left over I have a 2000 F250 7.3 and
am very happy with the way it has performed
without any problems
For 15k you should be able to buy a pretty nice used diesel. I sold my 2004 PSD and bought a 2001 Dodge 2500 HD Quad cab long bed and have had it going on 4 years, only replace the brakes and a thermostat. I paid 11k in 2009.
I haven't looked around lately but I bought mine on craigslist, you might check there and on cars.com.
bedrocker wrote: If you can find a 99/02 Ford 7.3 that would
be a good truck to get and still have some
$$$ left over I have a 2000 F250 7.3 and
am very happy with the way it has performed
without any problems
Ditto with 2002....4x4...ext cab....105K mi,bought it 3 mos ago..1 owner,mint,with upgrades...$15K, in Tx.
don,t be afraid to travel to find one. I see your in my favorite state .bet theres one in a garage some where just gathering dust. inlaw live,s in tempe ,had a 1984 toyota pickup with 3k on it. just a space taker.about three months back he was over at the shop ,and noticed it was gone , but you could see in the dust where they loaded it.
Late last year I picked up a 2001 GMC extended cab 4x4 diesel dually with 130,000 miles on it from a GMC dealer for less than 12,000.00 and am very happy with it. The engine has very good torque, fuel mileage is very good and that Allison transmission is a very good unit. The truck laughs at my 2600 lb. Avion TC like it's not even there. I'm sure you will be happy with the Ford/Dodge variety also just find the cleanest truck you can afford. Good luck.
Sounds like a '99-'03 F350 dually with the 7.3 and ZF 6 speed manual would do the trick for you. A similar year Dodge dually with the 5.9 and NV5600 or later G56 would be good too. 2001 is I believe the first year for rear disc brakes in the Dodge trucks. '03 starts the newer body and AAM axles. Ford started with rear discs in '99.
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I have a 2000 F250 7.3 and
