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Topic: Truck shopping
Posted By: Ventura Dogman on 04/18/16 02:37pm

I have a new Northstar Laredo SC (dry wt 2100) on an F150 with helper springs. While the F150 does a pretty darn good job with the load despite the specs (took it on a long trip to Utah and it did rather well), I am truck shopping. I will be looking at a 3/4 4x4 diesel (long road trips, mountain roads, light off road use). Right now I am considering the Chevy 2500.

I am facing the new vs used dilemma. I am not sure of inherent issues in the truck, if any, that I might inherit if I go used. Also, are there major maintenance costs at a major interval (say 100k) like replacing injectors, etc that might make the cost differential of going new shrink? Extended warranty worth it on one of these due to high cost of repair if something goes wrong?

Any other thoughts or suggestions, either on the diesel idea or the truck brand or anything else I should consider?

Northstar Laredo SC
Chevy Silverado 3500 diesel 4x4
Yellow Labrador co-pilot

Posted By: d3500ram on 04/18/16 02:47pm

If buying new, then forego the 2500 and go right to a 3500 series. Not too much price difference but a lot more payload capabilities.

Sold the TC, previous owner of 2 NorthStar pop-ups & 2 Northstar Arrows...still have the truck:

2005 Dodge 3500 SRW, Qcab long bed, NV-6500, diesel, 4WD, Helwig, 9000XL,
Nitto 285/70/17 Terra Grapplers, Honda eu3000Is, custom overload spring perch spacers.

Posted By: FireGuard on 04/18/16 02:52pm

Love my diesel, but for your application check out a Ram 2500 with the 6.4 Hemi.
More power than you'll ever need and can pick up a 4x4 CC for low to mid $30ks.

13Jeep Wrangler
07 Ragen 21FB
12 Yamaha Super Tenere
14 Suzuki DR 650

Posted By: Bedlam on 04/18/16 03:00pm

Unless you plan tow over 5K lbs behind your truck while you carry the TC, I would suggest getting a gasoline powered engine. In the end, you need to buy a diesel if you need something requiring that capacity because there really is no cost saving once you pencil out acquisition and maintenance costs plus it takes away from your payload.

Now if you decide to tow an enclosed trailer (like I have) behind you, definitely shop for a diesel because the driving experience will be so much better and you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

Chevy Sonic 1.8-Honda Passport C70B-Host Mammoth 11.5-Interstate Car Carrier 20-Joyner SandViper 250-Kawasaki Concours ZG1000-Paros 8' flatbed-Pelican Decker DLX 8.75-Ram 5500 HD


Posted By: jimh406 on 04/18/16 03:18pm

If you are thinking diesel or new, plan out what you will be doing in a few years. Otherwise, you'd probably be better off with gasoline and used. I prefer Fords, so I'm kind of biased on what brand to consider. [emoticon]

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member


Posted By: getpower1 on 04/18/16 04:46pm

Nothing like having the passing power of a diesel. But I'm one of those guys. They are making huge strides in gasoline powered vehicles lately. I'm pretty sure there is a fuel economy war going on, even if it was meant to be a work truck.

Say what you want about not caring about fuel economy on vacation and all of that'. Personally, when I have to fill my tank it's very disappointing. I hate seeing 10 mpg average. I just feel like we have come further than that by now.

That been said, if you don't mind your truck going up a grade a couple of gears lower and your motor singing at 3500-4000, as well as a little poorer fuel mileage (and not much really), then you can save yourself an easy $8000 new. That's something to think about. Gas powered trucks are quieter, probably more reliable, and maintinence costs less and is easier to perform yourself. Gas vehicles have injectors too, and they can go out as well. But the chances of getting poor quality gasoline is far less than for diesel. It's just nasty stuff.

As far as new vs used, find what you like and test drive it all. I'd be surprised if a seller wouldn't let you hook up a trailer or throw some weight in the truck and test drive before you buy. Reliability with newer diesels I still feel may be an issue. Don't get me wrong, if I had the money id have a brand new ford or dodge diesel in the driveway tomorrow. But they still have a lot of extra emissions stuff that isn't proving reliable long term for the average consumer. What I mean by this is if your truck is a daily driver 13 miles one way, then it's probably not getting up to proper temperature.

Just things to think about. Again, impressive things coming out for gasoline. The newer motor in the Rams seems to be a good deal for a vacationing truck. And way cheaper of a truck out the door. Still more stations carrying gasoline than diesel.

Take your time in finding the right one.

2003 Aljo 259LT
2018 Ram 3500, SRW, 4x4, CTD, HO, Aisin

Posted By: Daryl_B on 04/18/16 05:56pm

Like others have already said... skip the 3/4 ton and get a 1 ton (brand of your choice).
Within a year or two having a bigger truck you will most likely start looking at bigger campers.

2022 F-450
2019 Arctic Fox 1140 WB

Past Rigs
2006 F-450 16k GVWR, Kelderman 4-link rear suspension
2009 AF 990
2016 EC 1165
2017 AF 990

Posted By: GeoBoy on 04/18/16 06:03pm

Are you planning on moving up to a heavier TC or towing a 10K TT in the future? We have a 5K TC and my GMC gasser handles it just fine, average between 10 & 11 mpg.
I would definitely go straight to a 3500 series truck and yes stick with a GM truck.

Posted By: realter on 04/18/16 08:34pm

What did they leave off yours? My Northstar Laredo weighs close to ONE THOUSAND POUNDS MORE.

Buy a one ton truck, but first find a weigh to way your camper. Then buy a one ton truck anyway.

Nice campers. Good luck.

Posted By: Ventura Dogman on 04/18/16 08:56pm

I don't see me trading up to a bigger camper. It is me and a dog and I like to head to out of the way places on rough dirt roads, etc. This camper already weighs a little more than I would like, but it is comfortable and warm. The truck is strictly for the camper and road trips. I have a Honda Accord as a commuter until I can retire. This will be my retirement rig.

I just traded up from a Northstar popup (TC800) and I figure this will be it until I take the final dirt nap.

I spend a lot of time in the mountains on steep and curvy roads. I figured the torque of the diesel would come in handy for this? I have the F150 with the big V8 and it feels pretty underpowered climbing hills.

Realter, I just double checked and the base dry weight on the new Laredo SC is 2090 lb. per the Northstar website. I added a bumper, but will travel without the jacks, probably a net weight loss. The other options I added don't weigh much (longer windows, etc). It is fairly stock.

Posted By: Otterman on 04/18/16 09:50pm

Like others said, just go with a 1-ton truck. There is no difference in ride between a Chevy 2500 and 3500, but a big difference in payload. Even if you think you'll never need it, it's good to have more payload capability. There is little, if any, difference in price. It's worth it.

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, 4.5" BDS lift, BFG AT/KO2 285/65R20
Vision Hauler 19.5s and Toyo M608z 285/70R19.5 for camper duty
2016 Arctic Fox 990

Posted By: Grit dog on 04/18/16 10:20pm

You can figure out the gas vs diesel debate for the cost of ownership, repairs etc from the hundreds of other threads on here and you already haul your camper alright with a half ton so nothing a gasser can't handle.
The question is if you want to have a truck that has a little more power than your current truck or one with twice the power or more.

2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

Posted By: Matho on 04/18/16 10:23pm

Your F150 may not of had the right gearing to pull the mountain roads. My Chevy 3500HD has the 4.10 gears with 375/70/18 BFG All Terrains and does great in the mountains. I went 1 size larger with the tires that saved money on the BFG All terrains. The OEM tires were 265/70/18 and cost $70+ per tire.
It has the 6.0 V8 and is very quiet but you should do your research on engines and decide. The 3500 was not much more but the diesel adds a lot more.
I did not purchase the extended warrenty to save money and it is a WT (work truck) no frills.
Got the Torklift Tie Downs and they bolted up solid but come close to the front jacks footings but not a problem.

2015 Chevy 3500 SRW 4X4 6.0 CC SB Big Wig 2016 Northstar Laredo SC Off Road

Posted By: DWeikert on 04/19/16 06:08am

If you want a diesel, get a diesel. I did and do not regret it. Might I suggest you spend some time on www.dieselplace.com to get a feel for the various versions of Duramax out there and experiences from those actually driving them. Mine is the 2008 LMM which has the diesel particulate filter but no urea treatment. Average 14mpg highway with the camper in my sig and climbs mountain passes without breaking a sweat. Not to mention goes down mountain passes barely touching the brakes. If your comfortable running an engine at the high RPM's a gasser will need on mountain roads, than a gas engine is certainly an option. I went with a diesel because overkill is underrated.

(edit)PS: Count me as another vote recommending you go right to 3500 if possible.

* This post was edited 04/19/16 06:35am by DWeikert *

Dan
2008 Chevy D/A 2500HD ECSB
2010 Northstar 8.5 Adventurer


Posted By: rider997 on 04/19/16 11:29am

Ventura Dogman wrote:

I don't see me trading up to a bigger camper. It is me and a dog and I like to head to out of the way places on rough dirt roads, etc. This camper already weighs a little more than I would like, but it is comfortable and warm. The truck is strictly for the camper and road trips. I have a Honda Accord as a commuter until I can retire. This will be my retirement rig.

I just traded up from a Northstar popup (TC800) and I figure this will be it until I take the final dirt nap.

I spend a lot of time in the mountains on steep and curvy roads. I figured the torque of the diesel would come in handy for this? I have the F150 with the big V8 and it feels pretty underpowered climbing hills.

Realter, I just double checked and the base dry weight on the new Laredo SC is 2090 lb. per the Northstar website. I added a bumper, but will travel without the jacks, probably a net weight loss. The other options I added don't weigh much (longer windows, etc). It is fairly stock.


My GM gas (6.0L) 3500HD has no problem hauling 4500lbs of payload up a mountain at the speed limit. You'll start to notice the power drop of a naturally aspirated gas engine over 6,000 ft or so, so if you are traveling the high Sierra regularly, it might impact your decision. With a camper of only 2,000 lbs, though, I think the gas engine will perform fine. Keep in mind that the GM HD trucks will have a 4.10 rear end, giving them better apparent performance than most 1/2 ton trucks, even with about the same engine power.

Posted By: monkey44 on 04/19/16 12:13pm

We went from GM 2500 6.0 gas w/3:73 to a new GM 2500HD ExCab SB 6.0 gas w/4:10 and the six speed trans. We had very little trouble with the 3:73 on hills, and no trouble at all on hills with the new 6.0 w/4:10 ... we carry a Lance 845 at 3000 lbs dry, probably over 3500+ lbs wet.

Diesel has its moments, but for the money, unless you are planning on towing with the camper, and you said not, the extra cost for buying and maintaining a diesel don't make a lot of sense to me. You can buy a lot of gas for $8000. My truck gets 14/16 empty and around 10-12 on highway, depending on the grades. SO that's about 45/50K miles worth of gas free, sorta.

The 6.0 is a real workhorse, especially with the 4:10 ...

Monkey44
Cape Cod Ma & Central Fla
Chevy 2500HD 4x4 DC-SB
2008 Lance 845
Back-country camping fanatic

Posted By: STANG23L on 04/19/16 12:56pm

If you want to avoid all of the current emissions equipment and problems that they cause. Go with a pre 2007.5 - 2008 diesel regardless of manufacture. If you want newer get one with a warranty and dump it as soon as it is up!

2014 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel

Posted By: TCdude on 04/19/16 01:55pm

Absolutely love my GM 3500 with the 6.0 and 4.10 rear end and pleasantly surprised how many people are recommending it.
Drove it through the smoky mountains last summer with my 4000+ Lance on back. It didn't have any problems other than watching the gas gauge sink as the RPMs rise.
It will not have the pulling power of a diesel no doubt, but it has plenty enough for my rig in the mountains.

Too each his own, do some research and weigh your options(wallet).

02 GMC 3500 Auto DRW RWD 4.10
2003 Lance 1130 - ROTTEN and Gone
1997 Bigfoot 10.6

Posted By: lonegunman on 04/19/16 03:00pm

I thought about a gasser and went for a diesel. I have a gas engine F-250 for a work truck and a diesel engine F-250 to haul my TC. The gasser gets 11.4 avg combined city and highway, the diesel 17.2 mpg for the same driving.

150,000 miles is 13,579 gallons of gas at $2.50 a gallon or $32,895

150,000 miles is 8,721 gallons of diesel at $2.50 a gallon or $21,802

I change oil and replace fuel filters at regular intervals and have had zero problems with the diesel truck in five years. Fully loaded, with 3.73 rears it will climb hills and merge in traffic with zero problems. With the fully loaded camper on the back I have been getting 12.5 mpg highway speeds, a little better on back roads driving in the low 60 mph range.

I carry an extra oil filter and oil when I am on extended trips and most places will do an oil change for the basic price with no problems.

In my opinion, the difference between gas and diesel in power and torque is stunning, buying a diesel will not disappoint you. My gas truck would have split a seam well before my diesel truck even got into the power band.

Posted By: jimh406 on 04/19/16 04:29pm

In my area, regular gasoline is cheaper than diesel by quite a bit. Where in Eastern Washington do you find it the same price? [emoticon]

Posted By: Buzzcut1 on 04/19/16 04:33pm

I prefer a diesel. It helps that in the bay area Diesel is $0.20 to $0.30 cheaper per gallon than regular gasolene

2011 F350 6.7L Diesel 4x4 CrewCab longbed Dually, 2019 Lance 1062, Torqlift Talons, Fast Guns, upper and lower Stable Loads, Super Hitch, 48" Super Truss, Airlift loadlifter 5000 extreme airbags


Posted By: lonegunman on 04/19/16 07:47pm

jimh425 wrote:

In my area, regular gasoline is cheaper than diesel by quite a bit. Where in Eastern Washington do you find it the same price? [emoticon]


$11,000 cheaper? In my area the prices are the same or within 20 cents.

Posted By: Farmerjon on 04/19/16 08:26pm

In my part of Missouri Diesel is a dime less than Gas.

2015 F350 Lariat CC LB 4x4 DRW 6.7, 6sp auto, 3.73
2000 F350 lariat SC LB 4x4 DRW 7.3, 6sp manual 3.73
1987 F250 Lariat SC/LB 4x4 SRW 460 4sp stick 4.10
1995 Jeep wrangler
99 Star Craft 953


Posted By: Grit dog on 04/20/16 01:45am

jimh425 wrote:

In my area, regular gasoline is cheaper than diesel by quite a bit. Where in Eastern Washington do you find it the same price? [emoticon]

Weird, I've been buying diesel for about 20c less than gas at a local station for months and everywhere else around here diesel is the same or less than 87 gas.
Wish gas was cheaper been burning more of that than diesel oil lately but with these prices who can complain?

Posted By: jimh406 on 04/20/16 08:07am

The prices have been closer lately. http://fuelgaugereport.aaa.com/states/washington/washington-metro/ shows an extreme spread of around $.80 in 2008 and $.16 in the last month.

I'd be happy if diesel stays low!

Posted By: Grodyman on 04/20/16 08:17am

I would avoid any diesel. Too expensive and repairs are expensive out of warranty. Gas all the way.

2017 F150 CC/5.5' 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost/3.55
2018 Passport Ultra-Lite 153ML

Posted By: Farmerjon on 04/20/16 09:16am

Our 2000 7.3 with 138,000 on it has had only 1 problem and that was a cam position sensor at 85,000 miles.
That's not really a diesel problem.
It uses 1 quart of oil between changes and runs like new. But that isn't any different than what I would expect from any of the newer trucks, gas or diesel.
We just replaced alot of front suspension parts,ball joints etc and the front leaf springs.
Again not diesel related unless you want to blame the weight of the engine which I don't.
It's just a common repair to be expected on older gas or diesel trucks.

Posted By: realter on 12/03/16 12:58pm

Ventura Dogman wrote:

I don't see me trading up to a bigger camper. It is me and a dog and I like to head to out of the way places on rough dirt roads, etc. This camper already weighs a little more than I would like, but it is comfortable and warm. The truck is strictly for the camper and road trips. I have a Honda Accord as a commuter until I can retire. This will be my retirement rig.

I just traded up from a Northstar popup (TC800) and I figure this will be it until I take the final dirt nap.

I spend a lot of time in the mountains on steep and curvy roads. I figured the torque of the diesel would come in handy for this? I have the F150 with the big V8 and it feels pretty underpowered climbing hills.

Realter, I just double checked and the base dry weight on the new Laredo SC is 2090 lb. per the Northstar website. I added a bumper, but will travel without the jacks, probably a net weight loss. The other options I added don't weigh much (longer windows, etc). It is fairly stock.




I notice you traded up to a 3500. Did you ever weigh the Laredo?

Posted By: dadwolf2 on 12/03/16 01:02pm

Another vote for, if you're looking at a 3/4 ton diesel, just go straight to the 1 ton.

2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD,4X4,NV5600
2014 Adventurer 86FB

Posted By: jefe 4x4 on 12/04/16 03:54pm

A lot of personal preference here, as it should be. If I were in your shoes, knowing your parameters, I would just keep a lookout for a used 350-3500 that is a good bargain. Engine, transmission, and accessories are all in the mix. Be prepared to go a few hundred miles from your place to make that bargain. So. Cal. is bargain country. A lot of distressed sellers there. My neighbor Ken found a 1995, V-10, Dodge 2-series, 4x4 single cab long bed with a deluxe shell and lumber rack for $3500. Oh, and 60K miles on the clock. He pulls a 4 horse trailer. What a great rig at a great price. He could not be more pleased. Jim my neighbor bought as 2001 Dodge Cummins for $7K about 6 years ago. It looks and sounds good with no woes and just turned 300K miles on the original engine. Another neighbor James, bought a brand new 2016 Ram 2-series 4 door long bed 4x4 with the Aisin trans and newest version of the Cummins. What is that? 950 pound feet of torque? He is ecstatic. Another neighbor Keith bought a 2008 Ford F-250 HD to haul his Lance 845 camper. He loves it. Our newest next-door neighbor Rob just bought a 2016 Chevy 2500 diesel pickup and he is overjoyed. We looked in the glove box to find out what size camper he should get to find out the weight max for a camper is 1500 pounds. Boo. What's up with that? Looking at the rear end (that gigantic AAM axle) I found he had no overload springs and wimpy tires. Otherwise, the frame, suspension, and drive train are the same as on much higher weight rated trucks. These are my closest neighbors that waited for the opportune time to jump in and buy a truck. They were open minded enough to get the best deal regardless of badge. jefe

'01.5 Dodge 2500 4x4, CTD, Qcab, SB, NV5600, 241HD, 4.10's, Dana 70/TruTrac; Dana 80/ TruTrac, Spintec hub conversion, H.D. susp, 315/75R16's on 7.5" and 10" wide steel wheels, Vulcan big line, Warn M15K winch '98 Lance Lite 165s, 8' 6" X-cab, 200w Solar

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