Roger350 said:

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With modern tow ratings, payload is almost always the limiting factor. So many people towing campers with 1/2 tons seem to have zero comprehension of payload ratings and axle ratings.

Just curious, for your setup, why not start with an F350 if you are going to add helper springs and such?

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There really isn't a difference as I will essentially be converting a F250 into a F350, however the two factors are weight and legal requirements. Some states classify F350s as commercial vehicles, which changes insurance and licensing rules. I don't want to mess with a CDL or have to carry extra insurance.

The bigger consideration for me is whether I can get away with a 6.5 foot bed or go for the 8 footer. I love the idea of the extra space, but I hate the idea of the complete lack of maneuverability with an 8 foot bed double cab. I want to be able to take this beast anywhere and 8 foot beds are big time limiters. Plus the cabover shell I will use weighs an extra 100 pounds in the 8 foot version.

Yesterday said:

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All good points. Just remember your RV truck will get 6mpg and you'll have to stop every 200 miles to refuel.

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I am guessing more like 10-12 mpg.

Pop top cabover and total build weight around 1200 pounds, including batteries. My goal is to build ultralight as weight really kills your ability to go places.

I originally wanted to do a Powerboost to get that 7.2 kw battery/alternator but that system weighs a ton and I want every single piece in the entire build to be modular. I am tired of having systems, I want components instead so if they break the whole thing isn't grounded.

Makes perfect sense. I forgot the 1-Tons start to push the GVWR / GCWR over 26k faster than the 3/4-Tons requiring a CDL. And yeah they get very long with the 8 foot bed.

I've always thought the Big 3 should offer their 3/4-tons with the option of the 5.5 ft beds they put on the 1/2-ton crew cabs. It would allow all the folks towing way overloaded with 1/2-tons to get the amount of payload capacity they actually need without sacrificing parking "ease" the smaller trucks offer. What's one more variation on a build list that is 6 pages long already

I had an 8' f350 in Texas and paid regular insurance and registration. Once it's registered in Texas you're good to go. This assumes you're in Texas of course.

My F350 pulling our 5th wheel.

It would pretty much be what the Brazilian Tropiclassic was..

Or an airport tug

Yesterday said:

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I had an 8' f350 in Texas and paid regular insurance and registration. Once it's registered in Texas you're good to go. This assumes you're in Texas of course.

My F350 pulling our 5th wheel.

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In Texas a 8 foot bed F350 is considered a small passenger vehicle with a primary use of going to the "mall" and getting a 30 pack of diet coke from Costco.

Some other states do not agree.

Roger350 said:

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Makes perfect sense. I forgot the 1-Tons start to push the GVWR / GCWR over 26k faster than the 3/4-Tons requiring a CDL. And yeah they get very long with the 8 foot bed.

I've always thought the Big 3 should offer their 3/4-tons with the option of the 5.5 ft beds they put on the 1/2-ton crew cabs. It would allow all the folks towing way overloaded with 1/2-tons to get the amount of payload capacity they actually need without sacrificing parking "ease" the smaller trucks offer. What's one more variation on a build list that is 6 pages long already

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Parking will still be a problem with a 6.5 bed and a crew cab. I just want to be able to make it up switchbacks and a crew cab - 8 footer has a turning radius of a football field.

A crew cab 8 footer is 22.5 feet long. Add a front mount bike rack and rear cargo boxes and you are 30 freaking feet long. That being said, it would be Niiiiiceee having all that room.

Top one looks a little like a Chevy Avalanche which was offered in a 3/4-ton version.

And everyone's favorite, the Ford Excursion, actually had a shorter wheelbase and overall length than a current F150 SUper Crew with the 5.5 ft bed, so based on the legendary status of the Excursion, I'd say there might be a market for a shorter 3/4-ton Super Crew with a 5.5 ft bed.

This may be easier than what you've got cooking.

I have a 2024f250 7.3 tremor lariat.

Payload right at 3,000 pounds. Mechanically it can do way more since technically the tremor f250 is the same as the 350. Strange but true. The sticker ratings are just different. You've likely got 3250-3500 payload with the gasser.

4.3 gears and will do the overlanding you need. Trail turn setting. Rear locker. Limited slip front. Not sure if you can get them in the long bed.

I recently pulled my 7700# dry (probably 9k loaded) 35' TT around the hills of southern Oklahoma and got right at 8mpg. Around town I'm getting 13 or so.

I'd expect you'll get 10 max.

They have 34gallon tanks so 250 miles ain't bad for stops. There is a new aftermarket gas tank that holds 58gallons. Say goodbye to short hauls.

Realistically though, 250 miles is all I can go without needing to stop for family and stuff.

Edit: I should also add it comes stock with 35" tires, 37"s could fit easily.

Roger350 said:

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Top one looks a little like a Chevy Avalanche which was offered in a 3/4-ton version.

And everyone's favorite, the Ford Excursion, actually had a shorter wheelbase and overall length than a current F150 SUper Crew with the 5.5 ft bed, so based on the legendary status of the Excursion, I'd say there might be a market for a shorter 3/4-ton Super Crew with a 5.5 ft bed.

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I know it's my favorite! My wife and I both switched from gas to diesel in the past 6 months and it's been amazing. If you have the means I highly recommend it.

When ever I think of people going back and forth about payload on these newer pickups I always think back to this commercial. Here's a 1985 Ford F-250 with most likely a 351 Windsor in it pushing 200hp and 375 Ft-lbs hauling a Chevy and towing a Dodge up a rock pile. With modern box frames and advancements in structural engineering, I think it's safe to say if you are a few hundred pounds over the payload, you'll be okay.

Somebody like Whislindiesel ought to recreate it with the modern equivalents.

Yesterday said:

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You're wanting us to validate your lust for a diesel truck....and I'm here for you! Heck, an ecoboost f150 could tow what you're talking about but who wants that? There's nothing like today's modern diesel. Sure it's $11k more, more maintenance, DEF etc etc...but it hauls and feels great.

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Why do you think a diesel is more maintenance? Oil changes cost a little more due to diesel engine oil capacity. I change my oil every 10k. Not sure if you can go that long on a gasser. Two fuel filters instead of just one? No spark plugs to change.

ghollow said:

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Yesterday said:

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You're wanting us to validate your lust for a diesel truck....and I'm here for you! Heck, an ecoboost f150 could tow what you're talking about but who wants that? There's nothing like today's modern diesel. Sure it's $11k more, more maintenance, DEF etc etc...but it hauls and feels great.

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Why do you think a diesel is more maintenance? Oil changes cost a little more due to diesel engine oil capacity. I change my oil every 10k. Not sure if you can go that long on a gasser. Two fuel filters instead of just one? No spark plugs to change.

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DEF system can blow up to be 2+ years of maintenance.

My uncles 6.6 Duramax DEF system just blew up. About $2.5k. He's at 150k miles.

It's not a huge deal but it is more than gas. It's worth mentioning.

A few hundred pounds over payload is probably fine, provided it is distributed well and not just all on the tongue taking all the weight off the front axle like most of the idiots towing too heavy with half tons.

But that advertisement is marketing fodder which I'm sure put that truck outside of its limits. With the weight of modern trucks, and the flimsier sheet metal used today, not only would putting that truck on top of the bed rails greatly overload its payload, I bet it would crush the rails.

I bought my first truck in late May - went with 2024 RAM 2500 with Cummins diesel. I'm towing 10K+lbs boat and I'm loving it.

less than 3K miles on it but I couldn't be happier.

Whatever you choose - enjoy and be safe.

Gig 'em