Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Spawn Sack on May 25, 2013, 08:22:27 PM
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I've always wanted a truck and camper. A tent trailer/trailer wouldn't work as a lot of the lakes I like to get into require a fair bit of clearance (deactivated roads, etc) and I think anything on a trailer would get smashed to bits. Finally I'm in a financial position where I am thinking of selling my car and buying a truck, then camper at some point down the road. Right now we put our canoe on the roof of our 4Runner when we go camping/fishing and sleep in a tent - it's time to upgrade!
The truck I've always wanted is a Tachoma (V6 4WD). I pretty much have my heart set on one. If I determine they don't have the ability to carry the type of camper I want I would consider steping up to a Tundra (older body style preferably...new style is a bit too massive for my liking).
Anyway what I am struggling with is... I would hate to go out and buy a Tachoma, then find out that it lacks the ability to carry most campers I would consider purchasing. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen a camper on a Tachoma! Down the road I would also like to buy a car top boat (12 footish) on a trailer, so the truck needs to be able to pull the boat and carry the camper.
I know a reasonable amount about trucks, but nothing about campers. Can you put a canoe or car top boat on top of a camper? If yes how in the heck do you get it on and off?
If someone could reccomend a good RV dealer (I live in Chilliwack) that would be awesome and I think a good place to start. I reckon the most sensible way to go about things is to go check out some campers, find out what the ones I like weigh, then find of the load/towing capacity of the Tachoma and if it could handle campers I like.
Anything I can do to avoid the situation of buying a truck, camper, and boat then finding out the truck is an absolute dog when carying/towing the two would be much appreciated!
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I found an interesting looking "pop up" camper. I've never seen nor know anyone who has had one of these. They look pretty dorky but I suppouse one benifet would be access to the roof if you wanted to put a boat or canoe on top.
Here's a link:
http://www.fourwheelcampers.ca/models.htm#fit
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i love my 2000 taco trd. the new tacomas are butt ugly and bigger then the 1st gen. although they prolly have fancier new features and stuff. i'm able to squeeze through overgrown old logging roads and i don't need a big truck anyway. i sleep in my canopy on an elevated platform and store my gear underneath. never had a camper or pulled a trailer but i've talked to others that have and they said no problem. airbags in the rear would probably be a good idea. check out tacomaworld or 1 of the other forums there's loads of info. p.s.-get a trd with the locking differential. it's saved my butt plenty of times.
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Dont do the pop up camper, Northern Lite makes an awesome small lightweight camper for small trucks... you see them from time to time on Craigslist for around the $7000 range, they are worth the money, very light weight, good quality and never leak as they are a solid fiberglass shell.
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Look at the camper you want, and then decide on the truck.
Campers start at 3000lbs innless you get a pop-up or import style.
there are a few camper places along the freeway.
I saw a new 3/4 dodge crew cab for $34,000 (seems cheep)
19,500lb gross combined, and payload 3100lbs
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Dont do the pop up camper, Northern Lite makes an awesome small lightweight camper for small trucks... you see them from time to time on Craigslist for around the $7000 range, they are worth the money, very light weight, good quality and never leak as they are a solid fiberglass shell.
Yep, great camper. A friend of mine has the Northern Lite 6'10" camper on his tacoma.
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Thanks guys! Lucarno, I'll check out those websites. And yes I'd definitley want the locking rear diff - it's saved our butts a few times with our 4Runner. Patagonia, what's so bad about the pop ups??? Are they more prone to leaks? Not as warm?
I see that Oconnor is the Northern Lite dealer for the lower mainland. One of these days Ill go check out the ones made for smaller trucks like the Tacoma, etc. From there Ill go look at trucks and their specs and make sure they have enough payload + towing capacity.
The smaller NL and popups weight about 1000lbs. That doesnt seem too bad! Heck with 4 big adults + ski gear ive hauled that in my Matrix countless times! Obviously the center of gravity etc are factors that the potential truck would have to be able to handle without any major issues.
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Oh yeah and how in the heck do you get a car top boat or canoe on/off of a taller camper? I see the popups have roof racks as an option, and theyre low enough with the roof down that one/two ppl could get something on/off the roof without major issues. What abiut on a regular camper?! We struggle enough to get our big canoe on/off the roof of our 4runner. we just lift it on/off over our heads military press style No big deal for me but the misses struggles with her end.
Perhaps there is a simple way to do this with a camper. Ive seen boats on the roofs of camoers so there has to be some safe way of doing it...
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if the boat isnt too long just strap it against the back door. I've seen boats strapped against the back of campers this way before. I think they screw some sort of hook or plate for the boat to rest on and then just strap it down. you just wanna make sure its not sticking out over the roof catching all the wind
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IMHO Tacomas are very overhyped and overpriced. They are almost unchanged mechanically in almost 10 years. The 4.0 makes less HP and TQ than the big 3's full sized trucks, and cost about the same while using the same amount of fuel. Also, google the frame rust issue with the Taco's.
If you are planning trips up the Coq and through the mountains, you will love the extra power that a Silverado, Ram or F150 with a modern V8 will provide you.
One last thing, the modern V8s in the big three will likely use LESS gas than the Tacoma while carrying a camper as it will be working much less hard than the Taco's outdated and outgunned V6.
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I had a sportsman import fiberglass pop up camper ! weighed in at 950 and had it on my f-150
only complaints about it was there was no room !!! had to sleep sideways on the lower bed and my son would sleep up on the bunk up top !
If I were looking for a new Truck in the half ton size I would really consider the f150 with the eco boost ! few people I know that have them or driven them said they were getting 30 mpg on the highway ! if true.... thats amazing as my dakota I have right now doesn't even get 20 mpg on the highway :(
here's a pic of the sportsman pop top !
(http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv119/rjs1962/103_0308_IMGsized.jpg) (http://s675.photobucket.com/user/rjs1962/media/103_0308_IMGsized.jpg.html)
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IMHO Tacomas are very overhyped and overpriced. They are almost unchanged mechanically in almost 10 years. The 4.0 makes less HP and TQ than the big 3's full sized trucks, and cost about the same while using the same amount of fuel. Also, google the frame rust issue with the Taco's.
If you are planning trips up the Coq and through the mountains, you will love the extra power that a Silverado, Ram or F150 with a modern V8 will provide you.
One last thing, the modern V8s in the big three will likely use LESS gas than the Tacoma while carrying a camper as it will be working much less hard than the Taco's outdated and outgunned V6.
Hmmmm...I think you might want to check your #s on fuel mileage. We have a 08 4Runner with the same motor (4.0 V6) and we avg 650km to a tank mixed city/highway (about 60% hwy 40% around town). People I know with full size trucks average about 500km to the same size tank under the same driving conditions. That's about 25% better fuel mileage! I will not dispute that Toyota trucks are pricey but I'd take a 5 year old Tundra or Tacoma with no warranty (what I'm realistically looking at buying) over a similar Dodge, Ford, or GMC any day. Now if someone wanted to buy me a new truck with a full warranty and pay for my gas, then I would have now issues with driving a full sized truck from any of the Big 3.
Of course a mid sized truck like a Tacoma with a camper pulling a small boat? I gotta admit the idea worries me a bit and you're probably right it would likely suck more gas than a full sized V8 working much less hard. If I deem it the pragmatic choice I would consider the older body style tundra with the 4.7L V8, or even the newer body style with the 5.7L V8 (probably way more truck than I need). Too many buddies I know with domestic pick ups have had so many problems and if it weren't for the warranty the trucks would have cost them a small fortune in repairs. Seems most Tacoma's and other Toyota's just require routine maintenance and they run for 500,000km without a hickup.
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I had a sportsman import fiberglass pop up camper ! weighed in at 950 and had it on my f-150
only complaints about it was there was no room !!! had to sleep sideways on the lower bed and my son would sleep up on the bunk up top !
If I were looking for a new Truck in the half ton size I would really consider the f150 with the eco boost ! few people I know that have them or driven them said they were getting 30 mpg on the highway ! if true.... thats amazing as my dakota I have right now doesn't even get 20 mpg on the highway :(
Thanks for that. I'm definitley liking the looks of the Northern Lites more than the pop ups now. That being said I'm not going to make up my mind until I go check them out in person.
Our 4Runner with the same 4.0LV6 as the Tacoma averages 28mpg mixed city and highway. And that's with A/T tires. I suspect the Tacoma would get similar if not the same milage. I'm a bit worried that a Tamoma with even a 1000lb camper on, plus all the gear weight and towing a small cartop on a trailer would be overloaded. THEN I'm thinking the fuel milage would suck. I'll have to do my research and make sure I buy the right truck to handle the camper and boat I plan to buy down the road. I'm really hoping a Tacoma can pull it off. If not Tundra it is!
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You must have the best made 4.0 litre ever.
http://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/tacoma/gas%20v6/truck
99% of users get between 14 and 24mpg. Most are right around 17mpgs
Anyhoo, I'm not trying to sell you on a domestic. But you can get a pretty loaded up, quad cab 4x4 F150 for $32K with a bumper to bumper warranty.
http://www.fuelly.com/car/ford/f-150, most users are getting 16mpgs with newer F150s.
As you mentioned, a used Tundra is a great option too though. Either way, I'd go V8 and skip the Taco.
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Hey Spawn Sack
I'm a big advocate for the truck and camper route. Great for accessing those out of reach spots, everything all with you when you need it. Plus great for long hauls when you're pulling into parking lots etc and you don't need to take up 6 parking stalls.
I bought a ford ranger 7 years ago and an import camper to go with it. It's an Adventurer 76R (which has now been discontinued.) It's a great little rig, double bed up top table folds down to another double, sink, stove, heater and 2 way fridge. That unit had gone a lot of places including up and down the coast to California at least once a year. The bonus with this type of set-up is you have a smaller truck when the camper is off for commuting.
Most of these import size campers don't have a bathroom, which wasn't an issue for us, but may be to some. It also reduces the weight by not having the tanks. They do usually have a generous fresh water tank but do check on that as if you'll be off the beaten path for awhile it is something to consider. The pop-ups are nice for the clearance but can get colder and do have a bigger risk of leaks. As well, like tent trailers, they need to be aired out properly as if it's wet when it gets packed up they're can be an issue with mould building up. We went with a full hard sized unit and use it year round.
A couple things to look for in a camper. Go with a full one piece roof, this is where most of the leaks occur so get a one-piece roof. If buying used, check the seals and caulking around the vents and windows make sure they have been kept up. Check the height of the cab-over as you may need to add some wood or something to the truck bed to raise it up properly.
As for boats on the roof you can get roof racks and pitch a small canoe up top. I often load kayaks and surfboards on ours so it's not a big issue. However with something a bit bigger or for convenience I might suggest getting a boat loader. Something like this. http://www.loadit.com/rear-boat-loader.html
All in all they are a great way to camp and I love ours. I recently upgraded to a bigger truck and now I am torn on our little camper. The wife wants to sell it and get something bigger but I love our little camper. Plus they are getting harder to find and everyone i know that's owned one and sold it has regretted it later.
Hopefully that's of some help.
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I love my 2012 tacoma!
(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w216/derekerlandson/D105D9CF-F6FE-4547-A14F-197FCF8BBDEF-3277-000003D8D8E58075.jpg)
(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w216/derekerlandson/238FD8A6-CA72-4A5F-BF56-794BE672E9C4-3277-000003D9F31E4431.jpg)
You won't be disappointed!
As far as complaints of lack of power and gas mileage the same as the big three I disagree. No issue towing and my fuel economy is pretty good
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Good to hear it works for you. Some people have no problem with 10 year old engine technology. An SR5 Double Cab 4x4 is $32,500.
Others would opt for a Ford 150 with a 5.0L V8, with 360 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, a 10,000 lb tow rating and a payload of 3,120 lbs for carrying a camper. For essentially the same price and same fuel economy as the Taco.
Or a loaded Ram Quad Cab Outdoorsman Edition with 390 HP is $32,300 and will carry the camper and all the gear with barely feeling it. The loaded to the nuts BigHorn Edition is $34,500.
$34,100 will get you the Ram HFE with Pentastar V6 with the awesome 8 speed tranny and offers combined economy in the 20s and can still tow 6500lbs.
Food for thought.
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If you buy a new Toyota with the correct options you might get a payload of 2000lbs.
This camper looks nice at 1750lbs, add water and propane (260lbs) its now over your limit without gear.
http://www.northern-lite.com/truck_camper_lite_85.html
6'10 Ultra lite will work perfect for a toyota
http://www.northern-lite.com/truck_camper_lite_610.html
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Agreed. All what you are looking for I guess. I know more than a few up here in northern Alberta where i work all who own domestic trucks and have had multiple issues most being dodge and ford all with near new trucks. There are a bunch of Toyota owners as well and I don't know one who has had the issues with thier truck aside from a power steering hose that went on an '07 tundra. Both the tundras and tacomas are in my opinion mechanically a superior vehicle. Not to mention the resale value comparison isn't even close. I'm sure there are examples of lemon Toyotas out there but I have yet to meet a disappointed Toyota owner. You Get what you pay for more often than not.
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You must have the best made 4.0 litre ever.
http://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/tacoma/gas%20v6/truck
99% of users get between 14 and 24mpg. Most are right around 17mpgs
Anyhoo, I'm not trying to sell you on a domestic. But you can get a pretty loaded up, quad cab 4x4 F150 for $32K with a bumper to bumper warranty.
http://www.fuelly.com/car/ford/f-150, most users are getting 16mpgs with newer F150s.
As you mentioned, a used Tundra is a great option too though. Either way, I'd go V8 and skip the Taco.
Haha maybe I do! My dash "avg fuel consumption" usually reads 10-10.5 L/100km over the course of a tank. I think that's around 22-25 MPG. My driving habits likely help. I do 100km/h on the highway unless, on the odd day, if I'm running late and need to speed. I really don't get people who are on time and still drive at 110kmh + (like my girlfriend). I try to tell her that first, you're in the "ticket range" and second the aerodynamic drag (esp with a truck) at such speeds really suck up a lot more gas!
I also keep my tires properly inflated and keep the vehicle in tip top running condition. I doubt it make a diff, but I also run full synthetic "energy conserving" oil in the motor. Anyway, this is the milage I get consistently, and even a bit better on an all highway road trip.
I was talking to a guy at work yesterday who has an 09 Tacoma V6. He said he avgs about 600km a tank and cruises at 115km/hish on the highway.
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go drive a new eco boost f150. you will never look at another 1/2 ton again. more power than a hemi v8 and the fuel mileage of a v6. i would own one but my bigfoot is to heavy. the difference between a tacoma and domestics is domestics do real work. sure they need service more often but they get worked harder than the toyota especially on the rigs. we had a 2011 f350 yesterday in our shop that had 250000km already. dont think it ever turned off. dont get me wrong they are great trucks but if you need to get more things done than towing a small boat look elsewhere. anyway here is a pick of my rig all loaded up minus the griz.
(http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g365/bigblockfox545/pics54675343019_zps1e7d3f1f.jpg) (http://s1098.photobucket.com/user/bigblockfox545/media/pics54675343019_zps1e7d3f1f.jpg.html)
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Good to hear it works for you. Some people have no problem with 10 year old engine technology. An SR5 Double Cab 4x4 is $32,500.
Others would opt for a Ford 150 with a 5.0L V8, with 360 hp and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, a 10,000 lb tow rating and a payload of 3,120 lbs for carrying a camper. For essentially the same price and same fuel economy as the Taco.
Or a loaded Ram Quad Cab Outdoorsman Edition with 390 HP is $32,300 and will carry the camper and all the gear with barely feeling it. The loaded to the nuts BigHorn Edition is $34,500.
$34,100 will get you the Ram HFE with Pentastar V6 with the awesome 8 speed tranny and offers combined economy in the 20s and can still tow 6500lbs.
Food for thought.
"10 year old technology"...hmmm...yeah those darn Japanses eh? So archaic. They really need to get with the times. True, the Tacoma has been changed little over the years and, especially in the interior, could use a bit of a facelift. However it is an outdoorman's truck, so if you desire a blue tooth activated cigar lighter, you're probably better off with a "pimped out" domestic truck. One thing I would LOVE to see in North America is Tacomas with the 3.0L diesel!! I was in Thailand for 5 weeks over the winter and every Tacoma (Hilux) had the 3.0 D. I want one!! :(
As for the V6 motor, it's bullet proof. Perfect for a zombie apocolapse. You know the ain't broke motto? When I see all these "totally redesigned" motors by Ford, GMC, etc I think to myself...totally haven't worked the bugs out yet, nightmare waiting to happen! Like my poor buddy who recently had the motor on his F-350 diesel blow after 150,000k. Apparently was a design flaw with the motor. New motor is $14,000ish - thanks Ford!
Don't get me wrong, some of the domestic full sized trucks are amazing to drive. Got a lift home the other day in a coworkers 1500 Ram Long Horn edition. WOW, what an amazing ride - and the interior! The leather! I just don't think I would buy a used domestic with no warranty. If I could afford a new one with full warranty - no problem!
I don't buy the fuel specs on the new trucks you described one bit. The new F-150 with the 5.0 for example, perhaps that's the #'s Ford puts out. A buddy of mine has one, which he loves, but he says he get's about 500km to 90L. A V6 Tacoma or 4Runner might get that if you were driving it like you stole it!
In the end I don't need a 360hp, 3000+ lbs of pay load etc. That being said I don't want a 4.0 Tacoma if it's going to be a dog carrying a 1000ish LB camper plus towing small boat. From what I have read, though, I don't think it would be. After a bit more research and visiting a couple RV dealers (and the Toyota dealer) it'll either be the V6 Tacoma or V8 Tundra.
True domestic trucks are cheaper to buy but, as another writer pointed out, they are worth a lot less of their purchase price whe you go to sell it down the road. IMO you can either pay now or pay later. I'd rather pay more up front and get a truck that is likely to be more reliable.
Nonetheless, Damian, I appreciate your comments. In fact I like dissenting opinion as it makes me question if I'm buying what suits my needs or just what I like. Everybody agreeing = boring..zzz...zzz
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Agreed. All what you are looking for I guess. I know more than a few up here in northern Alberta where i work all who own domestic trucks and have had multiple issues most being dodge and ford all with near new trucks. There are a bunch of Toyota owners as well and I don't know one who has had the issues with thier truck aside from a power steering hose that went on an '07 tundra. Both the tundras and tacomas are in my opinion mechanically a superior vehicle. Not to mention the resale value comparison isn't even close. I'm sure there are examples of lemon Toyotas out there but I have yet to meet a disappointed Toyota owner. You Get what you pay for more often than not.
x2. Toyota all the way! I'm on my 7th vechile, which is my first Toyota. ZERO problems after 4 years. Our other vehicle, the 4Runner, zero issues after 2 years and we bought it 4 years old with 100,000km. Previous domestic cars and trucks I've had always had issues. Got rid of my 02 Trail Blazer 6 months after the warranty was up as it was in the shop every 6 months with a all sorts of drivetrain issues, electrical issues, etc. IMO the Toyotas made in Japan (4Runner) etc are better than the ones made in North America.
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diesel motors dont blow for no reason, and fyi international makes fords diesel engines not ford except for the newest one. i personally think you will be much happier with the tundra. that poor 4.0 in the tacoma only makes 236 hp. ouch. but pls pls test drive an eco boost for shits and giggles before you make your purchase. friend of mine was in the same boat as you. wanted a tacoma then drove the eco boost and never looked back. an xtr ecoboost are in the mid 30's and they will hold their value like any toyota.
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and if your budget allows you go with big foot or northern lite campers. they cost a bit more but in the long run they are worth every penny especially if you store it outside. no wood = no wood rot.
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diesel motors dont blow for no reason, and fyi international makes fords diesel engines not ford except for the newest one. i personally think you will be much happier with the tundra. that poor 4.0 in the tacoma only makes 236 hp. ouch. but pls pls test drive an eco boost for shits and giggles before you make your purchase. friend of mine was in the same boat as you. wanted a tacoma then drove the eco boost and never looked back. an xtr ecoboost are in the mid 30's and they will hold their value like any toyota.
They certainly do not blow up for no reason. The reason is it was a poor design and prone to failure right off the show room floor. Where does International hire their engineers from, a college co-op program? I car pooled with the guy with the blown motor for a year and I know for certain that he babied it, all dealer serviced, only towed for a couple weeks each summer, etc. Ford Canada and the dealer he bought it from were unsympathetic. Of course the dealer he bought the truck from offered him a "smokin deal" on a new truck + trade. Wow. In the end he opted for a new motor with warranty and the original crap parts replaced. I feel terrible for the guy but it was still a lot cheaper to buy the new motor than buy a new truck.
As far as the eco boost F150 goes I would certainly test drive one. As far as holding their value as well as a Tacoma I'm calling bollocks on that one! Everyone knows the Japanese vehicles, especially high end models like the 4Runners, Tacomas, etc hold their value better than the domestics.
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and if your budget allows you go with big foot or northern lite campers. they cost a bit more but in the long run they are worth every penny especially if you store it outside. no wood = no wood rot.
Good point, I never considered that. Camper would likely be stored outside. I'm liking the looks of the Northern Lite 6"10 untralight. About 1000lbs. Appears to have sufficent room for the 2 of us. Will go to Oconnor in the Wack sometime soonish and check them out, prices, etc. Am in no big rush to buy.
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they will hold they value trust me. EVERYBODY wants one. we cannot keep a used one on the lot for longer than a couple of days. this domestic is a exception to the rules. my old man just borrowed one from the lease department to drive to trail from richmond. he loved it. great mileage and power. he wants one so bad now lol. as for your buddys diesel he probably didnt see the signs that things were going south. they will tell you. every diesel auto manufactor has had troubles complying with strict new emissions laws. first 2003 than 2008 and finally 2011. even the heavy duty trucks has had its fair share of problems. i have haD the egr deleted on my truck since 2007 so i have never had any issues personally, but like i tell everyone, only buy a diesel if you need one.
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that 6"10 would be fine for the tacoma. just dont expect to be pulling much behind it.
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they will hold they value trust me. EVERYBODY wants one. we cannot keep a used one on the lot for longer than a couple of days. this domestic is a exception to the rules. my old man just borrowed one from the lease department to drive to trail from richmond. he loved it. great mileage and power. he wants one so bad now lol. as for your buddys diesel he probably didnt see the signs that things were going south. they will tell you. every diesel auto manufactor has had troubles complying with strict new emissions laws. first 2003 than 2008 and finally 2011. even the heavy duty trucks has had its fair share of problems. i have haD the egr deleted on my truck since 2007 so i have never had any issues personally, but like i tell everyone, only buy a diesel if you need one.
Haha alright alright I'll at least checkem out. I'm not sure how old this eco boost motor is but if it's hot off the production line I'd personally give it a year or two to see if any major design flaws surface. Who makes the eco boost? Triton? Fisher price? Haha just kidding ;)
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"every diesel auto manufactor has had troubles complying with strict new emissions laws. first 2003 than 2008 and finally 2011. even the heavy duty trucks has had its fair share of problems. i have haD the egr deleted on my truck since 2007 so i have never had any issues personally, but like i tell everyone, only buy a diesel if you need one."
True that. May dad has an 2001 Dodge 3500 with the V6 diesel. He has ben looking at a new diesel for several years but he keeps coming to the same conclusion: with the new emission standards, the new ones suck! He has not had a single issue with the older Cummins. Is does not make near the power of the newer V8s, but still hauls their 3000+lb Bigfoot camper no prob. He has had several people offer to buy it without it even being for sale! Sometimes newer technology isn't always better.
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eco boost first came out in 2011. i have never seen one in the shop for anything more than an oil change. ford developed this engine which is a 3.5l twin turbo v6 with direct injection and varible cam timing. sorry to sound like a salesman which im not, but thats how impressed i am by this engine. all it will take is a test drive and you will see what i am talking about.
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my buddy has a 95 3500 with a 12v cummins and its a workhorse. almost has 400000km and still going strong. also make a ton of power. thats one thing about toyota. they last for ever because they dont have enough power to break. jk.
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SpawnSack, I should also mention that if you are going to go with a smaller truck like the tacoma and going to run a camper on it you would befit greatly from upgrading your suspension on it. Adjustable shocks like the Rancho 9's will help a lot and allow you the stiffer ride when loaded with the camper and a softer ride when unloaded. You should also install airbags on it as well this well help a lot with sway and porpoising especially on the highway.
It made a big difference on mine and I wouldn't run a camper on the import size trucks without it.
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very good points. i also added a helwig rear sway bar and that also made a big difference. i had no rear bar before so anything was an upgrade. another thing to consider is tie downs with springs to absorb shock off road. my bro in law and i were away on may long and going down some ruff roads and his camper was justed chained to the pickup and it took a beating.
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eco boost first came out in 2011. i have never seen one in the shop for anything more than an oil change. ford developed this engine which is a 3.5l twin turbo v6 with direct injection and varible cam timing. sorry to sound like a salesman which im not, but thats how impressed i am by this engine. all it will take is a test drive and you will see what i am talking about.
A 3.5L twin turbo! Sounds like something I'd expect to find in a BMW or Audi sports sedan. However, I can't knock it until I've tried it. I'm at least interested in this motor and am going to do some more research on it.
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very good points. i also added a helwig rear sway bar and that also made a big difference. i had no rear bar before so anything was an upgrade. another thing to consider is tie downs with springs to absorb shock off road. my bro in law and i were away on may long and going down some ruff roads and his camper was justed chained to the pickup and it took a beating.
SpawnSack, I should also mention that if you are going to go with a smaller truck like the tacoma and going to run a camper on it you would befit greatly from upgrading your suspension on it. Adjustable shocks like the Rancho 9's will help a lot and allow you the stiffer ride when loaded with the camper and a softer ride when unloaded. You should also install airbags on it as well this well help a lot with sway and porpoising especially on the highway.
It made a big difference on mine and I wouldn't run a camper on the import size trucks without it.
Very good suggestions by both! Thanks guys. This suspension talk is a little out of my leauge. Where does one get work like this done? I would definitley need a staff member who could help/sell me exactly what I neeed for my (future) truck. I get a pretty good discount at NAPA, LORCDO etc so if I could supply my own parts I would save a fair bit over what a shop would charge me for the parts if they bought them.
What kind of ball park prices are we talking here? Any place you'd reccomend going for such work? Kal Tire perhaps?
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Replacing shocks is easier then changing brake pads.
While you're in Napa why don't you ask the guy what they sell the most of for certain gens.
For tacos I'm betting wheel bearings (constantly) and steering rack issues.
I love my 01 24v cummins. 22 mpg and all the towing and power you ever need. I've fished all over this province and very rarely been turned around for having a big truck.
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Hey Spawn Sac my dads got a camper in the driveway forsale. Its got a retractable roof that would sit on the back of a pick up in pretty good condition if your interested let me know.
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Interesting. I have a 2010 ram1500 with eco. Just wondering how this northern lite would do with it?
Keeping in mind that i would want to pull my springbok 176 with a 70hp behind it.
Have wondered what a good camper setup would be. Must investigate this northern line, never heard of it before.
know people with Bigfoots, but are they too heavy for my truck? Usually better to be overpowered for the situation in hand?
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the northern lite we were talking about is strictly for small to mid size trucks. with your ram 1500 you have to run a larger unit. both bigfoot and northern lite make campers for your application depending on what size box you have.
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the northern lite we were talking about is strictly for small to mid size trucks.
not necessarily true ! I know a few people that like the imports on there full size truck, cause the don't over hang the box on the sides as much and can make it down narrower goat trails !
usually involves making a platform to sit on to raise it so the overhang in the front clears the cab
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http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130514&id=16478708
I'd stay far away from that eco-boost. Nothing beats a naturally aspirated v-8
Buy a 3/4 ton GMC. Those vortecs are bullet-proof. I work on a site with a lot of GM trucks (like over 50), and we beat them hard only problems are leafs cracking on the 1/2 tons, but they are ridden really rough 24/7, and it's fixed with adding a leaf.
In 8 years I have seen 1 motor blow up. Probably because nobody ever changed the oil.
I wish GM would build a 1/2 ton with a small diesel.
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ford have sold prob close to 3/4 of a million ecoboost since 2009 so i am sure your going to have a few ones with an issue and intill you drive one you wont understand anyway. we have sold a ton at our dealership and haven't had 1 truck come in for troubles. don't believe everything you read on the interwebs. again the 6.0 vortech is a great engine but its a gas hog. lucky to get 10mpg unloaded. with gas being $1.50 a litre that doesn't cut it.
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Funny about all this talk about adding new shocks, air bags etc to make my new truck do what I need it to do... That would signal to me that I was about to make a wrong decision on a vehicle.
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you know that no factory truck comes with air bags for LOAD right. suspension modds are important when hauling heavy loads safely.
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He's not talking about a heavy load. My point is, he is looking to carry a lightweight camper and a small boat. This wouldn't require modifications to a full sized domestic truck.
And can't new Rams can come with factory airbags?
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hes actually considering a camper on a tacoma and small boat. i have no experience what yota's suspension can handle but on an f150 with a camper i would highly recommend air bags. in the end its up to him, we are just giving him suggestions and informing him before his purchase. my f350 is sacked with out the bags and my camper is 2500lbs dry. prob closer to 3500lbs with all my stuff in it. another nice thing is you can level out if the terrain is un even when your setting up camp. the new ram comes with air suspension as an option but i think the goal with that system is fuel economy.
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ford have sold prob close to 3/4 of a million ecoboost since 2009 so i am sure your going to have a few ones with an issue and intill you drive one you wont understand anyway. we have sold a ton at our dealership and haven't had 1 truck come in for troubles. don't believe everything you read on the interwebs. again the 6.0 vortech is a great engine but its a gas hog. lucky to get 10mpg unloaded. with gas being $1.50 a litre that doesn't cut it.
You've drummed ecoboost the last 3 pages.
Works at a Ford dealership...
Haven't had 1 come in for troubles...
I don't believe everything I read on the interwebs, that is for sure!
Before you get bent out of shape about me saying I only saw 1 motor blow up remember I said we got like 50 trucks not a dealership either, industrial work site, and the body falls apart before the motor because they rot out from the environment.
We have one Ford at work. It sucks.
Now I don't hate Ford, in fact I am quite fond of the F-350 diesels, well the new ones at least. Also I like Dodge, so I am not a fanboy. Just offering my 2 cents
I have driven 2 ecoboosts as rentals as well. V-8 N/A all the way still.
Thanks for your input on my suggestion though!
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dont get me wrong, i like all domestics. i wish my f350 had a cummins but i am stuck with my 6L. one day i will buck up and get a new one but not yet. as i said early 6.0 vortech is a good motor just a little harsh at the pumps.
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I have seen Taco's with campers. I would drive down to Sport Trucks Unlimited for advise. They deal with a lot of Taco's. They are know for weak springs in the older models not sure if the same problem exists in the newer ones. I would think it would need some modifacations. Many light duty trucks need them for campers. You wll see a lot of my friend end low trucks out there.
I would not put a 12ft boat on top of a camper of any truck. Trailer the boat or you may be able to mount on the back. You would have to research that with the RV dealer.
Older style Taco's are prone to frame rust I am sure they have fixed that years ago.
I still drive a 98 best vehicle I have ever owned.
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I would buy a hard transom inflatable zodiac/avon etc and eliminate the need to tow or roof mount anything with the trailer.
And to beat the dead horse of your "Looking for advice on new truck", request.
If it were my $35K, I would get a Ram Outdoorsman or Sport (the same price as a loaded up Taco) or a 4x4 Double cab Tundra SR5 5.7L with the $6K off incentive going on right now, comes in about $35K.
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Okay I will chime in. Sorry, been away on a 2 week stillwater trout excursion ;D
I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport with a 2009 Four Wheel Eagle Camper. First off, I have never achieved the mileage posted with my Tacoma. Today, on my drive home with camper and pram I got about 380kms with the tank (probably had about 1/16 of a tank left). I usually only get about 450-500kms with a tank. My Four Wheel Eagle camper weighs in at 690lbs and my pram is approximately 85lbs. I know that Toyota has done some changes to their engine programming to make them have better fuel economy since my 2006 Tacoma. It would be interesting to hear the fuel mileage from a Taco owner with a newer truck (2010 and newer) who is towing or hauling.
Anyways, most of you guys have pointed out the obvious benefits to a pop-up camper. I chose my camper because it suited my needs the best. I wanted a lightweight camper whereby I could load/unload my pram by myself, so the pop-up was the best solution. I needed a unit that could get me into some harder to access spots, so a trailer for the boat was out of the question.
Here is my rig:
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa378/chromemykiss/AlongsideT.jpg?t=1370413055)
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa378/chromemykiss/PoppedCampersml.jpg?t=1370413078)
I saw this Tundra with a Four Wheel Hawk camper and two boats in Kamloops last week:
(http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa378/chromemykiss/TwoBoatHawk.jpg?t=1370413123)
By the way, Four Wheel campers are very hard to find. Owners are really attached to them and very rarely part with them. Check out http://www.wanderthewest.com/index.php/home
which is a great site and forum for pop-up campers. There is a alot of information there from Four Wheel camper owners.
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My Buddies Dad bought the new Eco boost F150 last yr.
Blew Tranny couple weeks back on the Coq.
Only 12,000 km on it. Not impressed but still like the truck.
Heard rumors of weak trannies in them.
Buddy from work got the 5L V8 F150 2112 and loves it.
He has full sized camper and tows a trailer with boat and cargo and handles it fine.
He did add the airbags of course.
I got the new ram 1500 hemi and love it.
Eats the Coq like it doesn't exist and way better mileage than my Dodge 5.9L.
New truck averaged 15L per 100k at 120km/hr.
The hemi doesn't have to work very hard at all.
Buddies 4.7L ram works hard on the Coq and costs him more than me...lol.
Just my 2 cents.
Hope you find what you need.
Happy Shopping.
Rando.... will be heading up the Coq in the morning for 4 days of flyfishing 8)
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Hey Yoda can you send me an email as I lost your contact number Bro, it is Jamie Kirby and i wanted to ask you some questions about the upcoming Salmon season. kirby76@shaw.ca or my work email jamie@pocoinsurance.com. THanks.