2,700 lb camper - Diesel or 7.3

[OffroadMainer]

Edit: I chnged the camper weight to reflect this report: https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/buyers-guide/pop-up-truck-campers/northstar-pop-up-camper/
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I'm intending to put a Northstar 850SC or TC 650 pop-up camper on an F350 Tremor.

Am debating the benefit of having forward weight of the diesel to counterbalance the 2,700 lbs wet of pop-up camper weight in rear. Or, 7.3 gasser with heavy bumper and winch?
The diesel MPG is alluring as well, since we can't get the larger fuel tank in the Tremor cry.

Thoughts?

 

[Yukon Bush Tremor]

LOL someone really voted for the Diesel???

Hes almost instantly over payload.

It has to be 7.3 no question

 

[Accuracy International]

You can get an aftermarket 60 gallon fuel tank installed in the diesel Tremor.

 

[HubbardTramper]

Here's a write-up from a VERY well seasoned truck camper, Jefe4x4, who made the switch from diesel to the 7.3 to carry his Northstar camper: https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/out-with-the-old-truck-and-camper-in-with-the-new/

Jefe's take, and a handful of diesel vs gas truck camper threads on the various Ford forums, helped me solidify my choice on the 7.3 for my camper - which is also a step up in weight from my current rig.

 

[cookiemonster]

I'd say get the 7.3 and try to get on the pre order for transfer flow's bigger fuel tank.

 

[stubby]

LOL someone really voted for the Diesel???

Hes almost instantly over payload.

It has to be 7.3 no question

The payload is just fine with my diesel, however it doesn't matter as with the 7.3 you gain almost 400 lbs in payload. Being that close means one should look at the longbed with the 12,400 lbs gvwr and then decide diesel or gasser. By the time you add food, coolers, guns, knives, saws, water, batteries, etc not to mention people you are either over payload or right at regardless of engine choice.

 

[cookiemonster]

The payload is just fine with my diesel, however it doesn't matter as with the 7.3 you gain almost 400 lbs in payload. Being that close means one should look at the longbed with the 12,400 lbs gvwr and then decide diesel or gasser. By the time you add food, coolers, guns, knives, saws, water, batteries, etc not to mention people you are either over payload or right at regardless of engine choice.

I think we've seen 7.3 F350's with 3900+ pounds of payload on here.

 

[Loshad]

That's why, before we decided on a TT, I was going F550 with a Buckstop Super Single conversion with a Host Everest. If you think a Tremor is a beast then you haven't seen one of THEM!

 

[OffroadMainer]

Here's a write-up from a VERY well seasoned truck camper, Jefe4x4, who made the switch from diesel to the 7.3 to carry his Northstar camper: https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/out-with-the-old-truck-and-camper-in-with-the-new/

Jefe's take, and a handful of diesel vs gas truck camper threads on the various Ford forums, helped me solidify my choice on the 7.3 for my camper - which is also a step up in weight from my current rig.

Thanks. What camper are you carrying, wet weight, and noticeable sag in the rear?

 

[CalTremor2020]

Are you planning to off-road at all? If not I think there is some real merit to the DRW F350. That would let you have the diesel power along with the load capacity you might need for the slide in plus a small trailer (boat, atv, etc.). Also, if you are looking at an Lariat w/value package or lower trim level, you might check out a chassis cab. The commercial trucks have a dual fuel tank option that gives crazy capacity (66.5 gallons). You’d just need to add an appropriate bed.

 

[DezertTr3mor]

i have always been a proponent of over buying on a truck. Mostly because when you rv with it, camp etc you usually end up trading in your old rv/camper and getting a newer, heavy, bigger, longer one. So id say buy enough truck so you won't have to keep doing it everytime you upgrade your rv/camper.

 

[Yukon Bush Tremor]

The payload is just fine with my diesel, however it doesn't matter as with the 7.3 you gain almost 400 lbs in payload. Being that close means one should look at the longbed with the 12,400 lbs gvwr and then decide diesel or gasser. By the time you add food, coolers, guns, knives, saws, water, batteries, etc not to mention people you are either over payload or right at regardless of engine choice.

My 7.3 350 has 3958.

I think that works just fine LOL

 

[RedZilla]

My gut say go with a non-Tremor with 8' bed. Opens up a lot of other options regarding camper. You can always up fit the truck to be more off-road capable. Fuel tank issue goes away, pick your favorite engine. Just my thoughts. I personally like the 7.3. Any issues or maintenance can be dealt with at any shop. The diesel fuel system issues scare me away from any of the new diesels. Off the beaten path diesel sources are particularly risky.

 

[stubby]

My 7.3 350 has 3958.

I think that works just fine LOL

Right, my point exactly. you now have 900 lbs for all payload when the camper is on, minus fuel, people, cargo, and supplies. go long bed with more payload capacity, this isn't about motor choice but picking the best choice going forward. The 500 or 900 lbs go by quickly. Don't forget the extra batteries and water and food, etc. You also need to pay attention to the axle weight

If I wanted a camper I'd go longbed with DRW based upon experiences of others that initially didn't go down the right path.

 

[cookiemonster]

Right, my point exactly. you now have 900 lbs for all payload when the camper is on, minus fuel, people, cargo, and supplies. go long bed with more payload capacity, this isn't about motor choice but picking the best choice going forward. The 500 or 900 lbs go by quickly. Don't forget the extra batteries and water and food, etc. You also need to pay attention to the axle weight

If I wanted a camper I'd go longbed with DRW based upon experiences of others that initially didn't go down the right path.

Minor nitpick - fuel is accounted for in the payload sticker. Or at least should be. And an additional 150 pounds for a driver.

 

[OffroadMainer]

This truck will live in Alaska.
Lots of snow and gravel, old mining roads and mud. Therefore SRW is preferred for ease of seasonal tire/wheel changes, and typical off-roading concerns.
I could use the limited slip front, enhanced ground and entry clearances, and larger tires.
Yes, I can mod an 8’ bed F350 crew, but it’s another $8K after suspension, tires, locker, and labor - whether mine of someone else’s. Plus the factory system is warrantied.
If only they made a long bed F350 Tremor That’s what I really want

 

[Sccritterkiller]

IMO the entire point on slide in campers is to avoid the "RV campground". Why folks wanna drag a trailer hours to set up 6 feet from another RV is beyond me. You want the Tremor...to get back on those FS roads/BLM and away from the crowds. Diesel vs gas is a personal decision and should be based on local availability, price, and use of vehicle. I dont think you need a diesel..I ordered a 7.3 but I don't think the camper I am looking at is as big as yours. I have had a couple different campers never filled any of the up with water. I always just use jugs and filter water if my jugs run out.

 

[Loshad]

"If only they made a long bed F350 Tremor That’s what I really want"

Trust me, you want a Buckhorn Super Single.

 

[soulezoo]

This truck will live in Alaska.
Lots of snow and gravel, old mining roads and mud. Therefore SRW is preferred for ease of seasonal tire/wheel changes, and typical off-roading concerns.
I could use the limited slip front, enhanced ground and entry clearances, and larger tires.
Yes, I can mod an 8’ bed F350 crew, but it’s another $8K after suspension, tires, locker, and labor - whether mine of someone else’s. Plus the factory system is warrantied.
If only they made a long bed F350 Tremor That’s what I really want

The TFL series of videos called "no pavement needed" they modified an F250 and called it a "Super Tremor". It may be a helpful watch for you. They put a Hawk pop up camper on theirs.

 

[mitzer61]

Edit: I chnged the camper weight to reflect this report: https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/buyers-guide/pop-up-truck-campers/northstar-pop-up-camper/
**********************************
I'm intending to put a Northstar 850SC or TC 650 pop-up camper on an F350 Tremor.

Am debating the benefit of having forward weight of the diesel to counterbalance the 2,700 lbs wet of pop-up camper weight in rear. Or, 7.3 gasser with heavy bumper and winch?
The diesel MPG is alluring as well, since we can't get the larger fuel tank in the Tremor cry.

Thoughts?

View attachment 21028

I have a 2020 F350 Tremor XLT with 7.3 gas. Payload is 4012 and I haul a 2020 Northern Lite 8-11. Our wet weight is about 3400 lbs. You should have no problem with 2700 lbs. wet.