jmtandem wrote:

Lots of Stuff,

Most small engined gasoline drivers will never know the thrill of actually climbing a hill without holding back diesel engined trucks with campers that are trying to pass you, will likely never see 250-300,000 miles on the first engine without having to take it apart for overhaul, and will never with a 4000 pound camper towing a trailer see the benefits of diesel power and the resulting fuel mileage that goes along with it, or later see the higher resale the diesel brings. So what do you get with a gasser? about 500 more pounds carrying capacity than a diesel. Or you could purchase a regular cab and not a crew cab; or two wheel drive in deference to four wheel drive? All will add to more payload capacity. But at what real cost---low hill climbing power; no cab room for dogs, people, stuff; no four wheel drive; no higher resale, and no better mileage towing or camper carrying. Small gas engines working hard all the time do not last as long and do not get the mileage of a diesel. That is why across the world virtually every industrial strength engine is diesel powered. But back to the post about carrying a heavy Lance camper-- do you really think that a small gas engine in a truck carrying a 1181, 1191 or 1131 camper is providing enough of a payload increase over the diesel to compensate for the lack of torque and power that the truck will need to muscle the truck and camper up a hill? I don't! I grew up in the '60's and 70's with VW's even owned one VW bus (transporter)and I can assure you that having the power to keep up with traffic especially climbing hills or bucking the wind is really nice.

jmtandem wrote:

Hi Sleepy,

Coming from you--wow! Also, my name is not Tandem; but I do ride a tandem bicycle with my wife. You were very close to where we live when you camped out in Hope Valley. The three valleys are Hope, Charity, and Faith and all are US prime for scenery. I have camped many times at upper Blue lake that is just a little farther up the road from where you were camped. The area is fondly called the California Alps by locals.

Hoss427 wrote:

I saw a 992 double slide pill into the Lance dealer last week when I stopped by to see if He had a 971. The 992 was on a Crew cab 2500 Silverado Duramax. The truck looked like it was sideways on the ocean with 20 foot waves as it drove accross the entry from the road. Talk about rock and roll. NOT my cup of tea. The Chevy set level because of the airbags on it....but damn did it sway as he drove in to park. The 992 is definetly for a one ton in my book. dually preferably.

mrblaine wrote:


I can't compare my Dodge 3500 dually to other brands in the one ton compartment, but having a 992 on it, I tend to agree with your assessment. I'm struggling right now to do everything I can to reduce the amount of sway I'm getting and it's not exactly fun. Much more money than I suspected I would spend getting the rig outfitted to haul a camper.

I'm currently researching full air ride suspensions or building my own.

Deaver wrote:



Blaine

Talk to the AirRock Guys You may be on to something

and Welcome