We bought a truck!
We bought a new truck for our switch to full-time travel!
It’s been a long time coming.
If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve been exploring the various considerations that go into making a major purchase–in this case, a one-ton truck platform for the camper that we’ll be living out of starting in 2025. If you haven’t read those ramblings yet, be sure to check them out as they document our journey to this moment–the big reveal.
We’ve picked and purchased our future home, and we have to say, it might be our favorite rig so far (and we’ve had way too many).
Introducing our 2024 Ram 3500 Big Horn.
Our 2024 Ram 3500 Big Horn.
Things to know:
We’ve finally landed on a truck for our full-time travels, and it sure is a doozy. It had to check some pretty specific boxes to fit the needs we foresee, but we feel confident that we found the perfect truck that works for us and landed (almost) within our budget.
Why we bought a RAM
It’s sure to be a controversial decision–the truck brand tribalism seems to be as strong as ever–but we bought a Ram. Here, we’ll detail the specifications of our new truck, as well as why we made the decision we did.
A detailed look at our new Ram
First things first, let’s lay out the specifics of the Ram we purchased. This foundation will provide context so we can dive into our thought processes as we made this massive decision for our new full-time RV lifestyle.
The Basics
Our Ram is a 2024 Ram 3500 with the Big Horn package. It is a crew cab with a long bed and single rear wheel–a shockingly rare combination, it seems (more long bed Rams come with dual rear wheels).
It is equipped with a high-output 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, 6-speed Aisin transmission, and (of course) a 4x4 transfer case.
The Packages
Outside of the Big Horn package (which is essentially a glorified Tradesman), our truck features a handful of upgrades and equipment packages. We didn’t have much interest in adding a bunch of features to our truck (more on that later), so we were more than happy with the additional options on this one.
On top of the Big Horn package and high-output engine, our truck came equipped with:
Billet Silver Metallic paint
Cloth bucket seats
Towing Technology Group
Night Edition package
Level 1 Equipment Group
Auxiliary Switches
Clearance Lamps
Side Steps
50-Gallon Fuel Tank
Alpine Sound System
Trailer Surround-View Camera System
The Ram may be huge, but it is still a capable rig.
Our thoughts on our Ram’s features
To be totally transparent, we were not looking for anything more than a base model. Our budget was the biggest factor in our search for a truck, and we would have been content with a bare-bones truck that fit our functional needs.
With that in mind, we have some initial thoughts on the options our truck came equipped with–including things we’re glad it has, wish it didn’t have, and might have opted for given the chance.
Features we love
Despite not personally selecting the options our Ram was equipped with, it does have a handful of packages that we’re grateful for. We didn’t seek them out, but given that the truck has them, we are happy to have them!
Towing Technology Group. This package includes some very useful features. We personally love the Surround-View Camera System (great for tight spaces and parking), as well as the Blind-Spot Detection. Both of these features make navigating this massive machine just a little less stressful.
Night Edition. Call us shallow, but we are glad our truck doesn’t have any chrome on it. The Night Edition package is practically useless (and there’s no way we’d choose it for over $4,000), but the painted bumpers and blacked-out trim are aesthetically pleasing.
Level 1 Equipment Group. While we could do without most of the things included in this package, we do appreciate the power mirrors. Manually adjusting all four mirrors–including telescoping and folding them–gets old real quick, and this package eliminates that annoyance.
Auxiliary Switches. Easy wiring and control of accessories? Sign us up!
50-Gallon Fuel Tank. 1,000-mile unloaded range. Do we need to say more?
Features we could do without
This section is going to be a little lengthy, so we won’t go into as much detail as we did in the one above. Just because a feature makes this list doesn’t mean it’s inherently bad or not worth the money; it just means that we don’t need it and wouldn’t pay for it if we optioned our truck from the factory.
Night Edition. Do we like how it looks? Absolutely. Would we pay the premium for it if we were given the option? Absolutely not.
12-Inch Display. Does it look nifty? Yep, but we prefer a smaller screen with more physical buttons, dials, and knobs.
Level 1 Equipment Group. Outside of those handy power mirrors, the majority of the features included in this package are not worth it to us.
Alpine Sound System. This system sounds wonderful, but it is $600 and eliminates a substantial amount of storage space beneath the rear seat.
Trailer Surround-View Camera System. This package is intended for those who tow often and want a (you guessed it) surround view of their trailer. At $1,000, it is just excessive–especially when you can find them online for less than half of that price.
Premium Cloth Bucket Seats. Having a center console is nice, but we would have been happy with a bench seat.
Feature we wished we had
While we aren’t too picky, we would have liked it if a couple of additional features were included–especially with the ridiculous prices of trucks these days.
An inverter. Okay, Ram–seriously?? What modern truck doesn’t have an inverter?
LED headlights. If a truck costs more than about $5, it should come standard with LED headlights.
Remote start. We know, we know–this particular feature is a bit “extra,” as the kids say. Still, it would be nice to let the diesel warm up before hopping into the cab.
Heated seats. This is a Hanna specialty. She loves heated seats, and though we’ve rarely had them, she always appreciates it when we do.
It sure is a beautiful truck.
Why we chose Ram
Ultimately, we chose Ram because we preferred it to the other options after a few test drives and the price made sense. We got a great deal (as far as cars go these days) at about 25% off MSRP. Heck, Riley flew down to Florida just to snag it.
We will go into more detail in the future, including why we chose Ram over Ford. For now, we just wanted to introduce our new rig and move on to talking about campers. After all, that’s the next big purchase–we need a camper to pair with the truck!
If you have experience with full-time RV travel, diesel trucks, or simply want to share your insights and opinions, please drop a comment below. We’d love to hear from you and engage with our little travel community!
We can’t wait to share our journey with you. From selecting a truck and a camper to adjusting to life on the road, we’ll be documenting every aspect of our experience with full-time travel. We hope you’ll follow along!
- Riley + Hanna
Choosing a truck for full-time travel - Gas vs diesel
Should we choose a gas or diesel truck for full-time travel? It's an age-old debate for a reason!
One of the biggest decisions you’ll face when choosing a truck for hard work–like handling a camper full-time–is whether to opt for a gas engine or a diesel engine. It’s a hotly debated topic, and we fully understand why. Both sides have pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, and compelling traits that could sway the average buyer in either direction.
We grappled with this dilemma for a long while as we tried to determine which truck to buy for our full-time travel needs. As the foundation of any RVer’s or overlander’s rig, the truck needs to check several boxes–from tow rating to reliability. With so many options on the market and arguably no “perfect” solution, much of this decision comes down to preference, willingness to compromise, and a touch of hopefulness.
Our previous HD truck was a gas Ford F-250.
Things to know:
We’re going on the road full-time in 2025, so we need a truck to facilitate our new lifestyle. Among the many factors influencing our decision, the age-old debate of gas vs diesel is at the forefront.
Note: By the time you read this, we might already have a truck. Our intent is not to mislead you, we simply wrote these blogs well in advance!
Choosing a gas or diesel truck
As our experience with building Jeeps for off-roading and overland travel grew, so did our intentionality. Instead of opting for modifications that looked cool or tires that were absurdly oversized (just because we could), we started to make decisions based on realistic use-case scenarios, what we had learned from building previous Jeeps, and what made sense rather than getting carried away.
While the full-size, heavy-duty truck platform is relatively new to us–especially for full-time travel–those same principles applied to our approach for this build. I’m sure we’ll make some mistakes and adjustments along the way, but the goal is to be intentional and build the truck to facilitate our lifestyle and travel. It doesn’t need to be over the top; it just needs to fit the factors we’re basing our purchase on.
Cost of diesel versus gas
As badly as we’re hoping to follow a rainbow to a bucket of gold, it hasn’t happened yet. So, we’re operating on a decent but far-from-endless budget, making cost an incredibly influential factor in our truck-buying decision. There are a few ways in which the cost debate between gas and diesel trucks plays out, and we tried to consider it from all angles.
Fuel prices fluctuate, so we were determined not to let this particular consideration play too large a role in our decision. That said, gas prices are substantially lower than diesel in some areas of the country, and that can make a difference in your wallet (even if the diesel gets better fuel economy).
Price was a factor in our last truck purchase - we opted to save money upfront by getting a gas engine.
The real price difference between the two options comes in other forms. The upfront cost, for example, is substantially more when you opt for a diesel engine. Most manufacturers in the HD segment charge between $8,000 and $10,000 more for a diesel engine than they do for their gas models. That’s a huge chunk of change that takes years to potentially recoup in the form of resale value or vehicle lifetime (diesel has a reputation for longevity, though there is a debate now that the EPA has neutered them).
Additionally, maintaining and repairing diesel trucks is notoriously more expensive. From routine oil changes to replacing components as they wear out, you pay a price to enjoy the advantages diesel trucks boast.
If all of that sounds like gas has a slight cost advantage these days, you’re spot on. However, the fuel efficiency, longevity, and resale value of diesel engines can offset a lot of that difference if you don’t run into any substantial maintenance and repair bills.
Slight edge to gas
Diesel vs gas - engine complexity
Gas engines, especially simplified options like Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla, tend to be simpler than their diesel counterparts. If you want proof, just pop the hood on gas and diesel models and compare them. The gas engine looks quite tame and manageable comparatively.
In theory, this translates to easier maintenance and repairs, especially if you plan to do any of the work yourself. Given our intention to travel full-time, this does not factor heavily into our decision. While I am perfectly capable of doing routine maintenance and repairs–and actually enjoy doing some of these projects myself–it is unlikely that we will have the time, workspace, and tools to perform such tasks when on the road. As such, we will undoubtedly rely on professionals should the necessity ever arise.
Draw
The driving experience of gas and diesel trucks
Through the years (and our shopping process), we have driven quite a few gas and diesel trucks. While it is impossible to get an accurate feel for how they will handle a load without replicating such a scenario, the driving experience between the two fuel options is noticeably different. If you’re going to be living out of your truck and camper, that experience takes a little more precedence than it might otherwise.
Our 7.3L Godzilla F-250 was a blast to drive off-road.
While the gas engines we’ve experienced felt more nimble and easy to maneuver–a definite advantage in tight city streets and when off-road–the diesel models made up for their heavy-footedness with undeniable low-end torque and impressive passing ability.
We have enough experiential knowledge with adding weight to vehicles to know that low-end power matters a lot. This is especially true when driving some of the steep mountain passes out West. Diesel definitely wins here, and since we won’t be tackling as many off-road trails as we have in the past, we feel inclined to give diesel the end here.
Edge to diesel
Is Gas or Diesel Better?
We wish it was as clear-cut as one fuel type being superior to the other–that would make this process much easier for us–but in the modern age of trucks, it’s hard to say with certainty that one has a distinct edge. At the end of the day, it depends on your needs, preferences, and how you intend to use the truck. Thankfully, we’re spoiled for choice, and I hope that continues for decades to come despite politically motivated wars against this fuel type or that combustion engine.
What do you think? Is gas better than diesel in 2024? Or do the inherent advantages of diesel engines still make them the better choice?
We’re hitting the road full-time in 2025, and we’d love for you to come along for the ride. In the meantime, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions, and hard-earned knowledge. We value your input and experience in making these and other travel-related decisions!
- Riley + Hanna
What truck should we buy?
We’re in the market for a one-ton truck and need your help choosing!
Over the past five years, Hanna and I have had a lot of vehicles. Hanna likes to tease me about it, and while I am willing to acknowledge I might have an issue, I’d also argue that it’s a common one–we boys like cars!
We’ve had summer romances with Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, a brief fling with a Ford Transit Van, and a situationship with a Ford F-250 Tremor. Time and again, we fall in love with a vehicle, only to shift our goals and make a change. Now, we’re doing it again.
Hanna takes in the Badlands in South Dakota.
You’ll notice that all of the vehicles I mentioned serve a purpose–they facilitate a lifestyle of adventure and travel. Hanna and I love getting outside, exploring, and traveling as much as possible. We’re beyond blessed that our jobs allow us to work remotely, meaning we can travel with almost unlimited freedom (so long as we can access the internet).
Things to know:
In 2025, we’re hitting the road full-time. We’ve flirted with this idea for years, and we’re finally giving in and giving it a fair shake. So, while we love our little two-door Jeep Wrangler, it’s time to buy a big old truck.
Note: By the time you read this, we might already have a truck. Our intent is not to mislead you, we simply wrote these blogs well in advance!
What to look for when truck shopping
Let me make this disclaimer very clear–I am not a vehicle expert. I have my share of experience buying, using, modifying, and maintaining our vehicles, but I am far from a mechanic. The intent of this blog is not to act as a truck buyer’s guide. Instead, it’s an exploration of our thought process as we try to choose the right truck for our travel plans.
Truck capacities - how much can you tow?
The first consideration for us was the capability of the truck. Because we will be using it to haul a camper around, there were certain non-negotiables when it came to the work capacity of the truck. A Tacoma wouldn’t cut it, and neither would an F-150. That leaves us with what GM would call an “HD” truck–a three-quarter or one-ton model.
Often, a three-quarter (250/2500) is more than adequate for camping. If you are towing a travel trailer or hauling a moderately-sized slide-in camper, a 250 will likely do. Once you step it up to the big leagues of fifth wheel campers and larger truck campers, you’ll want to invest in a 350 (or bigger).
Camping with friends near Silverton, CO.
Without giving away too much–we don’t want to reveal what camper we’re getting until it’s official–we are opting for a one-ton truck. We would rather have more truck than we might need, so we’re going for maximum towing and payload without crossing that threshold into 450+ territory.
Truck size - because the dog needs a backseat kingdom
After determining the class of truck you need, it’s time to sort through the various cab and bed combinations. Some manufacturers have more than others, but the basic options look something like this:
Bed Length
Regular (6.5’ or 6.75’)
Long (8’)
Cab Size
Standard (No backseats)
Extended (Half doors in rear)
Crew (Full-size back doors)
For our uses, we knew we would need a long bed. The cab size debate was not so clear-cut. While we knew a standard cab was too small, the difference between an extended cab and a crew cab was minimal enough to spark a little controversy. The decision came down to a simple question–is it better to shorten the overall length of the truck to improve maneuverability in town and on trails, or is it better to have extra interior space for storage?
We are leaning toward a crew cab for the additional storage. With approximately 12” difference between the two, the increase in overall truck length seems pretty minimal, pushing us toward enjoying the extra interior space. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this in the comments below!
Trim levels - cowboys and kings
Truck trims have gotten a bit out of control as of late. Where it used to be base models and higher trims with some modern amenities, it’s now a luxury apartment versus a penthouse. No matter what you choose, you are going to have a comfortable and well-equipped truck (whether you like it or not).
Our last Ford was a Lariat, and it was more posh than we’d ever need. This time, we’re opting for the lowest possible trim, both to save money and to eliminate as many unnecessary additions as possible. Is it nice to have certain creature comforts (Hanna would argue heated seats are a necessity)? Absolutely. But do we need a 12” screen and leather seats? We definitely do not.
We loved our Tremor, but the Lariat trim package was unnecessary.
This category is very much a “to each their own” factor. We would rather have a little extra jingle in our pocket, even if it means missing out on the latest and great tech.
Gas or diesel - the immortal question
I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that I’m no truck expert, and this is where I feel the most out of my depth. We have plenty of experience with gas engines, including Ford’s impressive 7.3L Godzilla. On the flip side, we have zero experience with diesel engines. So, everything we’re factoring into our decision here is based on research and anecdotes.
Gas engines are popular, easy to get, and arguably easier to maintain. What they lack in efficiency, they make up for in cheaper repairs, lower gas prices (at the moment, at least), and simplicity–no DEF or other emissions nonsense here. They also tend to be much lighter, which can translate to better off-road ability.
Diesel engines are known for being incredibly powerful, more fuel efficient, and practically apocalypse-proof. Conversely, repairs on modern diesels are said to be expensive thanks to the complexity of their design. Throw in the horror stories people have about emissions equipment, and we feel a twinge of hesitancy when considering this route.
We’d love your insights on this particular topic. Would you choose a gas engine or a diesel? My heart says diesel, but there is more than a little uncertainty mixed in with that feeling.
Which truck brand is the best?
This particular piece of the truck buying puzzle can be a little controversial. There are strong proponents of each major brand, and understandably so. Every brand has its strengths, and I think that quality and durability is largely the same between every truck maker these days. That said, we have refined our search to two companies–Ford and Ram.
I would tell you that we’re clinging to the unforgivable offense of government bailouts, but the truth is much less dramatic–we have always preferred solid front axles. Independent front suspension (IFS) on a one-ton truck just doesn’t compute to me. Call me old-fashioned if you’d like.
We have always preferred solid axle vehicles.
So, we’re left with the Ford F-350 and the Ram 3500. Both are good-looking trucks that can be configured just about however you want them. The F-350 is available with the only gas engine we’d consider (the 7.3L), while both platforms are available with proven diesel powertrains–the 6.7L Powerstroke from Ford and the 6.7L Cummins from Ram.
Overall, I think we prefer the Ford. That said, we are not opposed to the Ram. This is another area where we just don’t have the experience and expertise to determine a clear winner. If you have experience with either platform (or better, both), please share it below. Your advice would go a long way toward helping us make the right decision!
Should we buy a new or used truck?
Traditional wisdom has always advised against buying a new vehicle. There’s a saying about your new car losing half its value as soon as you drive off the dealer lot, and while the pandemic did alter that briefly, it still holds true (in most situations). At the same time, there are some benefits to purchasing a new truck.
The pros of a new truck
Better financing
Clean slate for proper maintenance
Factory warranty
More control (maintenance, mods, use scenarios, etc.)
The pros of a used truck
Lower purchase price
Less depreciation
Reduced insurance costs
At the end of the day, this decision largely comes down to your budget and your priorities. Our budget is not unlimited, so we will definitely be leaning toward a used truck, but the benefits of a new truck–especially the opportunity to meticulously care for it from day one–are worth considering.
What truck is right for us?
Based on the thoughts laid out above, Hanna and I have a decent idea of the truck we’re looking for. That said, there are still a lot of details to sort out, so the actual truck we purchase could look different than the one this blog seems to picture.
If we were to simplify our buying criteria–which is uniquely ours, not universal–it would look a little like this.
Ford F-350 or a Ram 3500
Crew cab with a long bed
Base model (or close to it) - XL or XLT (Ford) or Tradesman (Ram)
6.7L Powerstroke or 6.7L Cummins diesel engine
Lightly used
What do you think? Are we on the right track for living full-time on the road and going to some pretty remote locations? Is there anything you would do differently?
Please drop your suggestions, recommendations, and personal experiences below. We’d love to hear what you have to say as we make this important (and expensive) decision!
We also encourage you to follow our journey as we prep for and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. We can’t wait to share our journey with you, grow our community, and make connections with like-minded folks who love trucks, travel, and the outdoors.
- Riley + Hanna