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amastro46
Newbie
Posts: 17
Registered: 9-11-2015
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Truck/Camper Question
Hey all,
I have lurked on Baja Nomad for a while, but just decided to start an account to ask this question.
I have lived in Baja for a while, and now live back in the states, Wyoming.
I am looking to relocate back down in Mexico in a year or two, and have a pretty basic rig setup.
I understand that you need a 2007 and before if you are going with a diesel truck because of ULSD requirements of newer trucks.
I am looking to tow a 24-28 foot toy hauler to live in, so roughly around 5-6000 pounds, plus 3 motos (1000 pounds). In total I would assume my rig
would weight around 7,500 pounds when loaded.
Do you all think it would be better to go with a 2007 or before 2500 turbo diesel truck or stick with a new 1500.
I do want to have offroad capabilities, so I suppose the lighter the truck, the better, but I also want it to be able to tow well.
Budget would be 25- 30,000 dollars for the truck.
Advise? Thank folks.
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amastro46
Newbie
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Registered: 9-11-2015
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I'd be looking at a 2007 Ram 2500 5.9 Liter cummins or maybe a newer 2012-2013 chevy 1500 silverado
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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It depends on where you plan to live. Northern areas of Baja have ULSD and I would assume the southern areas will get it before long.
If you are going to be on the road towing a lot I would go with a diesel.
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amastro46
Newbie
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I am actually looking to go down to Quintana Roo/ Cancun area to work down there for a few years. Not sure about the ULSD availability down there.
So in your opinion, a 1500 wouldn't really get the job done too well if I am doing a lot of towing?
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rts551
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6699
Registered: 9-5-2003
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go with the 3/4 ton. If you can find a clean 7.3 ltr Ford...they run forever.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
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I've had transmissions breakdown in a 1/2 ton Ford and a 1/2 ton Chevy. Baja is tough on transmissions. I drive a 3/4 ton now.
Definitely get at least a 3/4 ton if you're towing and make sure it has a transmission temperature gauge and a separate transmission radiator.
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amastro46
Newbie
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Registered: 9-11-2015
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awesome information guys. I do think the 3/4 ton is the way to go.
Does anyone have any resources that can help me find out where they have ULSD fuels in Mexico/ information on which truck models require it?
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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year models
Generally anything in the year 2007 and newer will probably require ULSD however YMMV
Do specific searches once you narrow down your choice
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CortezBlue
Super Nomad
Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
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I have a F150 EcoBoost and hauled a 35 ft 6000 to 7000 lbs bumper pull trailer. I pulled it over 6000 miles this summer. The only issue I had was
coming out of Fenix on my way to Flagstaff on the last 15 mi 6% uphill grade. it was a very hot day over 105 degrees. My gauges went wild and my
engine temperature went from normal to hot in a few seconds.
After doing the research I learned that the twin turbos and the computer put to much load on the turbos. It suggests to run premium and manually
down shift to 3500-4000 rpm. This seemed to work great.
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”
- Albert Einstein
Follow Cortez Blue
www.cortezblue.com
We put the FUNK in disFUNKtion |
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amastro46
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Thats what I have read. I'm currently looking at that dodge ram 5.9 liter turbodiesel
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amastro46
Newbie
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Quote: Originally posted by CortezBlue  | I have a F150 EcoBoost and hauled a 35 ft 6000 to 7000 lbs bumper pull trailer. I pulled it over 6000 miles this summer. The only issue I had was
coming out of Fenix on my way to Flagstaff on the last 15 mi 6% uphill grade. it was a very hot day over 105 degrees. My gauges went wild and my
engine temperature went from normal to hot in a few seconds.
After doing the research I learned that the twin turbos and the computer put to much load on the turbos. It suggests to run premium and manually
down shift to 3500-4000 rpm. This seemed to work great. |
Awesome good info. I am definitely willing to entertain 1/2 ton truck ideas. Just trying to figure out the best fit for me
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amastro46
Newbie
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| Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch | How about buying a Mexican Ford F250 brand new?
Made up in the ol' USA minus most of the smog BS and you don't have to worry about placas..... plus, the peso/dollar relationship is pretty good right
now.
Something to think about. |
Thats actually a really good idea. I do love that damn hilux they have there. Logistically i'm not sure that I could make that work, because I'll be
needing a truck here in the states for a year or two before I head down there
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basautter
Senior Nomad
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Registered: 7-1-2013
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I have an 04 F250 6.0 diesel and tow a 20 foot toy hauler loaded up. I used to have an F150 with a 5.4 liter gas motor. I also travel to Baja
whenever I can to ride dirt bikes and fish. here are my two cents.
1) Diesel is not as available as gas in Baja, especially if you get away from Highway 1.
2) The 1500 will get you there, but if you plan on towing a lot, I would recommend a diesel.
3) Be aware that 04-06 Ford 6.0 liter diesels can be problematic, but are your best buy. They are fine if they have been bullet-proofed (diesel
mechanics will know what this means). Know what you are getting.
4) The Ford F150 3.5 liter eco-boost is the best of both worlds. This will be my next truck.
Enjoy! 
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MMc
Super Nomad
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Registered: 6-29-2011
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Why not get a 3/4 ton gas truck of your choice? Gas is easy to find, 3/4 will pull your stuff easy, the down side is mileage. 3/4 ton will be heavy to
off road with too
"Never teach a pig to sing it frustrates you and annoys the pig" - W.C.Fields
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
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Location: Bakersfield, CA
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From this site ULSD is not a problem in Baja Sur.
http://forums.goodsamclub.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/ti...
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Did you read all four pages of that thread? It looks almost like something from Baja Nomad! LOL
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desertcpl
Super Nomad
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Registered: 10-26-2008
Location: yuma,az
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3/4 ton for sure,, diesel and it might be best for a 2007 or earlier
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mtnpop
Senior Nomad
Posts: 597
Registered: 9-8-2009
Location: Colorado/mulege
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chevy duramax 2007 --2500HD Classic allison tranny,, been pulling equipment and fifth wheel and sometimes overhead camper
does very well in Baja and the US no load around 20mpg manuf. before the change to usld... am not unhappy with this truck at all
found diesel in Colorado this week for $2.33 a gallon...
quiet diesel with plenty of power... pulled 32' fifth wheel to mulege and back a few years back... no problem finding fuel.....
Common sense is a flower that doesn\'t grow in everyone\'s garden.....
A wise man once spoke nothing.....
Never kick a cow chip on a hot day!!
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chuckie
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6082
Registered: 2-20-2012
Location: Kansas Prairies
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I have been driving diesels in Baja since 1990, and have never had a problem finding fuel. My truck has a 36 gallon tank takes me a long way. My
current truck is a 1996 Dodge with over 300,000 miles on it. I carry a 9.5 Lance camper or pull a 30 foot 5th wheel. Mileage never falls below 14mpg.
Empty 20+. The Cummins engine is bulletproof and can be serviced anywhere...My choice...
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bajagrouper
Senior Nomad
Posts: 964
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico
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Mood: happy and retired
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| Quote: Originally posted by amastro46 | I am actually looking to go down to Quintana Roo/ Cancun area to work down there for a few years. Not sure about the ULSD availability down there.
So in your opinion, a 1500 wouldn't really get the job done too well if I am doing a lot of towing? |
I guess from your 1st. paragraph you are going to obtain a temporary residence Visa so you can import your vehicles and get a work permit correct?
Why are you getting such an older model truck? With the new NAFTA laws you can import a vehicle 4 years old = 2011........
Why drive down Baja, ferry cost for your rig is mucho Pesos,lol.
Because of fuel costs and toll roads, I would drive to Loreto TX and head down Highway 57 .......good luck
I hear the whales song
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