I like your choice in trucks. Sounds like you have a use for the big truck with the camper and maybe need for it with work and such. I have contemplated getting a note on a similar truck but I decided to build one instead 1986 F250 converted to the 6.9L diesel (grandfather to the powerstroke) Any case I would put my vote in for wait maybe a year living at home and see where you are money wise. My dads 99' powerstroke is doing great at 100k and it gets beat everyday in general construction use, refeuling machines or hauling whatever, he gets about 12-14 I think but I have heard all day long guys getting around 20 with a chip and exhaust. Friends father has a crew cab dually 4x4 and put a chip and exhaust on it and was getting around 18-20. Main thing the diesel excel at is their milage while towing, say the diesel gets 15 solo and then towing it will get 12-13, an equivalent big block will get maybe the same 15 around town but will get about 8-10 when towing.
If you wanna do any research on them take a look at this forum, http://www.thedieselstop.com //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/up2something.gif.dd110ecf3ae4b76050d87598f2f8de7c.gif
Good luck on your hunt, I would say factory truck that wasn't abused and lift it yourself, 4" maybe and put on 35's or 37's that way you could still at least use the truck for any work/hauling if need be.
If you wanna do any research on them take a look at this forum, http://www.thedieselstop.com //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/up2something.gif.dd110ecf3ae4b76050d87598f2f8de7c.gif
Good luck on your hunt, I would say factory truck that wasn't abused and lift it yourself, 4" maybe and put on 35's or 37's that way you could still at least use the truck for any work/hauling if need be.