Can anyone tell me what the unloaded ride quality difference is between having the camper package and not having it in a 250 4x4 crew cab short bed? Most of the trucks I am finding on the lots have this package, and most of my time in this truck will be spent commuting to work with it unloaded. I would like as civilized a ride as possible when empty. My idea of a loaded truck will be pulling my RV travel trailer once a month or so (not a 5th wheel). The trailer is around 8000 lbs with a hitch weight of around 1000lbs.

 

The ride in mine is great, F250 4x4 supercab 5.4 6-SPD, Lariat Camper pacage.

Ernie

 

Not bad at all. Kinda bouncy is how I describe it, but not rough.

 

Mine rides fine... i guess it all comes down to personal preference. Test drive it and see.


good luck
Scott

 

The camper package probably won't affect the ride that much compared to the stock spring pack as the "overload" leaf doesn't come into play when empty. Also, the anti-roll system really doesn't affect ride either. Now the Certification Sticker in the glove box will really soften the ride

 

Yep, what Outpost said. I have an F250 4x4 crew cab short bed with the camper pkg. Unloaded on road, you will not notice a difference with or without the camper pkg. Unloaded off-road, you might notice a slight difference with the camper pkg due to the rear anti-sway bar. Loaded, the anti-sway bar will be noticable as will the overload spring since it will reduce sway from a shift in load weight.

Sorry, I failed to mention something important to consider. My truck has a front spring rate of 5200# (v code springs). All trucks with the camper pkg (that I have seen) have the 5200# spring rate up front. I don't know if the camper pkg comes with this or not, but I know you'll be able to find a truck without the camper pkg that will have a front spring rate less than 5200#, which will have a softer ride. Also, this may not make much of a difference, but the 4X4 shocks are different than the FX4 shocks. Sorry, I don't have any experience between the two shocks, but since both are stock shocks I'm sure the impact will be very slight. But if you are looking for a softer ride, I think you'll want to look for a lesser front spring rate (4800# or 4400#). Anyway, my post may not be helpful, but for unloaded on road performance, pay attention to the front spring rate. Test drive trucks with different front spring rates to see if you notice a softer ride.

 

Ive got an 04 f350 sc sb fx4 plow /camper packages ,very nice ride quality.

 

Get the camper package. As mentioned, it comes with the rear anti-sway bar and heavier front springs. IMO these SD trucks ride great unloaded. If you get a diesel (more front end weight), the heavier duty springs certainly will not hurt. I love driving my truck and it is usually unloaded. Good luck!