Hello everyone, I have a question for all ya who have slide in campers for there superduty fords, I recently upgraded my truck from a 92 f150 to a 2002 f250 superduty supercab short box 4x4 its got an automatic transmission with 3:73 gears and also has the tow pkg and camper pkg, I would like to get some info on what the largest or heaviest camper I can safely carry I know I can fit an 8 ft camper but can I go up to a 8.5 or 9 ft camper, keep in mind I will be purchasing an older late 70s or early 80s model camper what size would you recommend I have 3 small kids and will be using this for my family camping trips, thanx in advance for your tips.

 

Well... Depends on what engine...

With that config and a diesel you will run out of carry capacity real fast on a 250. Chck your door and see your weight max.. I believe it is 8800lbs.. Get the truck weighted
with a full tank and all the kids and their stuff... The difference of the weight an dthe max will give you the max.... Dont be surprised if it is only 1800 lbs.. For campers F350s are best as they can haul more...

Now if you dont care about what Ford says, just go get some and slide it in.. BUT that
short box truck wont be very safe with a 9ft camper weight all behind the wheels. Will need to fine the center weight of the camper and have it in front of the wheels... Most campers work better in long box trucks..

Yep... F350 long box is best for campers... Duelly on top of that..

So... Find the lightest camper with the center weight in front of the wheels
you can get... Wont find many choices..

 

Sorry I forgot to mention its a v10 or 6.8 litre engine, would it be wise to leave the tailgate attached to the truck for extra support for a 9 ft camper or is it generally recomended to remove it, also is there such thing as a 8.5 camper or is it actually considered a 9 ft when rounded off.

 

Some campers are made for both short and long box trucks. Be sure you can find the center of gravity for the camper and that it matches the camper loading instructions for your truck.

Pre-fit the camper before you purchase it, the tailgate opening is narrower on the SD Fords and the new cabs are taller than the old cabs. You may have to raise the camper to clear the cab.

I have a 2004 long bed supercab 2WD and the load capacity is less than 1900 lbs. I carry an 8 ft. narrow bodied camper and it was difficult to find a used one that was under the wieght limit.

Here is a link to a very useful truck camper forum:http: //www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/27.cfm

 

I would worry more about the balance of the setup. The weight rating for these trucks is a guideline in my opinion. If it isn't in there all the time I doubt you will have much of a issue. People overload these and other trucks regularly.