I haven't owned a truck or an in-the-bed camper before. I'm factory ordering an F-450 pickup to tow a heavy trailer, but I might have a big, heavy camper one day. When we looked at the options list, the sales guy couldn't properly describe what the camper package includes, but promised to find out. Before I spend my $140, is it just heavier springs as the Ford website seems to indicate? Are there actually heavier springs available than would be stock on the beefy 450? Is there an electrical aspect? Are there tiedowns for the camper (photo please)? Will the ride be even harsher unloaded as a result of spring changes? Thanks, Al.

 

I think the camper package has heavier cooling, brake controller built in, tranny cooler, or bigger one... wire harness for trailer. And a hitch of course... cant forget that!

 

The package that mustang6147 described is the trailer/tow package. The actual camper package adds heavier springs if they have not already been selected and it adds slide in "certification"

I have always selected in on my previous trucks as I have often thought about getting a slide in camper vs trailer so I could still tow a boat

Fish

 

i always thought camper package meant the rear overload/auxiliary spring

 

Per the 2010 Super Duty Pick-Up (F-250/F-350/F-450) Order Guide (dated 07/01/09):

 

The only thing getting the package actually provides is the paperwork citing that the truck is certifed to carry a camper. All of the other parts can be added through ordering other packages or configurations.

Go to SUNRISE FLEET FORD to see a .pdf order guide and compare the packages for the truck you are considering.

 

Welcome to the site,sounds like a pretty cool truck you're buying. I go camping all the time. I'd like a fifth wheel some day those are pretty cool too.

 

Thank-you for your replies. I'm thoroughly schooled now, and I won't be ordering the camper package on this F-450!

 

On 2010 orders, this is how it really works out as it relates to the Camper pkg…

"Front spring upgrade":
-- Pretty much anything you order alongside the Camper Package that has to do with suspension will either be redundant or trump (as in the case with Plow Prep pkg) these “computer selected” front springs, resulting in you essentially paying for them twice.

"Camper Certificate":
-- You get a formal “camper hauling” certificate with this package.
-- You get an informal “camper hauling” certificate even if you don’t order the package.

"Helper springs":
-- F-250 trucks have no other method of getting helper springs.
-- F-350/450 don’t get it because they already have it.

"Rear anti-sway bar":
-- SRW trucks have no other method of getting a rear sway-bar (besides aftermarket) because the “stability package” and “sway-bar package” are no longer available, even as Fleet-only options as far as I can tell.
-- DRW trucks don’t get it because they already have an even stiffer one.


…FWIW, in my particular situation (see sig), I opted out of the camp package and then put the $160 savings toward a beefier Helwig rear bar instead.

 

Any idea why the slide in camper package would not be available with 20" wheels? Seems odd... Has it always been this way (as in, on the 2005-2007 trucks?)

 

Maybe the 20's have clearance, stability, or load carrying issues that won't allow them to be "certified for campers"

 

Could it just be a way to simplify the production line?

 

Why not ? For $140.00 I sure would !

Something to think about..If you have a slide in camper w/o the camper package,ford can void your warranty.

 

I would believe it's due to the sidewall flex squatting under load.

When I put together my '06 I wanted 20"s but the Snow Plow package was a better buy for other items included in that package so I opted out on the 20"s.

 

I hear you, but it seems like the only thing the camper package adds to the DRW-only F-450 is POSSIBLY a slightly heavier front spring. Ford's disclaimer reads, "front spring upgrade (unless maximum springs have been computer selected as included equipment)." Considering that the F-450 has a standard front axle rating of 7000lbs already (compared to the F350 DRW at 6000lbs), I wouldn't expect the biggest camper to cause a problem. I don't think Ford would void a warranty unless they could demonstrate that the particular part failed because the front axle was loaded beyond GAWR. In any case, I don't have any immediate plans for a slide-in camper, so I'm going to assume that I'll be out of warranty before the warranty is an issue. Thanks.