SD Camper Package Option
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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SD Camper Package Option
I've run this item past once before and didn't get alot of response. How many SD owners out there have the camper package option on their trucks? Without actually using a slide-in camper, are the heavier grade springs and rear sway bar any benefit to normal use. This is a low cost option but not going to get it unless there are any other benefits since I probably will never use a slide-in camper.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: NorCal
I ordered my truck without the camper package (I don't have a slide in camper either) because I didn't want the stock overload springs that are part of the package, I was already planning to add airbags. And my truck does just fine with no rear swaybar on it!
And now I changed out the rear springs anyway so the camper package would have been a waste of money.
And now I changed out the rear springs anyway so the camper package would have been a waste of money.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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I ordered my truck without the camper package (I don't have a slide in camper either) because I didn't want the stock overload springs that are part of the package, I was already planning to add airbags. And my truck does just fine with no rear swaybar on it!
And now I changed out the rear springs anyway so the camper package would have been a waste of money.
And now I changed out the rear springs anyway so the camper package would have been a waste of money.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,625
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From: Itinerant
I've had it on the last three trucks and use only for an upgrade for the extra weight of tools that I carry. Front upgraded spring Rear over load and the sway bar. I personally like the upgraded and only $160 I believe when I had the trucks built is a nice plus. But this is just my personal feeling on the camper package.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
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The sway bar will be nice, but the extra spring capacity will probably become a sore point, literally...
As one who bought a truck with the camper package.
If you want the sway bar, maybe you should buy it separately. It's not that expensive.
-blaine
As one who bought a truck with the camper package.
If you want the sway bar, maybe you should buy it separately. It's not that expensive.
-blaine
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: NorCal
The main springpack is the same with or without the camper package, the camper package adds the smaller overload spring above the main springpack that starts working once the rear of the truck squats down from a heavy load.
The swaybar is definitely useful if you have alot of weight in the bed such as a camper or a utility bed etc.
I don't usually haul really heavy loads in my bed, I do haul some heavy trailers but the weight of the hitch is centered on the truck which doesn't contribute much to causing the truck to sway.
I have never had an instance where I felt that the truck would have been better with the swaybar.
BuhBye F450, I'm relaxin'
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,288
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From: Plainville, MA
Devil's advocate...
The main springpack is the same with or without the camper package, the camper package adds the smaller overload spring above the main springpack that starts working once the rear of the truck squats down from a heavy load.
The swaybar is definitely useful if you have alot of weight in the bed such as a camper or a utility bed etc.
I don't usually haul really heavy loads in my bed, I do haul some heavy trailers but the weight of the hitch is centered on the truck which doesn't contribute much to causing the truck to sway.
I have never had an instance where I felt that the truck would have been better with the swaybar.
The swaybar is definitely useful if you have alot of weight in the bed such as a camper or a utility bed etc.
I don't usually haul really heavy loads in my bed, I do haul some heavy trailers but the weight of the hitch is centered on the truck which doesn't contribute much to causing the truck to sway.
I have never had an instance where I felt that the truck would have been better with the swaybar.
Of course, with the camper on, it really pays off - no more sway at all. I used to feel sway even in changing lanes with the Lance on board - not now. Take it for what its' worth...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
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Agree entirely! 
I couldn't figure out quite how to effectively phrase it. Mine handles MUCH better than it should, given its' weight and height.
It's no Ferrari, by any means, but it is MUCH more stable and predictable.
-blaine
I couldn't figure out quite how to effectively phrase it. Mine handles MUCH better than it should, given its' weight and height.
It's no Ferrari, by any means, but it is MUCH more stable and predictable.
-blaine
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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O.K., I'll give an opposing opinion! I bought mine without the camper package but it had the front springs of the snow plow package. I do have a slide-in camper and bought air bags to beef up the rear for that. However, before I bought the air bags and knowing that the camper package provided a rear sway bar, I purchased a Hellwig rear sway bar. It was much larger than the factory unit and less money. The first time I took the truck into an off ramp after installing the Hellwig, I felt like I had purchased a lowered Lightning - boy that thing stayed nice and flat! I am currently lifted 2.5" and running 35X12.5 Mud Terrains and it still corners better than any 4X4 I've ever owned. In my honest opinion, that sway bar made the difference.
Of course, with the camper on, it really pays off - no more sway at all. I used to feel sway even in changing lanes with the Lance on board - not now. Take it for what its' worth...
Of course, with the camper on, it really pays off - no more sway at all. I used to feel sway even in changing lanes with the Lance on board - not now. Take it for what its' worth...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 817
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My new 2010 F350 has the camper package and it rides rough compared to the 08 F250 I had without it. You hit one bump unloaded and you can feel the rear of the truck lift off the ground. As others have said for around $160 more, it's not a bad investment.
It rides like a Escalade with a couple pallets of lanscaping blocks in it though!
It rides like a Escalade with a couple pallets of lanscaping blocks in it though!
BuhBye F450, I'm relaxin'
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,288
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From: Plainville, MA
Thanks for a lot of good insight on this topic. I'm glad I reposted the issue. From what I can conclude is that unless you are going to use the truck for snowplowing or actually put on a slide-in camper or use the truck bed to haul heavy weights, the camper package added springs aren't really necessary. However, it looks like adding a rear sway bar could be very beneficial. Not at all familiar with the Hellwig sway bar vs the stock sway bar.
Ford F250 / F350 Sway Bar - 1999-2010 4wd Rear Bars by Hellwig
My new 2010 F350 has the camper package and it rides rough compared to the 08 F250 I had without it. You hit one bump unloaded and you can feel the rear of the truck lift off the ground. As others have said for around $160 more, it's not a bad investment.
It rides like a Escalade with a couple pallets of lanscaping blocks in it though!
It rides like a Escalade with a couple pallets of lanscaping blocks in it though!
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 258
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From: California
I just ordered my SD with the camper package because I plan on buying a Lance camper and now I am thinking about adding the snow plow package also for the heavy duty alternator. What happens if you order both camper and snow plow packages?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Austin, TX USA
I think that they both get U heavy duty front end springs.. I would think about one or the other - maybe nix the camper package & then add the Hellwig save a couple of bucks & get what prev posters say is better..
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