A camper versus payload
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A camper versus payload
2014 XLT SuperCab 3.5 Ecoboost 4x4, 3.55 locker, 6.5" bed 7200# payload package.
I get the vehicle curb weight at 5476#
Subtract that curb weight from 7200.
1724# load capacity.
I plan to mount an aluminum framed popup camper in the bed that is 900# dry.
20 gallons of water @ 167#
2 group 24 batts <150#
Weight now 1217# plus other gear 200# estimate.
Gets it to over 1400#
That leaves "about" 325# for me, gas and gear inside the truck.
If I put another passenger in the truck, seems like it would be right at max and even up to 100# over max.
My camping style is dry camping.....no water sources at the sites so I have to haul the water.
The tires will be upsized to LT 275-65-18 "E" rated AT and Firestone Ride Rite airbags installed.
Does this sound about right and is it good to go at those figures?
I get the vehicle curb weight at 5476#
Subtract that curb weight from 7200.
1724# load capacity.
I plan to mount an aluminum framed popup camper in the bed that is 900# dry.
20 gallons of water @ 167#
2 group 24 batts <150#
Weight now 1217# plus other gear 200# estimate.
Gets it to over 1400#
That leaves "about" 325# for me, gas and gear inside the truck.
If I put another passenger in the truck, seems like it would be right at max and even up to 100# over max.
My camping style is dry camping.....no water sources at the sites so I have to haul the water.
The tires will be upsized to LT 275-65-18 "E" rated AT and Firestone Ride Rite airbags installed.
Does this sound about right and is it good to go at those figures?
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From: Sioux Falls Area
sounds like you've done your homework 
I'm not sure where the 5476 lbs comes from, whether that is from a scale or not, so that might change your figures a bit depending on how you weighed in (assuming it is a scale weight).
If you look in your door jamb, there should be a yellow sticker that shows you the payload for your truck. that number accounts for all the options your truck has and includes a full tank of gas and 150lbs for the driver. that number should be very close to the scale weight if you were to scale it. (it's good enough to use, is what I'm saying).
I think you are in the ball park .. as you said, though, you might be riding the bubble,
I'm not sure where the 5476 lbs comes from, whether that is from a scale or not, so that might change your figures a bit depending on how you weighed in (assuming it is a scale weight).
If you look in your door jamb, there should be a yellow sticker that shows you the payload for your truck. that number accounts for all the options your truck has and includes a full tank of gas and 150lbs for the driver. that number should be very close to the scale weight if you were to scale it. (it's good enough to use, is what I'm saying).
I think you are in the ball park .. as you said, though, you might be riding the bubble,
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From: Maine, Virginia
Any plans to tow anything with the camper mounted? Probably won't be able to with the overhang of the camper if there is any.
Is there a max tow optioned truck available? Bumping to the 7700 lb package would give you more breathing room.
Is there a max tow optioned truck available? Bumping to the 7700 lb package would give you more breathing room.
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No camper overhang....it is bed length.
It is a 4 wheel campers HAWK model.
Now and again, a 5x8 utility trailer loaded with a mid sized quad will be towed.
Maybe a 1000# ?.....tongue weight unknown.
I got the curb weight off Ford spec sheets posted on another site.
The actual scale weight is unknown and I don't pick up the truck until this friday.
It's still on the dealers lot 700 miles from me right now, so I cannot look at the door jam plate.
Thank you.
It is a 4 wheel campers HAWK model.
Now and again, a 5x8 utility trailer loaded with a mid sized quad will be towed.
Maybe a 1000# ?.....tongue weight unknown.
I got the curb weight off Ford spec sheets posted on another site.
The actual scale weight is unknown and I don't pick up the truck until this friday.
It's still on the dealers lot 700 miles from me right now, so I cannot look at the door jam plate.
Thank you.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Central Florida
I've loaded my truck up fairly heavy and had no problems. The truck can handle the weight just fine. When I moved my daughter to Montana that was 1,800 miles of being loaded heavy in one trip, flat lands, hills, mountains, dirt roads and paved roads. 9 months later she moved back to the mid-west so there was another long heavy trip. Adding the tires and air bags as you mentioned will surely help. I have no experience hauling in sand so I can't comment on that. Post some pics when you get the truck. I think you'll like the EcoBoost.
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Honestly, I think you're pushing it a little close here. While you might be just inside of GVWR, have you looked at the rear GAWR? Also, keep in mind those ratings are designed for low, well-distributed loads (bags of sand, etc.) A camper is obviously rather tall, and the top of that camper will exert more force on the suspension (remember, the force increase as the square of distance). IMO, you're setting yourself up for a very top-heavy situation. Most campers I see are mounted to 3/4 ton or 1 ton chassis, often DRWs, and even those sway around quite a bit. Have you considered a small travel trailer (or even a pop-up) instead?
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Sioux Falls Area
looking at it further, according to Ford, the use of a slide in camper requires the HD payload package
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/g...F150_Sep11.pdf
so you are kind of on your own as far as what works.
TVS makes a solid point though. I know on my father-in-law's Sierra the doorjamb says a slide in camper must not exceed 800(ish) pounds even though the payload of the truck is 1700(ish) pounds. So center of gravity makes a difference. Ford references this in the link above.
the airbags will help, for sure, but when you plumb them in, you would be better served to run separate lines to the left and right bags rather than tie them in together. this will help load stability around corners. You can also look into a rear sway bar from the aftermarket if you need extra help with the camper on board.
i doubt very much that you are going to hurt the truck, but you are going outside of ford's recommendations with the slide-in so you are somewhat on your own.
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/g...F150_Sep11.pdf
so you are kind of on your own as far as what works.
TVS makes a solid point though. I know on my father-in-law's Sierra the doorjamb says a slide in camper must not exceed 800(ish) pounds even though the payload of the truck is 1700(ish) pounds. So center of gravity makes a difference. Ford references this in the link above.
the airbags will help, for sure, but when you plumb them in, you would be better served to run separate lines to the left and right bags rather than tie them in together. this will help load stability around corners. You can also look into a rear sway bar from the aftermarket if you need extra help with the camper on board.
i doubt very much that you are going to hurt the truck, but you are going outside of ford's recommendations with the slide-in so you are somewhat on your own.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Central Florida
Interesting point about slide in camper versus payload. Thanks, I'll have to remember that one for future reference.
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However, if you go outside of Ford's recommendations or the numbers on the stickers and have a wreck, you could face some liability issues. Some states are also pretty picky on vehicle weight... and an F150 with a slide-in camper would just scream for a CMV trooper to stop it and weigh it.
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From: Maine, Virginia
However, if you go outside of Ford's recommendations or the numbers on the stickers and have a wreck, you could face some liability issues. Some states are also pretty picky on vehicle weight... and an F150 with a slide-in camper would just scream for a CMV trooper to stop it and weigh it.
I've made the same trip with 2004 Expedition, same family members and same equipment bracketed and nary an issue.
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