I'll preface by saying this is from my 2012 data, but it might be useful:
CAMPER PACKAGE (471)


Availability:




• Optional on all Pickups





Not available with:




• 20" Wheels and Tires, Pickup Box Delete (66D), 3.31 Axle Ratio



(on 4x4 with 17" or 18" tires) or Heavy Service Front Suspension

Package (67H)


Includes:




• Extra heavy-service front springs (4x2) (2 up upgrade above the



spring computer selected as a consequence of options chosen. Not

incl. if maximum springs have been computer selected as standard

equipment)


• Heavy service front springs (4x4) (1 up upgrade above the spring



computer selected as a consequence of options chosen. Not incl. if

maximum springs have been computer selected as standard

equipment)


• Rear stabilizer bar (SRW only)

• Slide-in camper certification

• Rear auxiliary springs (F-250 only)





NOTE: Salesperson's Source Book or Ford RV Trailer Towing

Guide should be consulted for specific Trailer Towing or

camper limits and corresponding req. equipment, axle

ratios and model availability

 

Thanks. Even if it still reads the same there is some interpretation as to "computer selected as a result of options chosen" etc. I hope the dealer will have a better handle on this during the order process. Each day I learn a little more with a goal of knowing as much or more than the dealer when finally making the choices.

 

Yes, I would be purchasing a 2017 350SRW. Going to see what the order sheets say and go from there.

Anyone know how Ford bumps the size of the blocks in a 350, but maintains a fairly level truck front to back? There has to be something bigger up front to avoid a rake...

 

"Computer selected as a result of options chosen"
(Tongue in cheek)

 

As per the Ford website for the 2016 Super Duty: "The Camper Package includes extra heavy service front springs on 4x2 (2 up upgrade above the spring, computer selected as a consequence of options chosen. Not included if maximum springs have been computer selected as standard equipment), heavy service front springs on 4x4 (1 up upgrade above the spring computer selected as a consequence of options chosen. Not included if maximum springs have been computer selected as standard equipment), rear auxiliary springs (F-250 only), rear stabilizer bar (SRW only), and slide-in camper certification. Not available with 20" wheels and tires, 3.31 axle ratio or Heavy Service Suspension Package."

All it's saying is that if you don't already have heavier service springs, then they will be included as part of the camper package, plus a rear sway bar, overload springs, and officially certified in case your state requires that. If I were ordering a truck, I would probably go for the camper package just for the sway bar and overload rear springs. You can add an aftermarket sway bar, but it's just as expensive and a lot more hassle.

 

Somewhere a little while back (I want to say that I read on here that it was in 2012 or 2013) Ford added the taller rear block to all of the 4x4 F-250s as well because customers were complaining of excessive squat. I have a 2015 F-250, and it has the 4" rear blocks just like an F-350 and even with the snowplow prep package it has a slight rake unloaded.

 

[QUOTEIf I were ordering a truck, I would probably go for the camper package just for the sway bar and overload rear springs. You can add an aftermarket sway bar, but it's just as expensive and a lot more hassle.[/QUOTE]

Aftermarket sway bars can be substantially more effective. I changed OEM for a Hellwig and found great improvement for an hours work. If I had the upper overload springs the difference probably would not have been as obvious but I did sacrifice some empty/light load ride quality.

 

Interesting. So why the heck order a 350 SRW? I'm not paying extra for the badge, and there has to be something else besides overload springs that make it a 350...right? Or have we been wearing Ford blinders...

 

Took a friends F-250 (2012) from NY to SanDiego last fall. Modest load plus 400 lb tongue weight and too much squat for me. At least he had replaced the micro fuel tank with a 50 gal but you can see the straps hanging lower than the running boards. Too low for my taste.


Utah Desert




Omaha for breakfast

 

I think that if you priced out a 250 with the camper package it is likely very similar in cost to the 350 SRW. The camper package will give you the overload spring, but the only way to get the higher GVWR on the door sticker is to buy the 350. For some folks the GVWR makes a huge difference one way or another with respect to registration costs, insurance, and making sure to be legal if they are using the truck commercially and are subject to roadside weigh stations.

 

The Hellwig made it a rough ride when unloaded?

 

I got scaled in my 08 f350 at a DOT stop. My truck has a 10,500 gvwr, 3993 payload sticker, 5600 front axle and 7000 rear axle. I was stopped because they said my tires look like they were bulging too much. I had my 8' Fisher HD plow on, a 2500# concrete block for ballast and a bed full of snow. I scaled at 11,500 but was under my tire and axle ratings so they let me go. I personally would never own a 250 after having that experience

 

Well for plowing that may be a different consideration.

 

The only difference is an extra leaf spring. The rest of the truck is identical even the rear axle.

 

I'm not great at math, but 10,000-7420=2580 payload...................... Which is still much more respectable than some of the 6.7 F250's.


I saw a landscaper pulled over last Friday and the portable scales were laid out in front of all his wheels ready to drive on. Lots of DOT cops there, and I was worried as I was in my Pete, but two passer bys crashed in the middle of the road right there and made a spectacle of themselves, so the DOT officers were busy! Here in SE PA DOT loves pickups!