Snowplow/camper pkg.
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Joined: Mar 2017
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Snowplow/camper pkg.
I'll be ordering a 2017 f250, 6.2l,4x4,srw,18" wheels. Also ordering 5th wheel prep pkg. this truck will be hauling a RV weighing about 9000lbs. We plan on buying this RV next year to use 1-3 trips a year. Basically this truck will be an everyday family truck otherwise. As you all know these trucks aren't cheap so trying to watch my money. Should I spec out the snowplow/camper option? I will NOT be plowing snow with truck. I understand this snow/ camp pkg gives me heavier suspension. My concern is will this upgrade also give me a "stiffer" ride when not hauling RV? I drive about 15-17000 miles a year. Thanks
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 92
Likes: 8
From: Central New York
You will get stiffer front springs. Whether that creates a noticeable difference in ride is rather subjective and open to debate. If you truly don't plan to plow with the truck, you can skip the plow prep. The nice thing about the camper package on the F-250 is it gives you the rear overload spring and rear sway bar for $168. Plus it splits the difference on the front springs between the base and the plow package. There are some other threads here that discuss the pros & cons, but I ordered the camper package only on my F-250 6.2.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 19,693
Likes: 12,817
From: Wyoming
On my F-350 I ordered the camper package so that I could get the 3.55 axle ratio with the 18" wheels. I also wanted the rear sway bar.
If you're not towing in the mountains you might be able to get by with the 3.31 axle instead. Better MPG when not towing. I will be towing in the mountains almost every time I tow so I wanted the 3.55 axle.
I would not get the snow plow package if a snow plow isn't in your future. The suspension is already pretty stiff.
If you're not towing in the mountains you might be able to get by with the 3.31 axle instead. Better MPG when not towing. I will be towing in the mountains almost every time I tow so I wanted the 3.55 axle.
I would not get the snow plow package if a snow plow isn't in your future. The suspension is already pretty stiff.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
I'll be ordering a 2017 f250, 6.2l,4x4,srw,18" wheels. Also ordering 5th wheel prep pkg. this truck will be hauling a RV weighing about 9000lbs. We plan on buying this RV next year to use 1-3 trips a year. Basically this truck will be an everyday family truck otherwise. As you all know these trucks aren't cheap so trying to watch my money. Should I spec out the snowplow/camper option? I will NOT be plowing snow with truck. I understand this snow/ camp pkg gives me heavier suspension. My concern is will this upgrade also give me a "stiffer" ride when not hauling RV? I drive about 15-17000 miles a year. Thanks
For using your F250 4x4 w/ 6.2 L Gas V8 to tow a 9K trailer, you might also want to consider the optional 4.30 axles instead of the standard 3.73.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
While your combo may be within spec, there's little wiggle room. Specifically, Ford recommends derating the GCWR by 2% for every 1K feet of elevation. So, if you're planning to tow up to ~5K feet, then the 19.5K lbs. GCWR gets reduced by 10% to ~17.5K lbs.
Additionally, the combo's effective frontal area will present a significant aerodynamic drag on the drivetrain. The likely operational result will be automatic transmission "hunting" unless you lock out the upper gear(s).
The 4.30 axle ratio increases the GVWR spec from 19.5K lbs. to 22K lbs., and the engine will operate at higher RPM's (~+15%) in each gear. This will provide better operational flexibility, and it'll definitely make for a more capable and relaxed towing experience.
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 105
From: Casper, Wyoming
On my 2016 I ordered it with the camper package and the 5th wheel and gooseneck prep kit. For the cost ($370 for the 5th and gooseneck prep kit) and less than $200 for the camper package, it was well worth the cost to me. With the 5th wheel kit you also get the 7 way plug installed in the bed on the left side near the back by the tailgate.
At least on the 2016's, with my F250 the camper package gave me the same spring pack as is on the F350 in addition to the sway bar. We knew we were going to get some kind of RV when I ordered it but just did not know what flavor. We ended up getting a slide in camper and I am very glad I ordered mine the way I did.
I would also recommend if you are going with the 6.2 gas that you order it with the 4.30 rear end if you will be towing.
I don't know how the 17's changed etc. but that was my experience with my 2016.
At least on the 2016's, with my F250 the camper package gave me the same spring pack as is on the F350 in addition to the sway bar. We knew we were going to get some kind of RV when I ordered it but just did not know what flavor. We ended up getting a slide in camper and I am very glad I ordered mine the way I did.
I would also recommend if you are going with the 6.2 gas that you order it with the 4.30 rear end if you will be towing.
I don't know how the 17's changed etc. but that was my experience with my 2016.
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