When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The ride when empty is a little stiff...the 19.5" tires don't flex as much as the E rated ones...this is the sacrifice made but you will appreciate the 19.5" when carrying heavy weight (less flex/role). I did noticed the truck "hunt" ruts in road for the first 500 miles or so rather badly and has been getting better. It is really not bad now and something one gets used to the little it still does it.
To me the biggest sacrifice of the stock 19.5" tires are the lack of off-road/mud/sand capabilities...they are definitely more of a street tire than off-road but this is great for 90-95% if what we do. I have not yet been camping in field and try to leave after a big rain...this does concern me a little for my last dually (2012 F350) I put Toyo 295/20 MTs (and winch) on it and had great off-road capability....good piece of mind if needed. One day I plan to put Warn 16.5k synthetic on truck but have not found a mounting system that is good looking and reasonability priced.
One last question (maybe), how do you find the 430 gearing as far as highway driving? My analogy would be if you were driving a car does it feel like you accidentally shifted into 2 instead of D? Like it should shift again? I used to have 63 Ford Falcon back in the day with a 411 rear end, of course it rode like it was always in 2 gear. I didn't have a 6 speed modern transmission in it either, it had a Ford top loader. Sorry for all the questions, I am out of the country for work and cannot go down to my dealer and just drive one. Appreciate your input and patience!
At speeds 65mph or less, I love it. By the way, all trailer tires are only rated for 65mph max; Lance even says 55mph max for truck campers (which I find hard to believe and no one, that I know really follows). So yes above 65mph it does seem geared too low but the F450 is a towing/hauling machine and one should not really exceed 70mph anyway while towing or hauling (my opinion).
If the vast majority of your driving in non-loaded, interstate driving and you like to consistently speed (75mph and greater) then the gearing may bother you.
At speeds 65mph or less, I love it. By the way, all trailer tires are only rated for 65mph max; Lance even says 55mph max for truck campers (which I find hard to believe and no one, that I know really follows). So yes above 65mph it does seem geared too low but the F450 is a towing/hauling machine and one should not really exceed 70mph anyway while towing or hauling (my opinion).
If the vast majority of your driving in non-loaded, interstate driving and you like to consistently speed (75mph and greater) then the gearing may bother you.
Point taken, last thing to do is to go see for myself, looking forward to that, thanks for sharing your feedback. I noticed in your original post the front axle weight unloaded quite a bit with camper installed. What do you make of that? Seems like it was a little abnormal to lose that much weight. COG issue?
One thing I was surprised on was how much DEF we used. I filled up at the local truck stop before we left and got the '500 mile' warning in Haines, AK. Approx 2500 miles. Got raped for $28 for 2.5 gals. Got the warning again in BC where it was only $15 CD for 2.5 gals. $11 USD
Was just in Haines a few weeks ago and the prices for things there shocked me... and I live in Alaska... I think our diesel here causes you to burn more DEF as I seem to be getting roughly 600 miles per gal. running mostly empty. I, too, got the DEF warning in Haines - but I am always carrying DEF in the truck, since I can get it for $10-$15 per 2.5 gal. jug locally. As you found out, there are no Loves, Flying Js, or T/A with bulk DEF at the pump for $2.29 gal. here. I mostly fly back into tthe L48, but when I drive, I bring back bulk DEF as I refill the bottles. You all are getting great mileage with your tow setups. I seem to be lucky in mixed, easy driving getting 13.5 - 14 in the summer and I get less in the winter. (studded tires and winter fuel). Long highway drives like when you go on a long vacation it gets 17-18 empty and I pulled a light trailer back from Haines and got 14. Overall trip was a hair over 15 mpg. I did have about an hour of waiting for pilot cars on the way back which didn't help mileage.
Point taken, last thing to do is to go see for myself, looking forward to that, thanks for sharing your feedback. I noticed in your original post the front axle weight unloaded quite a bit with camper installed. What do you make of that? Seems like it was a little abnormal to lose that much weight. COG issue?
It's very normal for Lance 1172 (and some other large truck campers) since their center of gravity is rearward of the rear axel. I knew this would happen. I had to weigh the pros and cons of each camper design before making a decision...this was a con for the 1172 but to me the pros made up for it, especially with heavy diesel upfront...still a heavy front end. Also all tires now carry a very equivalent weight. Also gives me room for (one day) for a Warn 16.5k winch.
It's very normal for Lance 1172 (and some other large truck campers) since their center of gravity is rearward of the rear axel. I knew this would happen. I had to weigh the pros and cons of each camper design before making a decision...this was a con for the 1172 but to me the pros made up for it, especially with heavy diesel upfront...still a heavy front end. Also all tires now carry a very equivalent weight. Also gives me room for (one day) for a Warn 16.5k winch.
What other TC's did you like? I have the 1172, EC 1160/1165, and Host Mammoth and Cascade on my list to see. Would love to hear your opinions if you looked at any of those.
2012 F350 gasser. Just back from 6,000 mile run hauling Hallmark Ute XL popup. Seldom saw above 11.5 with 3:73 gears. Often about 10.5 in the Teton and Rockies. Level terrain, of which there wasn't much, brought out a huge improvement and would briefly see over 13.
At speeds 65mph or less, I love it. By the way, all trailer tires are only rated for 65mph max; Lance even says 55mph max for truck campers (which I find hard to believe and no one, that I know really follows). So yes above 65mph it does seem geared too low but the F450 is a towing/hauling machine and one should not really exceed 70mph anyway while towing or hauling (my opinion).
If the vast majority of your driving in non-loaded, interstate driving and you like to consistently speed (75mph and greater) then the gearing may bother you.
Minor correction increasingly trailer tires are rated for 75 mph as stamped on the tire.(even the cheap ones). Check before you buy if speed rating is an issue. Not saying you should tow that fast, just making note of the change in specs.
2000 Ford F-350 dually 7.3 diesel, I seem to get about 18 mpg empty and 14 with my 10’2 Northern Lite on board
Truck is presently for sale 2 owner 94,000 miles, very clean
I'm not one that keeps track of my mileage, never have. We recently returned after a 3000 mile trip around the Southeast.
Adaptive Cruise Control is my new friend, set it at 70, let it do the work. The trip meter says I averaged 10.1, Camper and Cargo Trailer loaded with the Polaris General and all that goes with it. Very satisfied with that. This truck handles the Camper better than any Truck/Camper/Trailer I've ever owned.
2012 Arctic Fox 990 on a 2015 F350 Crew cab DRW 4x4 with the 6.7 Powerstroke. We get between 10-12 mpg at 70 mph highway cruising speed depending on the grade or wind conditions.
09-17-2018, 03:56 AM
