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Our TC is a Livin Lite Camp Lite 6.8. Its more-or-less official dry weight is ~2,000 lbs, and I estimate its wet-and-fully loaded as-built weight (including options and mods) is around 2,800 lbs. The bed mat, frame-mounted tie downs and turnbuckles probably weigh another 150 lbs. So, total load with camper, driver, passenger, dog, and other "stuff" in/on the truck was probably ~3600 lbs.
I need to get to a CAT scale...
We carried the TC very comfortably on our 2017 F350 CCSB 4x2 with camper package earlier this year on a 4k+ mile trip from NC to TX, NM, CO, OK and back. The truck's as-built rated payload is just under 4K lbs. The OEM tires are nice all-season LT275/65R18Es, but they are the weak link in the truck's rear GAWR.
I was certainly always aware that we were transporting this load, and honestly, I don't think it was "too much truck", even for "interstate princess" duty.
Generally speaking, "dry weight" does not include fuel or passengers. So those need to be added to the payload.
Just to clarify, the B-Pillar is NOT dry weight. Ford weighs each truck off the build line, subtracts that weight from the GVWR, then deducts the weight of a full tank of fuel and a 150# driver. That remaining number is the posted "payload and cargo not to exceed" number. So, while fuel and driver are part of the payload, it does not come off the sticker rating in the pillar. The only way to be totally sure is to cross the scale and deduct the weight from the GVWR.
Thanks GlueGuy,
Does the number stated in the Ford Brochure, exactly 3,000#, account for driver and fuel? Until delivery there is no B Pillar to view. I just need an idea if I am 500# over or more like 100# over.
To the above, how do you figure you don't count fuel? Also how do you figure the 150 lb alloted driver?
Originally Posted by Foamster
I thought I needed to subtract the weight of my wife and I (300#) and a tank of fuel (about 200#). That would put me 500# over...are you saying that is not the correct calculation?
Fuel is not counted as payload because it is required for the truck to work.
Owners manual.
2018 F-150 | ford.com WB = Wheelbase 1 Requires 2.7L EcoBoost Payload Package. 2 Requires Heavy-Duty Payload Package and 17" wheels. 3 Requires Heavy-Duty Payload Package and 18" wheels. 4LIMITED payload rating is 1,690 lbs. 5 LIMITED only. Payload Notes: Maximum capabilities shown are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver.
Just a few points I don't think Ford weighs every truck I have actually heard the sticker goes on before the truck is finished. They just subtract all options and trim levels from dry weight.
I do think fuel is included but not a driver anymore. There is a detailed build sheet which will list the weight of all options, motors etc.
I researched this a great deal before I gave up and simply ordered a HDPP/MTTP. Just to give you an idea my Screw Lariat 3.5 4X4 with a box step has a payload of 2406 pounds.
According to Ford's brochure a 4x4 with 3.5 Ecoboost & HeavyDutyPayload and 18" wheels has a payload of exactly 3,000#. I thought I needed to subtract the weight of my wife and I (300#) and a tank of fuel (about 200#). That would put me 500# over...are you saying that is not the correct calculation? It would be fantastic if I was only 200# over. I can't use a weigh station because I am trying to decide whether to buy an F-250 or a smoother-riding 150.
You still need to subtract the weight of any options.
Yes, I could get an F250 but the ride will be inferior for the life of the truck, and I prefer not to buy two trucks. Please share your opinions on how much risk is involved. With air bags the camper should ride level, but how “floaty” would it be?
This is outside my area....but since you did make the above statement, I’ll just toss this in.
You say the camper will be mounted full time. The SD trucks do ride much better than they did in the past. Maybe someone with actual experience could comment which vehicle would have an inferior ride with the full time camper.....an F150 at or over max rating....or a SD operating below its max rating. In my mind, it seems plausible that the SD would drive better since it will not be stressed and has larger brakes and higher capacities (including fuel capacity if you get a long Bed).
I really wonder if it may be the F150 that will have the inferior ride in your scenario. Unfortunately, I can’t provide your answer.
I have owned several truck campers, and always on Ford trucks. My last camper was the largest Lance model available in 2008; I think the model was 1172. According to the Ford and Lance brochures, an F-350 would give me about 100 lbs leeway without being overweight, but that was too close for my comfort zone, so I went with the F-450. I was surprised when the Lance came and I discovered that the weight given in the TC brochure was dry weight, with no options. Adding AC, microwave, awning, propane, bunk over the dinette, tanks full, groceries, etc., I would have been way over weight with the F-350. I ended up adding air bags, TorkLift Stable Loads, and maintaining 110 psi in the 19.5" G rated tires on the F-450. Your problem is not driving down the Interstate at 60 with the cruise engaged. It is when you suddenly need to jam on the brakes, or swerve to avoid an animal or a pothole. Then your chances of rolling over, or not being able to stop increase drastically. I am retired from law enforcement, and I worked several truck camper accidents, and I usually heard: "The truck just wouldn't stop!" In my humble opinion, I advise not compromising on safety. An overweight rig means lots more heat on your tires, increased chance of a blowout, etc. Yeah, a lot of folks get away with it, but some don't- you decide if your family is worth the risk.
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