I'm in the process of configuring an F250 on Ford's website. The Snow Plow/Camper package seems like a cheap way of getting the rear sway bar and heavier spring capacity ($245).
I won't be plowing snow but would like a rear sway bar and overload springs (if that is what is installed). I am contemplating a in-bed camper but not sure if I will go that route. Does anyone know for sure if the increased spring strength in this package is from addition of overload springs or if the spring sets are just stiffer than stock. I'm trying not to make the ride any rougher when not towing/hauling, if possible. The RV I pull now with my F150 is only 7K lbs gross, but the wife and I are considering a different setup, either a heavier RV, possibly a small 5th wheel, or a pickup bed camper.
Also, I need to pick a proper gear ration to go with the 7.3 gas motor. I'd like the 4:30 but am not sure what to expect for gas milage when unloaded. Wish they offered the 3:73 with that motor.
Thanks in advance for any input from those with knowledge/experience in these areas.

 

If youre worried about mileage then go 3.73 or 3.55's..Only you can make any decisions. My F-350 CC LB 4x4 w/4.30 gets about 12.8 - 13.5 mpg all around average...better on long trips going 60-65 mph..Can't dial in the mileage because I always have my foot into the pedal..Love the performance, sound etc..and its all stock.

I would suggest building the truck on what youre going to use it for most...if possible also consider a F-350 and the LB ..with that 7.3L motor, you will appreciate the extra payload and 48 gallon tank...upfitter switches, universal garage door opener, tow packages, 360 view, 5th wheel prep pack, etc...it will make trailer / towing life much easier

Good luck

 

I have 3.73s and get 13 empty.

Make it a 350 with 430s

 

Any time you add a rear axle tying sway bar, you reduce side to side articulation. That will firm things up. Myself, I don’t like a rear sway bar, but it should be considered a MUST if you load a slide in camper onto the bed.
Overloads don’t touch until you are running heavy.
The more load I have on my truck, the smoother it rides.

 

I got the camper package on my F-250, and it adds a leaf to the rear. It made a huge difference from my 2011. I had to put airbags on my 2011 (and my 2008) to level up the rear of the truck (and to help smooth the ride on the concrete roads). With my 2019, I do not need the bags. The truck levels out perfect with my 5th wheel hooked up. The ride is acceptable, but there is still a bit of bounce on the rougher roads. Not enough to warrant the airbags yet though. I would highly recommend it, especially for the price.

As for the 4.30's, it didn't make much difference in the gas mileage on my old 2003 when I went from the 3.73 to the 4.30's. Certainly not enough for me to be concerned about. I would not hesitate going with them if I were you.

 

You can get the 3.73 gear 7.3L with the 350 single rear wheel. It will have the camper overload springs and an extra leaf spring over a base 250. If you option the camper package on the 350 you get one up front springs and the rear sway bar. If you option camper/snowplow it goes way up to 6000 springs you may not like.

On the 250 the camper package adds the rear overload, one up front springs, and the rear sway bar. Camper/snow plow is 2 up front springs.


What cab and bed configuration do you want?

 

Unless you have registration or tax issues, get an F-350.

You will never regret it.

 

Agree with others about F-350.
48 gallon gas tank and 8 ft bed
Snow plow and slide-in camper pkg
4:30
Camera package
I have 2019 F-250 Lariat. It tows 5th wheel great (no sway) but especially wish for 48 gallon tank when towing. Also, I have to watch payload when towing and you won't with 350.

 

I am planning on the full sized crew cab with the short bed. 160" wheelbase. I am leaning towards getting the F250 since I was thinking the 350 would be overkill for my needs. The reason I'm considering ordering a truck built to my spec's is that there are very few F250/F350 trucks on the lots here. I cannot find any that have at least most of my desired features. I don't intend to upgrade to a much heavier RV, maybe 8-9K lbs, and if I get a slidein camper it will be on the smaller/lighter side, more for boondocking than for extra amenities. Maybe I'm wrong about the 350 being too much truck if the suspension is the only difference. It looks like the Snowplow/Camper package will have too much increase in the front springs for my needs. I'll take another look at the Camper package and at the F350, if that's not too much more$.
I'm not sure of the registration considerations here in Florida, although it looks like 10,000 lb GVWR is a threshold to consider on certain roads throughout the USA.
I appreciate all the input and advice from the group here. It is helping me sort out my options.

 

Many people buy a 250 for tax or registration reasons, or they haven't done the research/comparison.

If you don't have that registration/tax issue ( I live in Florida and if there is a difference it's only a few dollars, not thousands like in S.C. and others States ) there is no reason to not get a 350.

It is a few hundred more to buy, but build them on the Ford site and compare what you get.

The 10,000 gvwr comes into play if you register in that State. Whatever you register for in Florida is good in any State, you can drive anywhere you want.

 

I think most any configuration would work for that.

If you arent running on the highway much a 4.30 gear f250 camper package may work out. That will get you the overload spring, swaybar, and bigger Dana axle unit (4.30s).

If you want to go 3.73 gears instead of 3.55 highway gear an F350 would be the way to go.

With the CCSB gas trucks the mechanical difference between the f350 srw and f250 camper package is one leaf and different tire PSI. But you gain the sway bar with the camper package f250 and save like $1000 or so bucks.