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Not getting a camper.
Understand that the Payload can not increase by adding accessories - I said so already - given the limiting factor is the mythical 10,000 number.
I was moreso curious about the meat of the Camper package, what it really was, and how it effects payload and 5er towing. Sounds like it would "help" some nominal amount (which again, we all agree does nto show up on the B pillar).
Not getting a camper.
Understand that the Payload can not increase by adding accessories - I said so already - given the limiting factor is the mythical 10,000 number.
I was moreso curious about the meat of the Camper package, what it really was, and how it effects payload and 5er towing. Sounds like it would "help" some nominal amount (which again, we all agree does nto show up on the B pillar).
Yep, I got the package for the better springs and sway bar as I'm not getting a camper either. It dropped payload by 54 pounds.
Also, see the attached doc.
Ignore the fact it says "Camper" as it has lots of useful weight info.
I have had Ford trucks since 1974. I grew up on farms and have had truck campers since 1976. My new F350 SC 4X4 is in production. I ordered 11,400 gvw and build sheet says 11,500. Included 5th wheel/ gooseneck prep, camper/snowplow package ( although I always plow with a tractor). Slide in truck campers or large loads of hay have a high center of gravity. That said, sway bars and helper springs make a huge difference, especially on uneven roads, a windy day or when being passed by a semi.
Not getting a camper.
Understand that the Payload can not increase by adding accessories - I said so already - given the limiting factor is the mythical 10,000 number.
I was moreso curious about the meat of the Camper package, what it really was, and how it effects payload and 5er towing. Sounds like it would "help" some nominal amount (which again, we all agree does nto show up on the B pillar).
I don't tow a 5th wheel but I have the camper package on my 2018 F-250. I don't exactly how much weight has to be put over the rear axle to actually engage the extra spring, but I haven't found out yet. And I've had a bit of weight in it. I've had over 3"s of sag in the rear and they still weren't close to being engaged. I finally just put airbags on it.
Here is my real world experience with my 2019 and the camper package. Yes, it makes a difference in towing. With my previous two trucks (a 2008 CCLB 6.4L, and a 2011 CCSB, 6.7L, both 2WD), I had to put on a set of airbags to help level the truck and help with the bouncing with my 5th wheel. I was ready to also put them on my 2019. But after my first tow, it was looking like I wouldn't need them. After the second tow, a much further trip, it was confirmed. I do not need the airbags with this setup. My 5th wheel is about 11K as we tow it, maybe a little less, depending on where we are going or how long we will be away. When hooked up and loaded up, the truck actually levels out just about perfect. There is still a little bounce that I'm sure airbags would eliminate, but at this point, it is not worth it for me to put them on. Maybe later after I retire and start towing more, but for now, it's just about as perfect is I could have asked for. Here is a picture of my camper hooked up (getting it "inspected").
The rear sway bar can also have negative effects on the ride quality when empty. A bump on the right side of the truck gets transferred to the left side by the sway bar (more-so than just the axle). Since you are not getting a camper, what do you want the heavier springs for? Any thought of just going to an F350?
The best truck I think for most commuters/weekend warriors and small business owners is an F250 camper package. If I had to pick a commuter on a budget I planned to leave stock it would be that with 7.3/3.55 and Lariat value package.
You can always take the sway bar off if it bothers you.
2018 F350 SC LB SRW with camper/snowplow package. My camper is a Lance 1030 truck camper. Initially installed the Airlift Loadlifter 5000 and Torklift lower stableloads. I recently replaced the OEM sway bar and added the Hellwig Big Wig rear sway bar and was amazed at the improvement in handling.
Wish I had done it sooner, took a trip to Maine a few weeks ago and was very happy with its performance.
The rear sway bar can also have negative effects on the ride quality when empty. A bump on the right side of the truck gets transferred to the left side by the sway bar (more-so than just the axle). Since you are not getting a camper, what do you want the heavier springs for? Any thought of just going to an F350?
Originally was looking at F350.
To answer your question, yeah, if I can save 1500-2000 bucks by going with an F250, I will. Leaning that way (or ... Ram2500 ....)
Plus ... inventory is very different between 250 and 350 ... unless I order.
Let me be clear, an F250 is well within my payload and towing numbers as stock. Just trying to learn what is available OEM that tweaks things at the margins, and solid info is sometimes hard to discern from manufacturer web sites ....
The 250 camper pack and 350 gas trucks are essentially the same minus one leaf spring on the 250 but you gain the swaybar and 1 up front springs (Ride a little rougher but sit up 1/2” higher). If you get a 350 cclb they come with hydro assist brakes though, I believe.
The 350 can be had with base front springs and the stouter rear spring set up. Probably better for towing all around if you are near the limits.
I have had Ford trucks since 1974. I grew up on farms and have had truck campers since 1976. My new F350 SC 4X4 is in production. I ordered 11,400 gvw and build sheet says 11,500. Included 5th wheel/ gooseneck prep, camper/snowplow package ( although I always plow with a tractor). Slide in truck campers or large loads of hay have a high center of gravity. That said, sway bars and helper springs make a huge difference, especially on uneven roads, a windy day or when being passed by a semi.
The 11,400 option is a paper downgrade from 11,500. This option helps reduce registration costs in some states (i.e., CA). There are no mechanical differences.
2018 F-250 gas, 4x4, CCSB, Lariat with camper package. 5200 front, 6340 rear, (spring codes TTLL). Combined AWR: 11,540. GVWR: 9900 (took the lower package due to being Canadian, got me under the 4500 kg limit) Payload sticker: 2849 lbs (as built). Towing a Surveyor 275BHSS, loaded usually between 8200-8300 lbs, with a pin between 1700-1800 lbs. Dropping the rig off at the dealer one day, figured I'd make use of their nice level ground to determine the amount of squat that pin placed on my truck. Measured the height at the wheel wells with the rig connected, dropped the landing gear, unhooked, pulled forward, measured again at the wheel wells. Total sag, just slightly over 1" (about 1 1/16").
2018 F-250 gas, 4x4, CCSB, Lariat with camper package. 5200 front, 6340 rear, (spring codes TTLL). Combined AWR: 11,540. GCWR: 9900 (took the lower package due to being Canadian, got me under the 4500 kg limit) Payload sticker: 2849 lbs (as built). Towing a Surveyor 275BHSS, loaded usually between 8200-8300 lbs, with a pin between 1700-1800 lbs. Dropping the rig off at the dealer one day, figured I'd make use of their nice level ground to determine the amount of squat that pin placed on my truck. Measured the height at the wheel wells with the rig connected, dropped the landing gear, unhooked, pulled forward, measured again at the wheel wells. Total sag, just slightly over 1" (about 1 1/16").
Awesome info. My pin and hitch will be right under 2000 lbs. This helps. I am fairly guessing that 1 1/16 would be more like 2 1/2 - 3 without the camper package.
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