History: I've owned four motorhomes all with Ford V-10's. Looking to change to a slide in camper and a Ford truck. I think I've done the research but looking for some "expert: opinions. Looking at AF 1140 and Lance 1062 because wife would like a dry bath. Both are heavy around 5000 lbs or more if I believe the dealers.

What I think I need in a truck. F-350 XLT, DRW, Crew Cab, 8’ Box, 7.3L gas, 3.73 Limited Slip Axle Ratio, 4X4.
XLT Premium Package
Camper Package
Spray in bedliner
5th-Wheel/Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package
LT245/75Rx17E BSW A/T Tires
17" Forged Polished Aluminum Wheels are included with one of the packages instead of the steel wheels? Hopefully a non issue

If I read the charts correctly the truck should have a max payload of 6500# or so and a slide in camper rating of around 5700#

So, have I covered everything I need, something I should add or remove and why.
One question I don't have a straight answer from the dealers in the payload sticker in the door jam. Will it refer to max payload or will it reflect the camper payload. I see Ford accounts for 150# per seat in the camper payload numbers. I'm hoping the max payload figure is what will be used.

Thanks in advance for you help\comments

 

The 7.3 V8 is completely different from the modular 6.8 V10.

5K lbs. is probably a good working number for the Lance 1062, including options, water, consumables, personal supplies, batteries and propane, but it may come in a couple of hundred pounds higher. You also need to allow ~150 lbs. for a bed mat, tie-downs, and turnbuckles.

The slide-in camper “rating” is basically payload less a 150 lbs. per seating position allowance. If there are six seats in the crewcab, then there’s typically an ~1K lbs. allowance (6 x 150 lbs. plus another ~100 lbs. for misc.)

Note the DRW camper package only includes higher rated front springs and a vehicle-specific camper certification document.

I recommend considering the optional 4.30 axle ratio, especially if you plan to head up into the mountains and/or tow a heavy trailer.

The XLT Premium is nice, but the Lariat (base, Value, Ultimate) is better. The XLT’s audio sucks, IMHO, and we didn’t like the seat cloth. The Lariats include a better (IMHO) audio system, auto dual-zone climate control — a very nice feature — and a power front passenger seat. We sold our 2017 F-350 XLT Premium and replaced it with a 2019 F-350 Lariat Ultimate.

I also recommend the upfitter switch option.

The Tire and Load label on the driver B pillar will reflect the as-built payload spec, not the cargo spec. Payload includes everything (people, pets, camper, coolers, flashlight, tools, etc.) you put in/on the truck after it’s assembled and has a full fuel tank.

Note that many owners (including me) report considerable difficulty charging camper batteries via Ford’s “smart” trailer connector. A typical “fix” involves a dedicated heavy gauge harness from the engine / alternator back to the camper, sometimes incorporating a DC-DC charger.

Don’t forget dually brackets on your camper’s front jacks!

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Looks like you have covered your bases well, if you haven't already I would recommend checking out the 7.3L gas threads, it has a lot of info it it about gear ratios and other stuff.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum307/

The dry bath was a requirement from my wife as well after having a wet bath, you will like it, I still feel closterfobic in the dry bath in my 1191.

Don't let her see the 1172 or you will be on the hook for an F450/550

 

Ditto what Jim said.
My 2021 drw, 7.3, LB/CC is a Lariet. No camper package, as I didn't want the front being stiffer when unloaded. If it's an issue, I'll find something after market.
I went center console for the great storage and armrest, so with the CC, that's 3 empty seats with me and Mrs. So that's an extra 450lbs due to 3 empty seats.
My night vision ain't the best so I splashed out for the LED headlights w/ auto hi-beam...... Friggin' LOVE!!!!!! the LEDS!!!!!!!
Wish I had the built in tailgate step ladder thing.....and glad I didn't get it! It's a bit of a PITA getting in the bed. Knees are showing there miles. But having the built in would have added a ton of weight. I can handle the gate as is, though a bit awkward. The cables for the two plugs that feed through the small hole for the tailgate light and cam is a future fail point, I'm guessing. The little wires in the loom are pretty exposed at the plug. I may hot snot them for some strain relief.
I got the 4:30 rear diff. Boy, she launches. For mountains, passing semi's, etc. I think it's worth it.
My payload is spec'd at 6603lbs.
My camper is a Northern Lite 10.2 LE dry bath.
I had to build a riser to get enough clearance over the cab with the running lights/antenna blocks on the cab roof. Varies by manufacturer if you need to. Be good to measure so your not caught out when you go to pick it up.
If the XLT is compatible, and your new TC doesn't come with it's own wireless one, a back up cam on the back of the camper is quite good. My NL came with one. Ford sells a customer placed camera kit with a really long cable. But I think there's an after market one available that's virtually identical and cheaper. Being able to see everything behind you is so good, even with the cheap included one I have. IMO, you don't need a fancy HD one for this.
And Congrats!

 

Bert,

Just to clarify, empty seats don’t increase the payload spec (the value on the Tire and Load label), as the official payload is based on the unloaded as-built configuration.

I agree that removing the tailgate increases the payload, as it reduces the truck’s curb weight.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

I thought payload spec was rated over and above 150lbs in each seat? Sorry, I don't want to spread BS. I had to work hard (severe dyslexia) at trying to keep that straight and thought I had it. Damn it. I'll go back and edit that out
Thanks for keeping an eye out Jim!

 

Arctic Fox 1140: Arctic Fox 1140: dry weight, 4,060 pounds + 53 gallons fresh, 442 pounds + 6 gallon full hot water heater, 50 pounds + 2x 30-pound full propane tanks, 54 pounds + 2 batteries, 130 pounds + stuff, 500 pounds = 5,236 pounds. Now add in your personal load and you are looking at around 5700-5900 lbs, I had a AF 1150 and it was 5770 on the CAT scale.

Gas or diesel? There is only one answer...Diesel. A 7.3 and 3:73 gears will be up/shifting constantly and 3:73 will really hold back on performance severely.

On my 2nd TC and its a Host Mammoth, it hits the CAT scale at 5990 lbs, sitting under it is a F 450. The F 450 is my 6th Super Duty (see sig block below) and IF only I knew then what I know now I would have never bought a F 350, in fact not likely to ever buy one again. F 450 runs about the same money and what you get it out it is F 550 running gear except for the rear spring pac which is the 14000 rated F 350. NOTE this is done by Ford to keep it inside the Federal Class III truck standard. At 14001 lbs you jump to a Class IV commercial truck rating...this MAY affect you costs of licensing, CDL requirements, taxes etc. Depends upon the state you live in.

In addition of the 5 F 350 I have had, every single one required mods to carry a TC, I added Upper Stableloads and HD Hellwig Big Wig rear swaybar. Without those 2 mods it will squat like a duck and wallow like a whale. Sometimes I had to add a front Big Wig sway bar and HD shocks.

Lastly, the number one reason why a F 450? BRAKES! Throw nearly 6000 lbs in the bed of the truck and see what the F 350 brakes will do for ya vs the F 550 brakes. Bigger Safety Envelope and its needed.

You should look at what running gear the XLT has, its a base model and you should ensure you can get the GVWR of 14000 lbs.

Been running TC's since 2010.

That said the above reflects what I do and have done. NOT telling you this the only way or what you better do, its your choice, your wallet, your truck and I will not think any less of your personal choice...





CAT Scale 15180, F 450 King Ranch

 

Thank you for all of the information. I'm going to try and reply to everyone in order.

Jim, for the 4.30 axle I'm still debating it. Living in on the east side of the US we don't typically drive long grades and hoping for some of a fuel mileage increase when not carrying the camper. A dedicated heavy gauge harness and a DC-DC charger is already on the to do list.

Beachcamperf250, yep we looked at a 1172. The wife liked the AF 1140. Works for me

Wing Nut Bert, "my payload is spec'd at 6603lbs". Is that the door sticker on the truck? If I read the Ford spec correctly I see 6530lbs listed as max payload. For the Northern Lite 10.2 LE dry bath, we also looked at that and may still consider it. The wife liked the little extra space with the slide on the 1140.

17 Oaks, Gas vs Diesel, Gas for me for two reasons. Gas truck on paper has better payload and several friends having issues with DEF\emission systems. Currently parts are scarce and they have not driven their vehicles in months with no end in sight. While not being a mechanic I have a better chance of repairing a gas engine if needed and most of the maintenance myself. "Host Mammoth, it hits the CAT scale at 5990 lbs". Again reading the Ford specs it appears the F450 is only rated for 5320lbs assuming you have 4x4. Did I miss something? Btw, nice looking setup. Thanks for the pic

 

Don't need to justify for me, I just say what I do/done and I abide by your choice.

Yes the F 450 has less payload than the F 350 and that has always been the case. What you should understand is that the 'base' number from which all calculations are made is 14000 GVWR. So if you do the math and subtract F 350 truck from 14000 you get xx, subtract the F 450 with its F 550 running gear, bigger brakes, axles, swaybars etc you a smaller payload but more truck. The F 450 has axles rated by Dana Corp at 16000 lbs. So you have a 16000 lb running gear under the truck to keep it within the Class III Federal Regs.

That said what Ford has done is "derate" the F 450 to comply. When the F 450 first came to market they rated it above the 14000 and it was a sales disaster because it was being sold as a commercial class IV truck.

I and many others drive a F 450 for what we know it is, not Ford's opinion and derate. NOTE: Derating is a common thing, even you can get your truck derated to a lower GVWR. Lots of companies do it, in fact the Feds have an office set up to handle derates. WHY? Excise taxes on commercial vehicles is based upon GVWR, so yu derate to save taxes.

 

Thanks 17 Oaks. As I suspected you need to read the fine print. The F450 does appear to be a heavier duty truck starting with the 19" tires and working up.

 

I went from a 3.73 axle to the 4.30 on our six-speed drivetrain and didn’t notice any significant fuel economy penalty. Note the new 10R140 auto trans has three overdrive gears.

6530 lbs. is the correct 2022 max payload spec for your proposed truck configuration. However, that is based on a base trim model with no unnecessary configuration options. The XLT Premium trim and the bedliner will cost you ~200 lbs., and the fifth wheel prep package also adds weight and therefore reduces payload even further. I think the ballpark payload spec for your truck configuration will be ~6000 lbs.

Bert’s truck is a supercab longbed, IIRC. The lighter truck with the same GVWR translates into a higher payload spec.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Thanks Jim, Bert's truck being a supercab explains the payload number. I'm leaning toward the 4.30 as other threads seem to say the same about fuel economy. For my weight I can do without the bedliner if needed. I would like the fifth wheel hitch for future, but not necessary now. However, I have heard that package adds support to the bed and less flexing. More the reason I added it to my build

 

Fuel is the cheapest thing in RVing .

 

Last question I hope. Instead of ordering a truck there is one available that does not have the camper package but lists payload at 6200 lbs. Do I really need the camper package or is it only needed if I get pulled over somewhere and need to justify my weight? ^200 lbs is more than enough for any camper I will buy.

 

If anyone did check you for weight, which I think is zero chance, the only thing that would count would be the sticker inside the door.

Steve