Hello, I am new to the Truck Camper World and appreciate technical assistance from experienced members like yourselves. Max Payload confuses me and I would appreciate anyone's guidance in this matter along with any safety and security comments that you may have.

I am in the process of purchasing a 2021-2022 Ford F350SD with the "Camper Package" but it does not appear to add any additional payload capacity? I also note that if I add the "Max Trailering Package" I may get to the GVWR of 11K?

I am looking to purchase the Cirrus 720 or 820 (Wet: 3,250) or the Lance 825 or 850 (Wet: 2,500)

Thanks for any helpful comments!!

 

https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/...-truck-camper/

 

In short, payload is the capacity for the weights of people and stuff you put in or on the truck. Advertised payload numbers are based on specific configurations, base trim, and few if any options, so don’t get seduced too soon.

The optional camper package improves handling but does not add any additional payload capacity. Technically, it reduces payload by the weight of the components in the package.

On an F-350 SRW, the package includes three items: a rear stabilizer bar, stiffer front springs, and a camper certification document that is specific to the vehicle.

The Max Trailering package is an option on the F-250, but not the F-350.

The Lance 850’s *dry* weight (not wet weight) is 2501 lbs. That’s for a stripped model that doesn’t include a/c, a microwave, an awning (or two), solar panels, a generator, a roof rack, etc. It also doesn’t include the weight of batteries, propane or water, and it doesn’t include the weight of your personal gear and supplies.

You can “build your own” camper on Lance’s website to get a better idea about as-built weight.

Tell us more about the trim level and options you have in mind for your F-350. THe GVWR and the payload will be greatly affected by the choice of engine, driveline, tires, cab, and bed, and some other options (i.e., moonroof, dual batteries, etc.) are heavy and can affect payload.

For example, the base-trim F-350 SRW crewcab longbed with the 7.3L engine, 4x4, and LT275/70R18E AT tires has a GVWR of 11,300 lbs., and a max payload spec of 4420 lbs. Upping the trim a couple of steps and adding popular accessories will increase the vehicle weight and therefore decrease the payload down to ~4100 lbs. The actual number would depend on the specific build configuration.

HTH, and more later!
Jim / crewzer

 

Beachcamperf250,

Thanks for this link to TruckCamper Magazine. I have read this and a zillion other articles and probably have gotten a little confused. I will definitely take this seriously.

 

WOW CREWZER!!!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS INFORMATION.

YOUR BUILD ON THE F350 IS ON POINT ( F-350 SRW crewcab SHORTBED with the 7.3L engine, 4x4, and LT275/70R18E AT tires) WITH HOW I AM BUILDING IT except I am thinking shortbed and crew cab. I DO WANT TO ADD THE TWIN PANEL MOONROOF for some creature comfort. We are imagining staying offered 2-4 days max. Do you believe that I will need the extra battery, alternator, etc? Sounds like the Camper Package can add to safety although it does not increase payload? I am open to some suggestions from you, as I am following your comments around this site and you seem very experienced.

THANKS

 

WNDR,

In a perfect world, I would recommend you first decide on a camper (or range of campers) and perhaps your next camper as well. Then, knowing your requirement, decide on a truck and its trim, features and options.

The moonroof is a heavy option (64 lbs. IIRC). I suggest you research this forum for discussions about its reliability and leaks.

The dual battery configuration is another heavy option (~60 lbs. IIRC). It’s probably helpful when using the truck for plowing snow or winching, but I don’t see it being at all helpful for carrying a TC.

The 7.3’s standard alternator is rated at 240 A, which I so far think is plenty.

If you’re going to carry a TC, the camper package is an essential option IMHO, as the rear stabilizer bar will add some measure of side-to-side (roll) stability. After market models are also available.

The optional camper package does not increase payload. If you decide you need more payload, configuration options include the SuperCab long bed and the crewcab long bed.

The ability to boondock for two- to four days will be affected by your camping style, your camper batteries, and perhaps a solar array on the TC roof. We can discuss that topic separately in more detail.

There are several people on this site that know a fair amount about these trucks and about truck campers. I believe we’ll all offer useful perspectives.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Jim (Crewzer), I am grateful for this clear and direct feedback regarding your experiences with TC!! I will keep communicating on this thread!

Happy Holiday to Everyone!!

 

3 years ago I dove into the truck camper world. Got a GMC crew cab long bed Denali SRW, if I only new than what I know now type of thing. Lol. Did lots of upgrades for handling and for carrying more weight safely. Doing all these mods, torklift lower stable loads and airbags, rear sway bar and higher rated tire index didn’t increase my payload capacity and actually reduced my payload which on that truck was about 2900lb as equipped from factory. It handled the weight of my camper (3000lb dry) but was to me sketchy.

Saying that I just ordered a F350 Lariat long bed DRW 6.7. I Deleted moon roof but got the ultimate package, gooseneck/camper package as this puts a 7 pin in your box. I could of went value package but wanted a couple things that I could only get with ultimate package.
I would definitely look into a DRW as an option while your doing your build and compare payloads between SRW/DRW.

 

Ford made some significant GVWR and payload improvements to certain F-350 4x4 SRW configurations starting with model year 2020. For example, the GVWR and max payload specs for the stripped F-350 crewcab longbed 6.7 Diesel 4x4 with LT275/70R18E tires increased from 11,500 lbs. / 3700 lbs. in 2019 to 12,400 lbs. / 4630 lbs. in 2020.

A special base trim configuration of the F-350 SRW with the supercab, longbed, 7.3 gas engine, 4.30 Dana rear axle, 4x4, and LT275/70R18E tires is rated at 11,800 lbs. GVWR and 4970 lbs. payload.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Yes, the newer F350s are rated for more weight, but think about all the weight discussions that would be circuvented and how many truck upgrades would be unnecessary if a dually was on the order form from the GitGo. I wish I would have figured that out sooner.

Steve

 

RFT2112,

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS DETAILED EXPLANATION OF YOUR YOU HAVE OUTFITTED YOUR RIG.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

 

CREWZER,,

THANKS AGAIN FOR THIS INFORMATION.

 

We just went through the mental gymnastics of buying a new F350 for a truck camper. Our camper is a bit light compared to most but I bought knowing that a larger TC could be in our future.

1. Talk with the fleet manager/sales director at the dealership. They can build the truck exactly how you want it and give you a no BS payload listing. They have different software than normal salespeople. They have to be able to determine if a particular package can support a service body or meet the requirements of fleet duty.

2. Dual battery may be a heavy option but it is/was a requirement to get the highest alternator package (397 amp). If you think you may want to run a DC to DC charger or more lights/ accessories it may be beneficial.

3. We avoided the moonroof due to weight, reliability, and usability with a TC. But we did get the rear sliding window.

4. As mentioned, every option you add it removes usable payload. It is a balancing act with creature comforts vs rated carrying capacity. Once you find the camper you want and know the weights refer to #1 above.

5. We went with the XL model to keep the truck itself light however some items we thought we needed for our TC duty:
- Upfitter switches
- remote start
- camper package
- 397 amp alt package (and dual battery)
- vinyl flooring
- sync 3 radio
- rear sliding window

6. If you leave the camper on most the time (or use the truck only for the camper) there are some options that come on higher trim that will cost you $$ and weight but be unusable. These are things like BLIS if you camper covers the rear taillights.

A dually will almost always have a higher payload rating and can be more stable but again it has to fit with your intended uses. Narrower forest roads, snow covered roads, etc can be more challenging with a dually. We stuck with the SRW and feel the 11500 GVWR is sufficient for our needs. But we know there are a lot of campers we could not carry safely or within thebconfines of the vehicle weight limits.

 

Now being older than dirt and having RVed almost my entire life, I want to add something to the above. We started up with a Hallmark popup which was great for getting away from the crowd. Nice camper, fun times. Then we moved to a Northstar, again good camper, few complaints, and more creature comforts. Now being in my mid-70s, which I know age is something few consider, I don't want to give up truck camping, but arthritis and decreasing mobility is Hell and we start looking for more creature comfort. The reality is I want to stay within my numbers (don't care about arguments to the contrary), our Laredo fully loaded ready to roll when we head out for 3-5 months takes the truck right up to it's GVW. I would like to move to an Arctic Fox, but can't do it on this truck and the reality is just going newer SRW just isn't going to do it. My only point here is desintaitons are not too hard to modify in order to keep on "truckin".

As always just my two cents,

Steve

 

I added the gooseneck prep to get the 7pin wiring in truck bed.

My dealer also had some of their service guys who regularly haul TC’s look over my build. Good tip on having fleet manager run numbers for weight as equipped.