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Old Sep 20, 2023 | 11:17 AM
  #16  
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memilanuk
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So... if a truck has the "heavy service front suspension" package but not the factory "camper" package... would there be any functional difference once you add a heavy-duty aftermarket rear sway bar like a Hellwig or Roadmaster?
 
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Old Sep 20, 2023 | 12:01 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by memilanuk
So... if a truck has the "heavy service front suspension" package but not the factory "camper" package... would there be any functional difference once you add a heavy-duty aftermarket rear sway bar like a Hellwig or Roadmaster?
Rear auxiliary (overload) springs will be included on F250 and 18 inch wheels and tires to handle the extra weights on single rear wheel trucks.

Of course you will also have your truck camper certificate that says it is engineered for truck camper service within weight ratings. It is not needed but nice to know they recognize the intended use.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2023 | 12:11 PM
  #18  
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Sorry, not the OP - so no F250, no 18 inch wheels. I'm looking at a '22 F350 DRW that has the heavy service front suspension, factory 5th wheel pkg, FX4 pkg, but *not* the camper package. Seems like it'd be easier to upgrade to a better anti-sway bar than try to find another truck with the camper package (in my case).
 
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Old Sep 20, 2023 | 01:01 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by memilanuk
Sorry, not the OP - so no F250, no 18 inch wheels. I'm looking at a '22 F350 DRW that has the heavy service front suspension, factory 5th wheel pkg, FX4 pkg, but *not* the camper package. Seems like it'd be easier to upgrade to a better anti-sway bar than try to find another truck with the camper package (in my case).
For DRW you are pretty well set up. Try driving with the truck camper on and feel how it handles before adding anything extra. The Hellwig is great on my single rear wheel but when I had a DRW it did great without.
The heavier the camper the more I would go with a Bigwig.
 
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Old Sep 20, 2023 | 01:39 PM
  #20  
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Current camper (Adventurer 910DB) plus bikes, etc. is about 5k wet. Planning on driving it a bit this fall/winter and upgrading a few things as needed.

Probably adding air bags sooner rather than later, between the slide and fresh tank being on the driver's side it ends up being 4-500 lbs heavier on that side and I have to run higher pressure on that side to ride level in the current truck (350 SRW).
 
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Old Sep 27, 2023 | 09:58 AM
  #21  
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The only potential issue I see with a short bed is the potential for a cracked frame due to the offset behind the axle that will set up flexing of the frame behind the cab. Happens to DRW truck when the overhang behind the bumper is too great.

Study this picture to get the idea. Note how far behind the truck the camper is.




Who knows how much weight he has behind the camper, but great example of what not to do. Just something to have in mind when camper shopping.
 
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Old Oct 3, 2023 | 05:42 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by acdii
The only potential issue I see with a short bed is the potential for a cracked frame due to the offset behind the axle that will set up flexing of the frame behind the cab. Happens to DRW truck when the overhang behind the bumper is too great.

Study this picture to get the idea. Note how far behind the truck the camper is.




Who knows how much weight he has behind the camper, but great example of what not to do. Just something to have in mind when camper shopping.
that Eagle cap is a three slide and it weighs from the factory over 5400 pounds before you load it.
 
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