I've got a cherry 93 HD F-250 SC 4x4 (8800GVWR)with only 40,000 mi and carry around a 3500 lb camper (Gross @10,200). Need to move up for safety sake. Can't afford a 350 dually. How difficult is it to convert her to a dually?? I've heard about conversion packages. What's involved? Front axle change also? What else? The brakes have worked so far but are they larger on F350's? Also, total cost?

 

I did a dually conversion once that cost me $4000. I took my single rear wheel truck that was only 2 years old to the dealer and traded it in on my new dually. I was just too overloaded with my camper and concerned about safety (I was exceeding the tire load rating on the rear). That's the dually conversion I recommend.

But that's not the answer you are looking for. I know there's a company that sells dually conversions (Arrowcraft is a name that comes to mind), but they say it doesn't increase your capacity because it's only for stability. For increased stability, all you need is some Firestone Ride-Rite air springs and some Rancho RS9000 shocks. Unless you change the rear end, you're still stuck with weak axles. You might consider checking you rear axle weight and making sure you have tires that can handle that load. The highest rated 16 inch tires are 3415 lbs at 80 psi cold each. If your rims are rated for higher pressure, you should put 90 psi in those tires (I got that info from the Firestone tire inflation book).

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2000 F350 CC DRW Lariat 4x4 LWB 4R100 V10 4.30ls with Torklift tie-downs/Superhitch and Rancho RS9000 and Ride-Rite air springs.
1998 Alpenlite Pendelton 11'10" Slide-in camper with all options.

 

Thanks Harald! Sound advise!
I put 100 PSI, 5,000 lb Air Lift air springs on it already and it leveled out great which also added some stability to it. Its got Dunlap RV 33x12.5 16.5's all around (for the beach) that are rated for 2,930lbs with 3,700 lb aluminum rimes. The rear axle weighs just under 6,000 so I'm just over on tire weight. I guess I've done all I can. Have since heard that conversion is not all that satisfactory. Well, if the FED lowers rates next Tuesday, maybe I'll go for a home equity loan and join the dually club!! Thanks for your input.