I just purchased a 2005 diesel, 4x4, with the camper package, the tow package & the 10,000lb GWVR package. The Ford payload specs for the truck are 2700lbs. You can't buy a camper, fill it with you & supplies and come in under 2700lbs. Is Ford undercutting their payload. Are all the F-250's with campers overloaded. What can the truck actually haul safely? Any comments or thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks, John Pearson

 

my camper weighs around 3k loaded, no problems

 

i have a 2001 f250 the gvw is 8800#. it weighs 7740# with me and my family in it. my lance camper is 2500# dry, so i am way over every time i haul my camper. i will add that i have put on a set of rear airbags, rs9000 shocks and a helwig rear anti-sway bar.

 

Thanks for the comments. The more I research the weights, the more I think most of the campers on the road are overweight (at least by spec.). I appreciate you getting back to me.
Thanks, John

 

I did have helper springs added to my truck before I got the camper because I thought it would be good.. I hate them and want them off.

 

First off, if you really researched campers/weights/ and trucks, the F350 will "legally" let you carry quite a bit more than the 250, but their ain't much difference between the two, at leat 2004 and earlier SD's. I can't imagine they changed much in '05 as far as 250 vs. 350 specs. That little piece of paper in the glove box can be important if you get weighed by a weighmaster.

But you ARE right. Most campers are over weight and these trucks are under rated IMHO.

Since you got the diesel, you're even heavier. You don't say what cab config. you have, but if it's a crew cab, you even have less payload.

So, put air bags on that sucker, and if you don't have adjustable shocks (Rancho 9000) and a anti-sway bar, get those too. The most important change is your tires. Those are the weak link. Make sure they are at least a 3415 lb. "E" rated tire at a minimum. If they're Fireblowns, junk them.

Now if you really want to get a real camper set-up, check the pictures of the tires/wheels in my album. The tires are rated for 4080 lbs. and the wheels for 4500 lbs. They really make for a stable ride.

At least the new '05's come with bigger brakes. That should really help you out.

 

If you wanted to haul a camper why didnt you get a 350.Did the dealer not tell you the payload?.The dealers dont really care what you do with the truck after you leave,I heard one salesman tell someone a f150 could tow there 10000lb toy hauler.

 

I have an 83 F250HD. I put the HD Airbags on the truck (skip the lightweight bags)
Always make sure the tires are good (I use BFG AT..3 ply sidewall) and can adjust the ride with the amount of air in the bags. When I purchase an 05 V10 350 the air bags will not be needed. 250, use the airbags

 

Thanks for getting back to me. So with the airbags, do you know how many pounds your camper is loaded? I know airbags will help beef up the truck, but I'm still not sure how much I can safely put on it.
Thanks, John

 

Many years ago we had a Lance 9.5' camper, loaded it up, pulled a 18' boat, never had any problems (but I know I was over weight). Now I think I am wiser.
We have a Pastime 8' camper, wet weight is 1600lbs. load it up, pack the tools, inflate the air bags to 45lbs, and enjoy the back roads. Get the air bags they use on Motorhomes, rated 5000lbs I think. From what I can tell, the difference between the 250/350 is the springs, everything else is basically the same, so by adding the airbags you increase the carrying capacity,... but the payload on the door will not change. Tire inflation is very important. Have fun. A truck & camper is the best!