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tuvok42's avatar
tuvok42
Explorer
Jan 03, 2017

Camper pitfalls

I recently purchased a ford 350 xl 6.7 shortbed 3.55 rear axel. It says i have 3600lb payload. What additions should i plan on buying if i want to carry a slideout tc and pull a 5k trailer. We participate in bbq tournaments and camp on the beach..

33 Replies

  • I own a 2012 Ford F-250 short bed with the 6.7 I have a AF 811 that when loaded is at about 5K and I pull a 7.5K boat and trailer with no problem. My AF sticks off the back of the truck about 32 inches and I am using a supertruss hitch and extension. My boat trailer tongue weight is 750 pounds. Now with that said I have made many upgrades to handle the weight. I have airbags, I have upgraded both front and rear stabilizers, I am using the torklift spring additions, and I have upgraded my wheels and tires. It took a little bit of time to get to find the sweet spot with the air pressure in the bags but now it handles really well. I have put many miles on it over the years with no problems.
  • Make sure it's a short bed camper.
    Ones with no vertical overhang in back help a bit when towing as you sometimes don't need as long of hitch extension. What u need for hitch ext depends on the camper and trailer.
    Likely need to shore up the rear suspension. Most slide out campers are around 4000lbs. Tires make sure in the 3600-3900lb range.
    Yes you'll exceed your payload rating, but the truck will handle a camper and modest trailer with relative ease.
    Keep an eye on tongue weight. We don't know what your trailer is.
  • Should have bought a long bed dually then! Simply put, you can add all sorts of stuff, but it will never change the trucks numbers from the mfg. GVWR, GCWR, RAWR,and tire/wheel load ratings could all wind up being exceeded with your intended load.