Ford F250 2003 Truck Camper Choice
I have a Ford F250 that is paid off and would like to use with a truck camper. I have been using it with a TT. It's specifications are 4x2 Crew Cab Wheelbase 156.2" GVWR 8,800 Maximum Cargo 2,08...
Forum Discussion
90% of the truck campers have a weight that requires changes to the stock truck to carry the load safely. Your truck's axle and wheel bearings can handle up to 8900 lbs. but the springs and the rims and tires are rated for a lot less.
For the springs the easiest fix is SuperSprings that take an hour to install. You can get a set to increase the load capacity of your truck to either 4,000 lbs. or 5,000 lbs. (SSA-16 or SSA-13).
The rims load capacity depends on their construction as at least 4 different types of rims are commonly used on heavy duty pickup trucks. The rim width also can limit the tires that can be mounted. Most higher load range tires require a minimum rim width of 7.5 inches.
There are tires from Nitto, Toyo, Hankook, BFG, and possibly others, that can handle 3750 lbs. or more of load at 80 PSI. Going to 19.5 rims and tires you can get up to 4800 lbs. of load capacity per wheel though this is the more expensive approach with a price tag of around $3500 in total.
Get the springs installed, do whatever is needed with the wheels and tires, add tie-downs, and install an electrical receptacle in the bed, buy some turnbuckles, and you will be ready to go shopping and be able to load the camper in the bed and take it home.
Plan on a road weight for travel of 1000 lbs. over the camper manufacturer's listed dry weight for the camper and you will be in the ballpark. When you get the camper you can spend $10 at a CAT scale and get the exact weight of your rig.
Be aware that the great majority of people with hard sided campers have had to do a lot of modifications to their trucks to handle the load effectively. Even a 1-ton DRW truck is not going to be great in 100% stock form.
For the springs the easiest fix is SuperSprings that take an hour to install. You can get a set to increase the load capacity of your truck to either 4,000 lbs. or 5,000 lbs. (SSA-16 or SSA-13).
The rims load capacity depends on their construction as at least 4 different types of rims are commonly used on heavy duty pickup trucks. The rim width also can limit the tires that can be mounted. Most higher load range tires require a minimum rim width of 7.5 inches.
There are tires from Nitto, Toyo, Hankook, BFG, and possibly others, that can handle 3750 lbs. or more of load at 80 PSI. Going to 19.5 rims and tires you can get up to 4800 lbs. of load capacity per wheel though this is the more expensive approach with a price tag of around $3500 in total.
Get the springs installed, do whatever is needed with the wheels and tires, add tie-downs, and install an electrical receptacle in the bed, buy some turnbuckles, and you will be ready to go shopping and be able to load the camper in the bed and take it home.
Plan on a road weight for travel of 1000 lbs. over the camper manufacturer's listed dry weight for the camper and you will be in the ballpark. When you get the camper you can spend $10 at a CAT scale and get the exact weight of your rig.
Be aware that the great majority of people with hard sided campers have had to do a lot of modifications to their trucks to handle the load effectively. Even a 1-ton DRW truck is not going to be great in 100% stock form.
