Host Mammoth 11.5 Camper and 2015 F450?

mike/kellie wrote:
DO THESE VEHICLES HAVE TO STOP AT THE SCALES?

What is the reference for the rest of your post? I found it. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/engineering/trucks/weigh-stations/stopping.htm

I think that would mean every drw would have to stop, but that doesn't seem right.

DO THESE VEHICLES HAVE TO STOP AT THE SCALES?

PICKUP -- It depends on the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

GVWR under 11,500 pounds -- NO.
GVWR 11,500 pounds or more -- YES.

Discussion: According to CVC Section 471, pickups are a motor truck by definition, which is required to stop at the scales per CVC Section 2813. However, all California weigh stations have signs stating: "No Pickups." So, if a vehicle meet the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471, it is not required to stop at the scales because of the signs stating: "No Pickups." If the pickup has a GVWR of 11,500 pounds or more, or the pickup bed has been removed and a utility body or flat bed has been mounted, then it no longer meets the definition of pickup in CVC Section 471; it is then a "motor truck" under CVC Section 410 and required to stop at the weigh stations.

PICKUP WITH CAMPER SHELL -- NO

Discussion: It can also display passenger vehicle plates, as long as the cargo in the bed is not being hauled for compensation.

PICKUP WITH CAB / CREW CAB WITH BOX-TYPE BED -- YES

Discussion: The utility or box bed has to enter weigh stations.

Bedlam wrote:
There is a F450 pickup and chassis cab. The pickup has a GVWR of 14K lbs verses the chassis cab of 16k lbs. The chassis cab would be a better choice with a utility box or flat bed. If you plan to tow heavy behind it, look at the F550 with a 19.5k lb GVWR.

A flat bed on a pickup truck in California means you must stop at all weigh stations, so that is no go in my book. I am not sure about a service body, but I believe they must also stop too.

The Host Mammoth moves the weight forward when you add any water to it's tanks; they are all forward of the axle. The center of gravity is higher than non-basement campers, but it's all tolerable with the proper truck setup.

There is a F450 pickup and chassis cab. The pickup has a GVWR of 14K lbs verses the chassis cab of 16k lbs. The chassis cab would be a better choice with a utility box or flat bed. If you plan to tow heavy behind it, look at the F550 with a 19.5k lb GVWR.

My 2010 F450 handles my 1121 just fine with no suspension upgrades. It's very similar in size and weight to the Host. Mine typically weighs around 5500-5600 lbs, and is also 11.5 ft. long. It's a pleasure to drive up and down steep grades, twisty roads, and the handful of forest roads I've had it on. The only thing that's not a pleasure is stopping for fuel.

My understanding of the 2015 F450's is that they are quite similar to the '08-2010 models, with 19.5" wheels, a wide-track front axle, and beefy rear axle. I wouldn't expect any safety, stability, or COG problems with a 2015 F450 hauling that camper. I WOULD expect better fuel mileage from the 2015 F450 than mine, and from what I've read of the 6R140 Torqshift transmission, it's an even better unit then the 5R110 in my truck.

The 2015 F450 GVWR is 14K, the '08-2010 F450's GVWR was 14.5K. Possibly the 2015 curb weight is less? Mine weighs about 9200 lbs, not sure about the 2015. I haven't weighed my truck with the camper on it, but I think it probably comes in around 14.5-14.7K.

I wouldn't plan to make any upgrades to the truck suspension until you've tried it with the camper on it first.

:):)

Well, I don't own a 450 or a mammoth, but based on my own 3500 DRW experience and 4,800 (approx.) wet weight (60gal water), I'd think that you're within the window with only a few minor upgrades - supersprings sway stops (or equiv) to engage the overloads would bet the first place I'd start.

3 tons