Proper truck set up for TC?

"What does your door sticker show for payload? I have the 350 but with a diesel and my payload is about 3400lbs. Although yours is a 250 you'll be almost as close I'm guessing with the gas engine. I'd guess that it's around 2800."



Payload quoted at 3419 lbs on the sticker (Might have to ask Momma to loose a few lbs---- on second thought that's not real smart so I'm not gonna do that)

Absolutely no certification found anywhere in the truck or in the paperwork and window sticker for the truck so its becoming pretty obvious I don't have the cert. The vehicle does have anti sway ,an all the towing bells and whistles.

This all good info and I appreciate you all pinging me on this. I may start shopping around for a "feather weight" short TC. Will watch where weight and the COG is set for specific set ups when shopping. Will appreciate any and all suggestions.

edited for typo

You get it IF your truck has the Camper Package option.

Mine does not, but came with a notice stating that it was not approved for a TC. Maybe because it has a plow package (nose up - rear squat).

Check glove box for sticker or notice.

as long as you can get the COG in front of the axle I believe you're fine.

In fact if you check out the below link from the Adventurer site it seems to indicate that the COG can be a bit behind the axle... and it's a 250 they're showing in the link. I have no idea where they got that load range though? maybe from one of those camper certification sheets?

What does your door sticker show for payload? I have the 350 but with a diesel and my payload is about 3400lbs. Although yours is a 250 you'll be almost as close I'm guessing with the gas engine. I'd guess that it's around 2800.

Adventurer Truck camper guide

Even without a certification your owners manual may contain info about your center of gravity. Your truck sounds like it would handle a smallish camper just fine, especially with how you have laid out your weights and capacities. As stated, your center of gravity is the biggest issue after the other stuff. If you got a 8.5' max built for a short bed, the online specs will give the camper COG. Look for a layout with heavier stuff forward (fridge, etc.) If no joy on a privy, try a large model portable toilet and put it in a closet. We built a 3/4 inch plywood base with 2x2 framed top and bottom and plastic chair sliders and a handle on the front, painted a nice gloss easy to clean. Moves nice on the sliders from cabinet to use location and raised it to residential height. Truck camp ALASKA absolutely!

Your responses have been very helpful!! Thanks

My truck's GVWR is rated 10,000 lbs (sticker on door and with options package I bought). I checked out fully loaded as we run- passengers dogs and gas (as well as 5th wheel hitch of 200 lbs) on the CAT scales the truck gross weight comes in at 6780 lbs. That leaves me around 3000 lbs correct?

Front axle rating 4250 loaded actual w/o 5ver = 3680
Rear axle rating 6100 loaded actual w/o 5ver = 3100

My pin weight is 1800 as verified on the scales so no problem on the 5ver. Overall weight with 5ver much less than Gross Combined weight.

Looks like my biggest worry is center of gravity then????

Ford dealer called back. They were totally unfamiliar with the certification other than what the manual said and which I had already read(should be some sort of certification sticker that the camper option was on the unit with a stated location for center of gravity over the rear wheel with the TC loaded???) Dealer was no help other than to verify that the Tow package that came on the truck has many of the components outlined for a truck camper certification.

I guess I need to talk to a TC dealer to see what options I have--- if any. Can't afford a new truck but do not want to do something unsafe.

One problem I may have if I get into this is that some of the shorter /lighter units don't seem to have room for a throne room. (A must is this old geezers spec list!)

Thanks for all your input on this it is much appreciated

A short bed crew cab 250/2500 is about the worst possible choice to haul a camper. The crew cab makes the vehicle longer almost ensures all of the weight is going to be over the rear axle a long way from the front wheels. That being said, it is possible to haul a camper, but you are just more limited since most campers are designed for bigger trucks and short bed campers are harder to find.

You could go with something like a Four Wheel Camper shell that isn't heavily loaded, and have the options added that you want to add. Keep in mind that you will want to carry clothes, food/drink, etc, and that will impact your total payload.

Of course, the obvious upgrade path is a DRW.

Ultimately a camper is cargo in the bed, like a stack of cinder blocks or lumber.

If the truck has the available payload capacity to accommodate the camper, the "camper certification" is inconsequential, except maybe in a warranty situation, and then only a remote maybe.

There are no legal or safety ramifications to this so-called "camper certification."

It's as simple as:
Payload capacity >= Camper weight

That said, your crew cab diesel F250 is going to be limited severely in how much camper it can haul. It likely only has a factory rated payload capacity of 1500-2000lbs. You basically ate up all your payload capacity with options.

It is also likely that you are already exceeding your payload capacity with the pin weight of your 5th wheel, plus you, plus whatever else is in the truck. So running overweight won't be unprecedented, or seem foreign to you.

I don't think they come with the camper cert unless it has the hd front springs, the sway bar and 18" rims. If you do a sample build on the website you can add the camper package but as you'll see you have to remove some of the other options such as 20" rims.

I mostly went by the door sticker specifying load carrying capacity. I'm under that so should be good I hope.

I'm carrying mine without issue although I don't have the certification. I have 20" rims but I did add the factory sway bar since I got it for free.

Not sure what Ford has as far as Truck Camper Certification on their trucks, as far as where on the truck this certification can be found.

I know that with GM trucks, it's on the RPO sticker in the glove box

What is in this "Truck Camper certification" (I know COG is an issue) and if this truck doesn't have it I am wondering if the truck can be somewhat modified (or even if its needed with all the tow set up already)to it can be utilized to camp with a TC? Advice or help please?

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Ford's towing guide has information about carrying truck campers. You might start there. There are short bed truck campers, the issue you will run into is the weight of the camper as it relates to your truck's payload, And in Canada the GVWR is important. You might check into their regulations and laws pertaining to GVWR as you will likely be traveling thru their country.