Questions: 2015 F250 Capacity Enhancements.
This forum is amazing in the information that is shared. Thanks to all to that take the time to educate those of us that are just starting out.
I apologize in advance for another rookie suspension/capacity question. I've been following truck camper threads for many years while using a pop-up camper that I pulled with a Honda van. Never been able to make the jump to afford a TC/Truck combo. Bought a F150 several years ago and hoped to find a light weight camper (FWC) to use with it but my wife balked at the lack of amenities.
Jumping to today, I was able to find a 2013 Northern Lite TC where the seller was willing to pair up his 2015 F250 SRW truck and sell them together.
What I had hoped to do was also to be able to tow a 12' enclosed motorcycle trailer (dual wheels with electric brakes). Then I weighed it.
In it current form, the truck is more then maxed out even before I add a tow to it.
I understand that the increased capacity of an F350 is derived from the wheel/tire and perhaps springs. Same axle, frame etc are used in both the 250 & 350. (Is this right?)
For the 2015 model year, the same truck configuration in a F350 with "18 inch All terrain tires/wheels" is rated to max GVWR of 11,300 lbs. 4800/7000.
(I've read about the 19.5" wheel/tire combos but I hope to use the TC in rough road/beach access situations)
I realize that this would still be above the truck's GVWR but would like to add a safety factor of capacity to the vehicle.
If this would work? Where can I find out what wheel/tire combinations will work to enhance capacity and where to buy? Most of the wheel selling sites do not list load ratings and I've read about the poor quality wheels enough to be very cautious.
If the tire wheel combination upgrade is made; what if anything should be done to the springs to assist? (Truck currently has air lift airbags).
Vehicle Details:
2015 Ford F-250 XL 4x4 Crew Cab 6.2L Gas 156" Wheelbase
10,000 GVWR. Front 4800. Rear 6290.
Tires: 17" Michelin LT245 75R17. Rating 3195.
Wheels: Stock Ford 17x17.5 wheels. Rating unknown to me
(Ford C34-1015 BA BLK JA SL F2647 Mexico F2 2014 03 03 T 00T. 17x7 1/2J 40 INSET EN8SA) .
Bilstein 5100 series Front and Rear Shocks
Hellwig 7271 Big Wig rear sway bar
Air Lift airbags installed with separate fill valves (80 psi)
Camper: 2013 Northern Lite 8'11" Sportsman
Weighed the truck & driver with full tank of fuel (35 gallons) = 7260 lbs. 4160 lbs Front 3100 Rear
Weighed truck & driver/passenger/dog with "loaded" camper with full water tank = 10,600 lbs. 4240 Front 6360 Rear
This would show that I am over the truck GVWR by 600 lbs and assuming that the rear axle wheel/tire combination actually provides for 6390, I am over by 100 lbs already of the truck's stated axle but close to the wheel/tire combination.
Thanks for your input.
David Anderson
Louisville, KY
I apologize in advance for another rookie suspension/capacity question. I've been following truck camper threads for many years while using a pop-up camper that I pulled with a Honda van. Never been able to make the jump to afford a TC/Truck combo. Bought a F150 several years ago and hoped to find a light weight camper (FWC) to use with it but my wife balked at the lack of amenities.
Jumping to today, I was able to find a 2013 Northern Lite TC where the seller was willing to pair up his 2015 F250 SRW truck and sell them together.
What I had hoped to do was also to be able to tow a 12' enclosed motorcycle trailer (dual wheels with electric brakes). Then I weighed it.
In it current form, the truck is more then maxed out even before I add a tow to it.
I understand that the increased capacity of an F350 is derived from the wheel/tire and perhaps springs. Same axle, frame etc are used in both the 250 & 350. (Is this right?)
For the 2015 model year, the same truck configuration in a F350 with "18 inch All terrain tires/wheels" is rated to max GVWR of 11,300 lbs. 4800/7000.
(I've read about the 19.5" wheel/tire combos but I hope to use the TC in rough road/beach access situations)
I realize that this would still be above the truck's GVWR but would like to add a safety factor of capacity to the vehicle.
If this would work? Where can I find out what wheel/tire combinations will work to enhance capacity and where to buy? Most of the wheel selling sites do not list load ratings and I've read about the poor quality wheels enough to be very cautious.
If the tire wheel combination upgrade is made; what if anything should be done to the springs to assist? (Truck currently has air lift airbags).
Vehicle Details:
2015 Ford F-250 XL 4x4 Crew Cab 6.2L Gas 156" Wheelbase
10,000 GVWR. Front 4800. Rear 6290.
Tires: 17" Michelin LT245 75R17. Rating 3195.
Wheels: Stock Ford 17x17.5 wheels. Rating unknown to me
(Ford C34-1015 BA BLK JA SL F2647 Mexico F2 2014 03 03 T 00T. 17x7 1/2J 40 INSET EN8SA) .
Bilstein 5100 series Front and Rear Shocks
Hellwig 7271 Big Wig rear sway bar
Air Lift airbags installed with separate fill valves (80 psi)
Camper: 2013 Northern Lite 8'11" Sportsman
Weighed the truck & driver with full tank of fuel (35 gallons) = 7260 lbs. 4160 lbs Front 3100 Rear
Weighed truck & driver/passenger/dog with "loaded" camper with full water tank = 10,600 lbs. 4240 Front 6360 Rear
This would show that I am over the truck GVWR by 600 lbs and assuming that the rear axle wheel/tire combination actually provides for 6390, I am over by 100 lbs already of the truck's stated axle but close to the wheel/tire combination.
Thanks for your input.
David Anderson
Louisville, KY
