Specific Question on F350's

Amazing feedback!.. thank you!!!! It looks like although 18" wheels 'look cool' that it's not worth limiting our twinge capability just for the sake of the wheel size!

So 18" with camper package it is!

While I have your attention: Can I ask you another few questions?

1) Type of Bed liner?
What type of bed liner do you recommend? I was considering getting the factory spray in liner and then putting a bed mat over the top of it. Would this be a wise choice? Although we tow a travel trailer right now the possibility exists that we could upgrade to a 5th wheel in the future.

2) Single or dual alternator? I've heard that if you have heated seats, charging batteries in a trailer etc then dual is the way to go. Is this true?

Thanks again!

Steve

Ford will not let you use 20" wheels with any heavy duty package. If you really want a truck that you can use at maximum capability, get the 18" wheels, snow plow package which gives you the heavy springs in the front for very little extra $$, the max payload package, and if you're going to insert a camper, the camper package, and of course, the tow package. Put a pair of Timbrens or StableLoads on the back, and you're good to go. Don't aim for the softer ride, go to the Lexus store for that.

Looking at 2015 Fords Fleet spec website shows the 18" and 20" wheels both rated at 3590 lbs capacity.

The LT275/65-18 E tire at 3415 lbs.
The LT275/75-18 E tire at 3640 lbs.
The LT275/65-20 E tire at 3750 lbs.

Looks like regardless of OEM tire size the 18" and 20" 3590 lb rated OEM wheels are the limiting factor.

I would be more concerned with tire load capacity vs 'camper package'

Not sure what difference there is between 18" and 20" if any but would hate to be limited due to tire size/capacity with bumper pull and especially 5vr.

Payload......it's all about payload.

I it was my choice I would go with the 18" tires and the camper Package.
My current TV is a 2500 with camper package, nice to have better springs and the sway bar. When you decide to go to a 5er you have that little extra help.

I think the camper package is going to give you a bed that is closer to the ground -- not just the one inch lesser tire radius -- but overall, front to back lower, closer to the ground. I have a friend with a 2015 F-350 SRW Crew cab long bed and the 20" wheels. His truck bed is very high, although I've never measured it. I have another friend with a 2015 F-250 with the smaller wheels and it is very obviously lower to the ground.

I have read many posts where people are having problems with their fivers riding nose-high with minimal bed rail clearance. I can understand how that is a problem for my friend with the F-350, but my friend with the F-250 wouldn't have this problem, although he doesn't tow a fiver.

Bruce

Just traded in my 2011 F350 in September.

Now that part is irrelevant, other than to show I did own one.

Yes, the camper package is for truck campers in the bed/box of the truck.

I did not have the camper package, it was a dually. I even had the dreaded slip of paper in the glove box saying my truck was not recommended for hauling a truck camper. I did have the factory rear stabilizer bar.

However, hauled the truck camper in my signature, over 4,500 pounds wet weight, all over the place without problem. The ONLY change ever made was a set of upper StableLoads, which allowed the overload springs to engage earlier than normal (they are over-sized rubber blocks which replace the factory small rubber blocks in those positions).

So unless one is planning the truck camper route, you can get by, as I did, without the camper package.

Go for the 20 inch wheels as you like them, so get them. However, be aware as for load capacity of the tires to haul a load, the 18 inch and 20 inch can both have similar capacities.

I would never pick the 20" rims! Look at the sidewall of the 18" rims (lots of space between the rim and ground) and the 20" has very little room between the rim and ground.

Sure the 20" rims helps the truck drive like it is on rails, and handling in a corner is great. However it also has a rigid tire, not the 4" of space between the bottom of the rim and the roadway, so you are more likely to feel all the potholes much better. No thank!

There would be no factory installed stabilizer bar on the SRW F-350 without the camper package. And I guess no 'camper certification' either.

You can install the stabilizer bar aftermarket, and probably get a better one anyway. It might include some camper wiring. I know that mine had a relay to provide +12 battery power when the engine was running, as well as reverse lights to the camper wiring. This would be handy with a fifth wheel. I don't know if that is included in part of the trailer towing package though.

As for the slightly heavier springs, I would consider it a dis-advantage. I would rather have the softer factory spec springs, as the ride will be a little softer, and more give in the springs.

Have fun camping!

Fred!