TC weight and truck capacity

snoboy wrote:

SkiMore wrote:
I'm trying to learn about TCs and what you type of truck you need to carry one.

I was just reading a thread from someone that had an F-350 DRW and an AF1150 TC.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27226411.cfm

The person said the had a F-350 DRW. I don't know year or exact version. When I read the ford specs it looks like the 2014 F-350 DRW has a payload capacity of 6000-7000lbs.Ford Specs Why isn't that more than enough truck for a 3250#(dry) TC?

Can you explain how you deduced that payload ?

Based on your reply I assume I read the chart on the Ford page wrong. I think it says the max payload for a 2014 F-350 regular cab DRW 4x4 is between 6240 and 7090 pounds depending on configuration


How do I find the max TC weight on the Ford site that I linked to for that truck?

I understand that dry weight is empty weight and does not include your stuff and that the stuff can weigh a lot. I also know that the TC you get winds up weighing more than the number on the website. I also know that the door panel is the best to get the numbers for your truck.

I know that weighing the actual truck with the actual camper loaded the way you will be using it is the best way to know what it weighs, but this is very hard if you don't own the truck or camper.

I hope that it's possible to look at the numbers on the TC website add a guesstimate of "weight of stuff" and then compare it to the truck website to get an idea of what combination should be possible.

If you travel with two 100# labs and 80# of dog food you are going to be 280#'s heavier than the the guy who doesn't. Everything is weight.

This is how to determine what you will have. Im not saying payload is law but you asked about payload .
Your tire ,wheel and axle rating is the important number,especially the rear where you will be carrying most of the weight.

This is just an example:
The average 350 DRW is about 8000# on a scale (depending on engine choice and dealer options). Add whatever you normally would carry inside the truck on a trip, your personal options. ( Tools, dogs, people, front hitches and cargo boxes,fishing coolers)
ADD the weight of aftermarket goodies , tie-downs, super springs, stable loads,air bags, timbrens, sway bars, super hitches.... now your truck is 9000# before you think about adding on a camper.

Example: take the truck to scale and weigh it, thats the only way to to really know what YOUR specific truck weighs. Take the trucks GVWR and subtract what your individual truck will weigh.
Once you determine that , you will have a payload of ????# probably less than you expected.

PART 2.
When you pick out a camper, take into consideration the weight of water, extra batteries, solar panels, generators, propane, food, clothing, pots,pans, dishes, silverwear, chairs etc, etc, when you add all this stuff to the 'DRY WEIGHT' of a camper , expect 1000# - 1500# plus of added weight.
My camper is 1500# over the MFG. posted dry weight and i have a SB camper with no storage . Posted dry weights on campers do not include camper options. A real number would be the shipping weight after its all built and ready to roll out the factory door.

Dont do things backwards .....FIRST , I would make a decision what camper (floorplan) you need or like .
Add all your stuff and estimate a real rollin' down the highway weight. Most campers hardwall TC's are 3700-5500#, depending on the size and number of slideouts etc.
Now, go buy a truck to haul it. You might need a 550 , i don't know. Whatever set up you choose, make sure the COG of the camper is in front of the trucks rear axle for better handling and weight distribution.

If you buy a truck first, you are limiting yourself to find a camper to fit it and you might not be happy.

Bob

Ski... Ford's specs, with regard to model years, are simply a guide. Since there's no way to know how many biscuit eaters or their gear, are along for the ride, it's preferable to fill up with fuel and head to the scales. Subtract the weight from the GVWR listed on the door sticker and that's what's left for a payload.

Similar guides holds true for the TC manufactures on their base models, sans accessories. You might be able to easily find the weight of some of those add-ons, ie., awnings, a/c, on-board genny, extra battery, etc. and you'll know the weight of propane and fresh water, all of which quickly adds additional weight. Then, it's typical to add another 800#(+/-) for personal gear, camping supplies and tools. Ready to roll, you could easily be 1,000-1,300# over the camper's dry weight. Another trip to the scales with a loaded TC will give you an accurate weigh.

While some suspension mods like Rancho 9000 shocks, sway bars, air bags will enhance handling, they won't increase your GVWR.

SkiMore wrote:
I'm trying to learn about TCs and what you type of truck you need to carry one.

I was just reading a thread from someone that had an F-350 DRW and an AF1150 TC.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27226411.cfm

The person said the had a F-350 DRW. I don't know year or exact version. When I read the ford specs it looks like the 2014 F-350 DRW has a payload capacity of 6000-7000lbs.Ford Specs Why isn't that more than enough truck for a 3250#(dry) TC?

Can you explain how you deduced that payload ?

His drw was a 2008 model which is somewhat less. Almost no campers are the minimum dry weight of the model.

Oh boy....here we go....

"And they're off....!!":S:R:B