Truck GVWR vs camper

Golden_HVAC wrote:
The F-250 and F-350 are basically identical, except that the SRW F-350 has a 11,500 GVWR, and a 4,000 pound cargo rating, and heavy duty rims and tires, leading to a 6,500 pound rear axle weight rating.

This forum keeps stating the differences between the two trucks incorrectly. The axle is the same, the wheels and tires are the same, the spring packs are different sort of...because options were available on the F250, in which case they really aren't different. The spring pack block is 1 5/8" taller on the F350 than the F250 so the rear end starts out sitting higher unloaded. That's where the different axle weight rating comes from. So going over that 6100# rating on the F250 isn't an axle problem if you've made some suspension improvements to handle it (ie airbags, etc).

On my old F350 I removed the top overload springs and swapped to the shorter F250 spring pack blocks, and added airbags because I hated the stance when empty.

Why buy the f350 if it's identical mechanically? So I end up paying for the most expensive door jam sticker and sideplates? The rims are no different on the models I have the same heavy steel rims and class E tires that would be offered on a 350 version. And it seems to me that the 350 version wouldn't contend with it well unless it was a dually.

That 2870 lb dry weight TC can turn into a 3500+ lb load.

The trucks unladin rear axle can weigh in the 2900-3000 lb range. Now add a 3500 lb load and the trucks rear axle is carrying 6400-6500 lbs which overloads the tires wheels and spring pack.

Now you have a choice of a buying a new 3500 SRW or like many folks simply upgrade to higher rated tires and wheels with some type of rear suspension help. Much cheaper than buying a new truck and just as safe.

If you go the 350 SRW way be careful of your choice as some 350 SRW trucks can have a 10000 GVWR or 11200 GVWR on the exact same truck. This has bit more than a couple of new truck buyers.

This is all great info. The dealer of course has assured me it will work but I was suspect of its weight. Maybe the dealer just wants to sell a unit. Thanks guys on the replys. It's definitely need to know information as these dealers will tell you it will work just to move a unit out the door.
Thanks
Jeremy

Alright got a question on if the camper im looking at will be safe to tow. Here's the specs 2008 XL F250 Supercrew 4x4 shortbox Diesel 6.4 158 WB with Camper package 10k GVWR, Front axle GAWR 6000 Rear GAWR 6100. Load range E tires 3150 Max at 80 PSI. I am looking at the Artic fox 2015 811 model. AF says the Dry weight of this camper is 2873 I know the f250/f350 models are basically identical is this too much camper for this truck? any thoughts?

6100 rear axle OK..
3150 tires at 80 psi..= 6300 lbs.. ok

Go to a cat scale and get the truck weighed. Try to fill the gas tank and load what you may take with you camping.

Get the two seperate axle weight and post back here. That will tell you pretty much what your payload is and what you can haul..

If you dont do this then your only guessing, as well as the yes and no's your getting here...

You will need to upgrade tires and rims to something over 3500 lbs each. If you plan to tow, go to 19.5 wheels. My 250 does just fine with the AF811 and 8000 lbs in tow.

Way to low on the weight since you aren't including the required value package. Moreover, you want to be using wet weights to get a better feel for the weight you will be dealing with. One estimate of the wet weight of an AF 811 is 4,600 pounds. See here:

Truck Camper Magazine AF weights

To much camper for your truck in my opinion. Look to their Wolf Creek line.

ironhorsejs wrote:
Alright got a question on if the camper im looking at will be safe to tow.

It will be safe to tow but you can not safely haul it. Just Sayin'...

Travelon

The F-250 and F-350 are basically identical, except that the SRW F-350 has a 11,500 GVWR, and a 4,000 pound cargo rating, and heavy duty rims and tires, leading to a 6,500 pound rear axle weight rating.

Yes you need the F-350 SRW, if not the dually.

Have you already installed a water coolant filter? You should have one, it will prolong the engine life a LOT. Napa #FIL 4070 is the filter part number, while FIL 4019 is the mounting kit to install it inline with your heater hose, and when the heater stops working, get a new coolant filter.

Fred.