2020 Ford F600

[Bedlam]

Ford is introducing a smaller Class 6 chassis cab truck next year called the F600. It will share many of the components of the larger F650 but be the same dimension as the F550. This 22K lb GVWR vehicle will be the king of truck camper haulers since you will still be able fit the camper cab over over the top of the cab with being overheight.

https://www.fleetowner.com/trucks/new-f-600-shines-ford-s-complete-cv-refresh

https://www.trucks.com/2019/03/05/2019-work-truck-show-f-600-missing-link-ford/

http://www.thedrive.com/news/26756/2020-ford-f-600-ultra-capable-work-truck-bridges-gap-between-big-...

https://www.tfltruck.com/2019/03/new-ford-f-600-packs-big-truck-capability-in-a-smaller-body-making-...

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2019/03/05/updated-ford-commercial-vehicle-l...

[Bedlam]

Camper_Jeff_&_Kelli wrote:
Are you thinking of going back to Ford?

I am happy with my choices but keep an eye out where things are going. I have no plans at this point to even start looking until after 2025 or later. I figure I can stretch vehicle ownership out long enough that I may only buy one other vehicle for each of us before we die.

[ticki2]

Kayteg1 wrote:
One small detail - that GWVR at least in CA requires replacing engine every few years for smog reasons.
I remember that like 20 years, so not a big concern for guys who replace truck every few years, but that will kill resale value on older truck.

Apparently even diesels down to 14k . Should be some good buys on used trucks in surrounding states . I wonder how much truck manufacturers contributed to this campaign . 🙂

[Kayteg1]

One small detail - that GWVR at least in CA requires replacing engine every few years for smog reasons.
I remember that like 20 years, so not a big concern for guys who replace truck every few years, but that will kill resale value on older truck.

[Camper_Jeff___K]

Are you thinking of going back to Ford?

[burningman]

Kayteg1 wrote:

burningman wrote:
I’m betting a lot of people get into trouble with that.
Load that up and hitch a trailer behind and you’re over 26,000 real quick!
Around here the DOT has been cracking down on all the 350/450/550 trucks with trailers driven by people without a CDL.
But it’s a way to one-up the guys using an F550 for a camper.

Ridgefield Port of Entry is famous for harassing drivers for generations, what is different story, but I think you are exaggerate the 26,000lb sets with campers.
But regardless, once you register the truck as RV, you have no longer 26k limit, so my guess is, that now we can expect 8000 lb campers with 5 slides? :E
BTW my F350 dually has about 22,000 lb on tire ratings, so what is big deal?

I didn’t even say anything about 26,000 camper sets.
The vast majority of these aren’t gonna be doing camper duty.
It’ll be real easy to go over the non-CDL threshold with one of these.

[SidecarFlip]

wnjj wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:
Actually, under DOT rules, 20K is the break point but RV's are exempt.

20k? https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53324-213070--,00.html

Here in Oregon, you can run farm plates on up to class 8 trucks with no CDL required so long as it's for farming purposes and less than 150 miles from the farm. Looks like Michigan has the same: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53329-212756--,00.html

A CDL and logbooks for farm use is overkill unless you're long hauling.

If I was strictly farm, you bet I'd run farm plates (cheaper) but I'm not so I run weight based plates and because I just don't haul farm produce I run the DOT numbers as well. I put lots of different things on my gooseneck besides hay bales. Happen to own a machine shop so there could be a machine tool on there as well.

One nice thing about Michigan is, I can self certify so I don't get the added expense of a 2 year DOT physical. Having said that, I spent a bit of jack and some time to get all my endorsements on my Class A CDL and I don't want to lose them just because I'm not running a big truck anymore (retired). Only endorsements I don't have are Haz-Mat and Schoolbus because of the yearly recertification. I have doubles, triples, Long combination vehicle, straight truck, air brakes and tanker (non-hazardous).

If I ever decided to go back to work (and I get offers all the time) would be to take a DOT Physical and I can jump right back into a Class 8 like I never left. Just got an offer last week, guy stopped by the farm. Wanted me to run a Flowboy hauling asphalt. Here in Michigan that would be an 11 axle tractor trailer grossing 163,000 pounds with a moving floor. You load at the asphalt plant, go to the jobsite, back up to the spreader and hook on and the spreader pushes you along as the floor unloads the product. All night work though. I like sleeping at night, not trucking.

Did my time (35 years), made a good living with a good retirement and really don't want to truck unless it's for myself.

[jimh406]

If Host was building a special camper for flatbeds, they could make it shorter in height by rearranging the tanks etc in the basement.

[Bedlam]

work2much wrote:
Host actually just needs to start offering a flat bed version of their campers.

That would be awesome.

I have suggested that they build full length pods that attach to the wings (longer version of what Lance used to do on their long bed camper when sold for short beds). It could be option that the dealer installs and the same pods could fit all of their long bed model campers. In addition to the pods, relocated camper tie down points would need to be provided.

[wnjj]

SidecarFlip wrote:
Actually, under DOT rules, 20K is the break point but RV's are exempt.

20k? https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53324-213070--,00.html

Here in Oregon, you can run farm plates on up to class 8 trucks with no CDL required so long as it's for farming purposes and less than 150 miles from the farm. Looks like Michigan has the same: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53329-212756--,00.html

A CDL and logbooks for farm use is overkill unless you're long hauling.

[work2much]

Host actually just needs to start offering a flat bed version of their campers.

That would be awesome.

[SidecarFlip]

burningman wrote:
I’m betting a lot of people get into trouble with that.
Load that up and hitch a trailer behind and you’re over 26,000 real quick!
Around here the DOT has been cracking down on all the 350/450/550 trucks with trailers driven by people without a CDL.
But it’s a way to one-up the guys using an F550 for a camper.

Actually, under DOT rules, 20K is the break point but RV's are exempt.

I run DOT numbers on my F350 because the truck is used for commercial (farm) use pulling a gooseneck.

That also means CDL which I have and a logbook which I also do when I'm using the truck for farm use.

The motor carrier enforcement officers around here (Michigan) also are bagging pickup trucks right and left for non-compliance and first time fine is $150 bucks. Second offense is 150 bucks plus they shut you down.

DOT numbers are free and available online through their website... https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov

There are specific regs that pertain to number height and placement. I bought my vinyl stick on numbers online, I think 2 sets were 3 bucks.

I put them on both my rear doors (have 4 door truck), just below my farm name.

The problem arises because, unless the camper is on the truck 100% of the time, the truck can be used for other purposes which may or may not be a commercial purpose. RV's are exempt because the RV is permanently attached to the chassis.

Mine is not and I have a commercial use so I run DOT numbers. That also means you are subject to all DOT roadside inspections and you must go through all weigh stations. Compliance is easy-peasy so why chance it. I sure as hell don't want to be fined, nor do I want to be taken out of service when I'm running farm stuff.

You also need a current, valid, DOT medical card. Have that too.

[Bedlam]

No, I am under 13.5' with my 4wd flatbed and the Host. Your camper would be closer to 13' in height. Expect the deck height to be 3.5' from the ground verses a pick up bed at 3'

[Kayteg1]

Flatbed adds 4-6" to bed height.
You put Host on 4x4 flatbed and you top 14 feet 😉

[jimh406]

Bedlam wrote:
Host actually just needs to start offering a flat bed version of their campers. They already do something similar on their fixed mount motor homes, so it is not a stretch. Most people choosing the 84" CA trucks are looking for more storage and this gives them a 2x8x4 compartment. On the other hand, if I knew I could slide the camper completely on a flat deck without the rear overhang, it would be easy to order a truck with a 12' flat bed.

Yeah, a few flatbed models would make a lot of sense. You’d think it would be easier for them to build them strong, too.

[Kayteg1]

burningman wrote:
I’m betting a lot of people get into trouble with that.
Load that up and hitch a trailer behind and you’re over 26,000 real quick!
Around here the DOT has been cracking down on all the 350/450/550 trucks with trailers driven by people without a CDL.
But it’s a way to one-up the guys using an F550 for a camper.

Ridgefield Port of Entry is famous for harassing drivers for generations, what is different story, but I think you are exaggerate the 26,000lb sets with campers.
But regardless, once you register the truck as RV, you have no longer 26k limit, so my guess is, that now we can expect 8000 lb campers with 5 slides? :E
BTW my F350 dually has about 22,000 lb on tire ratings, so what is big deal?