96 F-250 diesel, campers under 2300?
First time poster. I grew up camping out of a truck camper. Back then my parents hauled a camper and 3 kids on a 1970s F-150!! Knowing what I know now, they were way overloaded, and so are probably ha...
Forum Discussion
Burningman,
Thanks. Yes, you’re correct. My truck has a Dana 80 which was de-rated with tire size. The weak link is definitely wheel/tire selection. I’m still running the stock wheel/tire sizes, load range E. Note, I think there was an axle diameter change depending on spline number.
My comment about 3/4 ton payload was meant to be general but I confused it by specifically using GVWR. What I should have added was that a single rear tire truck has more limitations than a 1 ton dually. Payload and stability in stock configuration.
I’d much rather have a 1 ton like yours for payload. But, that’s not in the cards now that I’m retired, so I work with what I have. I have driven both fully loaded and the dually definitely felt more stable to me.
However, payload wasn’t in my thinking when I ordered my truck in 1996. I was towing heavy in those days and wanted a “compromise” truck for daily use as well. But I made modifications when I started carrying the camper.
The main chassis modification I made was to install air bags. The stock rear leafs didn’t provide enough support with the camper. The bags allow front/rear and side/side leveling as well as the much needed rear roll stiffness. The truck was much less nervous after installation, much easier to drive. Did your truck do the same before you added your air system?
But I still have a narrow track with a high center of gravity. Not optimal in high winds, off camber roads, etc. To me, this is a big benefit of a dually. My truck gets the job done with “limitations”.
And like you, I’ve made engine/transmission modifications to handle the added payload. I added heavier valve springs and studs during a top end rebuild. These are recommended(?) for an exhaust brake and higher power outputs on a 12v P pump. I haven’t added the brake yet, future addition.
The wheel/tire change is coming the next time I need tires. Along with a LiFePO4 battery swap. Both aimed at broadening my operating limits.
Thanks for the comments.
Dave
Thanks. Yes, you’re correct. My truck has a Dana 80 which was de-rated with tire size. The weak link is definitely wheel/tire selection. I’m still running the stock wheel/tire sizes, load range E. Note, I think there was an axle diameter change depending on spline number.
My comment about 3/4 ton payload was meant to be general but I confused it by specifically using GVWR. What I should have added was that a single rear tire truck has more limitations than a 1 ton dually. Payload and stability in stock configuration.
I’d much rather have a 1 ton like yours for payload. But, that’s not in the cards now that I’m retired, so I work with what I have. I have driven both fully loaded and the dually definitely felt more stable to me.
However, payload wasn’t in my thinking when I ordered my truck in 1996. I was towing heavy in those days and wanted a “compromise” truck for daily use as well. But I made modifications when I started carrying the camper.
The main chassis modification I made was to install air bags. The stock rear leafs didn’t provide enough support with the camper. The bags allow front/rear and side/side leveling as well as the much needed rear roll stiffness. The truck was much less nervous after installation, much easier to drive. Did your truck do the same before you added your air system?
But I still have a narrow track with a high center of gravity. Not optimal in high winds, off camber roads, etc. To me, this is a big benefit of a dually. My truck gets the job done with “limitations”.
And like you, I’ve made engine/transmission modifications to handle the added payload. I added heavier valve springs and studs during a top end rebuild. These are recommended(?) for an exhaust brake and higher power outputs on a 12v P pump. I haven’t added the brake yet, future addition.
The wheel/tire change is coming the next time I need tires. Along with a LiFePO4 battery swap. Both aimed at broadening my operating limits.
Thanks for the comments.
Dave
