Forum Discussion

JAbawaki's avatar
JAbawaki
Explorer
Jan 10, 2020

Artic Fox 990 on F350 DRW

I have owned multiple camping vehicles from cargo trailers to DP’s. My hobbies are eclectic and ever expanding and probably the reason why I keep trying to build the perfect do anything rig. I thought I had accomplished this with my current setup. ( 06 Dodge 2500 4wd with a Lance 650 pulling a customized 16’ cargo trailer.) My current setup allows me to split the unit if needed for in town sight seeing and have the ability to load multiple hobbies inside the trailer. The trailer is used as a living room/extra bedroom once the toys are unloaded and the camper serves as the master bedroom. This setup is small enough to get down a fairly rough road for the “good” camping spots we normally frequent.

The wifey has decided she would like to be a more active participant in my excursions, but requires a more refined level of camping and added cargo space in the main cabin area. This will require a DRW (already purchased 2019 Ford F-350 diesel with camper package) and a camper in the 9’-10’ range with a minimum of one slide. The current winning candidate is an Artic Fox 990.

I am worried that the new truck/camper combo will not be as agile and handle as well as my current setup. I am a weekend warrior and routinely drive at highway speeds to maximize my off time.

For those of you that have a similar setup on a F350 DRW how Is the handling of the combo?
Is the weight of the AF 990 on the F350 all the chassis wants to handle or will it still take a 500-700# tongue weight and pull 7000# trailer at 75 mph?
Truck Campers
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2020
    Last time my loaded camper scaled 6300lb on our trip, but I don't tow a trailer.
    2017 F350 DRW handles that with no issues.
    New trucks not only have stronger suspension than older ones, but aluminium bed and other weight reduction make the rear lighter, giving more cargo capacity.
    The 440 HP (they increased it lately) can pull the camper and house behind.
    The only issue I see would be 700lb tongue weight on the stinger.
    That depends on stinger length can add 1200 lb on rear axle. With my camper I am 1000 lb below axle rating.
  • toddb's avatar
    toddb
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2020


    This is my setup, 2015 F350 with my 992. I added a bigwig, home made stable loads and air bags. The trailer is 18' 5' tongue so no extension, 4200lbs unloaded and about 7K loaded. I go about 70, pulls great.
  • deltabravo's avatar
    deltabravo
    Nomad
    Jan 11, 2020
    It will do fine.

    For 10 years I've had the truck and camper in my signature.
    I started with a 6x12 enclosed trailer, which probable never weight more than 2500 lbs loaded. In 2012 I bought the 8.5 x 20.

    I don't go 75 with it, but the combo will do that speed fine. Fuel MPG drops exponentially over 65 mph.

    The 8.5x20 was over 10k loaded on the first trip I took it on. That was WAY over my truck GVWR. I decided I'd never haul my Jeep TJ like that again (in the trailer with the truck camper camper).

    I still have the trailer, but only use it for camping gear and hauling my motorcycles. It's overkill for that, but it's a really nice trailer.

    My 8.5 x 20 "toy box" trailer


    More info on AF truck campers
  • GeoBoy's avatar
    GeoBoy
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2020
    Your DRW Ford should have no problems with the AF990 and trailer. Worst case scenario install a rear swaybar.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jan 10, 2020
    Aside from being 8’ wide, 12’tall and a couple feet longer than your current setup, it’ll traverse any rough road it fits on and eat up the highway more capably and comfortably than a 14 year old Dodge. No capacity issues even while pulling the trailer.
    Don’t let the “what if...” guys here sway your opinion. That truck will not be stressed in any way with that setup.
  • Paratus's avatar
    Paratus
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2020
    PS, I just reread your post, at 75 mph I would be inclined to slow it down. At 65 I would not overly concerned even with a trailer. (Just my 2 cents.)

    I have lots of miles with a trailer just not coupled with my Host on my f350.
  • Paratus's avatar
    Paratus
    Explorer
    Jan 10, 2020
    Afternoon,

    I would need additional detail on the configuration of 350 dually-cab( regular, king, crew?), powerplant (diesel or gas?)drive (2 or 4wd)? All have a significant bearing on payload #, the door jamb sticker will specifically denote payload of your exact truck as built (options and above noted items). The payload spread according to the Ford 2019 fleet towing guide, I think ranged from about 7,000+ pounds down to sub 5,000 pounds. I don't know the weight of the AF990 but my prior AF 996 wasn't exactly svelte!

    Timbrens, stabilloads, bigger sway bar than stock, shocks, and tires will (in my opinion ) mitigate the felt effects of a particular load but do not alter the actual payload number.

    I have taken my Host Mammoth on some dirt tracks off Forest Service roads that some may second think in a full size pick up; however I wasn't winning any speed trials and I fully understand my wear items will be a quicker replace than some other owners may experience.

    I would likely do what you suggest except for the speed component, I don't know what you consider highway speeds. On interstate pacing fastest out there or running the speed limit on a flat straight county highway in eastern Oregon? I tend toward conservative on speed when loaded.
  • brholt's avatar
    brholt
    Explorer II
    Jan 10, 2020
    I can't directly answer as I have a F350 DRW with an AF1150 but don't tow a trailer.

    With just the camper the truck handles very nicely. I suspect you will be fine with the trailer.

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