Hello campers,I just purchased a 2018 Ford F350 DRW diesel, 4x4, long bed, crew cab, 14k GVWR. The truck did not come with the Camper Package option, but the dealer determined that the hardware (front and rear springs and rear stabilizer) is equivalent to the camper package requirements. However, Ford does not generate the cert sheet that shows the loading information (max TC weight and CG zone) unless the camper option is selected.If anyone has a similar vehicle with the certification, would you mind sharing the loading info (A, B and max weight)?Thanks,Nick

Realistically, COG doesn’t matter. That is, your DRW will carry any TC as well as any other DRW with respect to COG. To get your max payload, subtract your vehicle weight from 14K. Your vehicle weight is usually on the door sticker. The Ford insert is usually 900 lbs less than the max payload to account for 6 passengers. If it is not, go to a truck stop and weigh your truck.Note, you’ll likely not have the tailgate on, but you’ll add weight when you put the tiedowns and tiedown mounts on.

IIRC every dealer should have a booklet for thier trucks that lists every possible camper loading situation. I obtained one from Dodge years ago. If you get one of these for your Ford, you could look for a truck model with wheelbase, engine, transmission etc that closest resembles your truck in order to get an idea of the specifications.My truck has the snow plow prep option which does not allow a camper package, hence I have the dubious "not recommended" disclaimer sheet. But I was able to find an almost exact TC loading diagram for the same options as my truck for the camper optioned truck to compare.

And more importantly, since it's new, will it retain the vehicle warranty with the mods?

I was custom ordering 2017 model of F350 dually and the only change for camper option was heavier front sway bar. Since my camper takes load off front axle, I specifically was against the option. Bottom line, scales show my 6500lb camper putting about 6700lb on rear axle .Truck handles that just fine without modifications, although one time- having over 200lb of waste water in rear tanks made for heavier propulsioning.Congratulations on new truck. Those things are real beast, although 95 mph governor is disappointment. Consider adding sulastic hangers for better empty comfort.

RTCastillo wrote:And more importantly, since it's new, will it retain the vehicle warranty with the mods?Not a concern. OP, conservatively, take whatever the listed payload for the truck is, which is somewhere between 5-6klbs? That is your available payload for a camper. You may end up supplementing the rear suspension with a sway bar or some sort of load carrying add on if you get one of those 5-6klb campers, but the truck will handle it. FWIW, "camper packages" are not a differnet truck. At best they have a sway bar or heavier sway bar and possibly stiffer springs, but better springs is highly unlikely in a dually as its already basically rated to max out the rear axle.

F350 truck camper certification | Good Sam Community

jplante4
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2018
Hopefully the OP got the answer before this thread went to h e l l.
CLOSED
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Aug 13, 2018
Neither do I , but you are not answering the question?
Bedlam
Moderator
Aug 13, 2018
Kayteg1 wrote:

We discuss placement of COG here.
I know that at least F550 has longer wheelbase than F450 what allows it better cargo hauling, but did you scale your 5500 truck empty and then with camper to compare how it affects load on front axle?

Because my camper has a 60+ gallon fresh tank against the front wall with the same sized gray directly behind it, CG is pretty good with forward bias. My hitch weight runs through a weight distribution hitch, so the front axle does not get unloaded by the heavy trailer. I also have 600 lbs of batteries forward of the axle in my under deck boxes, so I have no problems with front axle weight.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2018
ardvark wrote:

It strikes me as pretty common knowledge that TC owners don't follow manufacturers' recommendations. So what?

That is what I am trying to point for couple of pages.
Why manufacturers make recommendations that are proven to make no real-life sense?
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2018
Bedlam wrote:

Nope. I’m under all factory posted numbers by 1000 lbs which is a nice cushion allowing me no worries what I carry. My F250 and AF811 was about 2500 lbs over GVWR and 2000 lbs over RAWR when I had my 8000 LB trailer in tow. It was modified to safely carry that weight but at its limits.

We discuss placement of COG here.
I know that at least F550 has longer wheelbase than F450 what allows it better cargo hauling, but did you scale your 5500 truck empty and then with camper to compare how it affects load on front axle?
ardvark
Explorer
Aug 12, 2018
There seems to be so much confusion here about what "recommend" means. Physicians make recommendations all the time that are not followed as do multiple professions and folks don't get so upset. I just don't get it or the value laden adjectives that get tossed about.

It strikes me as pretty common knowledge that TC owners don't follow manufacturers' recommendations. So what?
Bedlam
Moderator
Aug 12, 2018
Kayteg1 wrote:
Bedlam wrote:

Are you arguing this point because from Ford's literature you bought the wrong truck for what you carry? They are showing optimal load carrying - You can still carry items outside of the CG with diminished capacity or handling.

Aren't you in the same Club with your Host and 5500 truck?
Point is that according to truck manufacturers we both should be dead long time ago, when we keep proving them wrong.

Nope. I’m under all factory posted numbers by 1000 lbs which is a nice cushion allowing me no worries what I carry. My F250 and AF811 was about 2500 lbs over GVWR and 2000 lbs over RAWR when I had my 8000 LB trailer in tow. It was modified to safely carry that weight but at its limits.
AnEv942
Nomad
Aug 12, 2018
Learn something every day- yes 60/35 would be about 4"-5" behind my rear axle.
Had no idea...
ardvark
Explorer
Aug 12, 2018
I am not sure on this, but a Lance 1172 has a COG from the front of 60" and from the rear 35", if I am reading their website correctly. I think that is going to fall behind the rear axle on every truck model. I picked that model because it is long and heavy.

And to all 1172 owners, I don't care what TC or truck you own, just answering a question here.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Aug 12, 2018
Bedlam wrote:

Are you arguing this point because from Ford's literature you bought the wrong truck for what you carry? They are showing optimal load carrying - You can still carry items outside of the CG with diminished capacity or handling.

Aren't you in the same Club with your Host and 5500 truck?
Point is that according to truck manufacturers we both should be dead long time ago, when we keep proving them wrong.

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