New 2017 F250SD

[mbloof]

Greetings, I plan on carrying the camper (Northern Lite 9.6) in the background on this truck.



The two questions I have for other 2017 owners is:

1. Do I need another leaf spring? My old 97' has 3 and the 2017 only has 2.

(old truck)



(new truck)




Second, I think I need to go with frame mount tie downs (Torqlift?) as the 2017 has a aluminum body?


Thanks in advance for any helpful comments,

Mark.

[hedge]

mbloof wrote:

hedge wrote:
Have you considered installing the factory 7-way plug? the OEM one just plugs right into the plugs on your receiver and makes for a nice clean install IMO

I have a Factory trailer outlet on the bumper. How does that help with a Camper?

Tie downs and outlet are installed.

I meant the factory in bed plug. It comes with the 5th wheel prep kit but you can also add it pretty easily. Sounds like you're all set anyways.

[Kayteg1]

Question is the aftermarket camera going to work with Ford 360 system.
Small update to the linked topic where I had original cable spliced with other couplers/extension.
Over the time I found it too annoying to crawl under the camper to disconnect the cables and the other couplers are not water-tight, so I already placed order on Ford tailgate harness that will give me original connectors. I hope the 2 cables will be long enough to bring connection to the side of the camper for easy disconnecting.
The camper main plug I can disconnect on the side of the bed where I have extension reaching bumper plug.
It is not coming cheap as 2 cables will cost me about $120, but I plan to use the camper year around and the crawling that was annoying in dry weather can make bad day when you have to make it in mud.

[mbloof]

hedge wrote:

mbloof wrote:
It seems you have to double push the unlock button to open the tail gate.

"L" Trim level. (can't spell and to lazy to look it up)

Since in a non-tailgate camper application would nix the camera and sensors, is there a aftermarket harness that plugs in that would extend the camera to somewhere on the camper? Seems a shame to loose the functionality. Oh well.

You can change it to 1 click to unlock everything. It's in the manual but from memory I think you just press the unlock + lock buttons at the same time for 2 seconds.

There are aftermarket cameras that plug in, if you have the 360 system it seems they have 'smarter' cameras.

A few options here: https://camera-source.com/automotive-cams/ford-oe-fit.html

kayteg1 found a way to re-use the camera from his tailgate: https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29319723/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm

Thanks for those links!! It seems I'm just a order away from extending the factory cable with a aftermarket camera+cable to my NL camper. THanks again!

[mbloof]

hedge wrote:
Have you considered installing the factory 7-way plug? the OEM one just plugs right into the plugs on your receiver and makes for a nice clean install IMO

I have a Factory trailer outlet on the bumper. How does that help with a Camper?

Tie downs and outlet are installed.

[hedge]

Have you considered installing the factory 7-way plug? the OEM one just plugs right into the plugs on your receiver and makes for a nice clean install IMO

[mbloof]

- Today I go to the local RV dealer to have the 7pin outlet installed.

- The frame mount tie down mounts arrived early so I'll see when I might be able to get them installed.

- I went with two sets of spring loaded turnbuckles, we'll see if I like them.

As far as suspension, only the "stable load" lowers are available for my model. I did not order a set and got a set of Timberlien (spelling sucks this AM) on order and may order a "hell wing".

Tires: I weighed my empty truck and found the rear comes in at about 3000lbs. The tires back there are rated at 3450 each @80psi so with the 2600lb camper I end up with ~1300lbs for gear and safety margin. Not enough in my book.

I'll end up ordering some Steel or new Vision 19.5 rims that fit the 2017. I'm leaning towards the Steel ones as the offsets are correct.

Current maiden voyage scheduled for 2nd weekend in October.

[hotrodfords]

SidecarFlip wrote:

hrose wrote:

...There are a lot of TC'ers on here, myself included that use Happijac tie downs without any issues at all....

+1

[GHCreekside]

Just a suggestion since I can't tell what year Northern Lite you have... you might want to test fit it or measure it to make sure it fits your new truck if you haven't already. I only say this because I bought my 2001 from a guy who had to sell it because it was too wide to fit in the tailgate opening in his new Chevy. I also had to raise it off the bed so it wouldn't hit the top of my cab.

[Rather_B_Fishin]

For mud flaps you might check out duraflaps. Just installed a set on my rig and like them alot. They are in Medford. Also you might shop around for tiedowns. I got my set of Torklifts from the local RV place (waterdogrv)for $599.

Took me a few years to upgrade as well. Love the new truck.

[hedge]

you've piqued my interest... what don't you like about the fastguns?

[mbloof]

Dennis12 wrote:
If Randy is cutting your grass please have him call me. he hasn't been here for a while either.

Nope, I let him cut mine once. He could not seem to call ahead and see if I wanted it done but would show up on the front doorstep asking.

You must live down the street from me. Small world.

[Vinsil]

I didn't opt for the LED headlights on mine, at $1200 I found the halogen and fog lights work plenty good.

[mbloof]

DWeikert wrote:

mbloof wrote:

The truck came with factory tow package (likely will never use) and running boards. I'll have to drop by a camper dealer next weekend to see what Torklifts (I thought there was a "Q" in there) I need to order. I'll have to get turnbuckles as well. (sigh)

Torklift fitment guide to find your part number.

Mind if I recommend Torklift Fastguns at this point?

You can recommend anything you wish however I'm not going to jump on everything that is recommended. I have "fast guns", simply don't like them and never used them because of it.

Given that just the frame mounts are going to set me back $658 the extra for even their "upgraded spring loaded" turnbuckles run over $300 for a set of 4. I may work with what I have in that department.

Currently checking out window deflectors and mud flaps. The new wheels (for the 19.5's) is going to have to wait. Currently:

1. tie downs and plug in outlet in bed
2. window deflectors
3. suspension upgrades
4. turnbuckles
5. new wheels
6. (hell wing antisway bar?)
7. mud flaps
8. reverse vision system with camper mounted camera
9. HID or LED headlight upgrades

I finally figured out the steering wheel of all things. Silly sales person said it was "power", appears to be plainjane manual tele/tilt. No biggie. (I searched for that button )&^(&^*&^%^%))

A little driving around once it is loaded will tell me volumes as to what may (or not!) be needed. I figure they add the extra spring and anti-sway bar for the "camper package" for a reason.

Only time will tell. Still a nice truck, I've been wanting to upgrade for years and just finally got around-2-it. 😉

[DWeikert]

mbloof wrote:

The truck came with factory tow package (likely will never use) and running boards. I'll have to drop by a camper dealer next weekend to see what Torklifts (I thought there was a "Q" in there) I need to order. I'll have to get turnbuckles as well. (sigh)

Torklift fitment guide to find your part number.

Mind if I recommend Torklift Fastguns at this point?

[jaycocreek]

I've already had one offer on my classic and I'm not ready to sell it until I get the camper fitted on the new truck. Silly people just driving by "hey are you selling that old truck!?!?!"

That is because the older heavy duty trucks in very good condition are hard to come by.I had a 200 mile limit from my house(Which included Boise/Spokane/Missoula and Kennewick) when looking for that closest to perfect older heavy duty truck.I drove to Kennewick Washington to pick up my '94 F-350 DWR.

I'm sure if you set that camper on your new truck and drove it around the block you would know quick what you do need and don't.Nice truck by the way!