Payload, is there a right answer?

[Powerdude]

Well, I've learned a lot of stuff here, and I would like to thank you all for lots of valuable input and discussions.

I want to make sure I get this right, assuming there is a right answer.

Truck is a 2016 F250 CC SB XLT with camper package overloads.

I even took it to a scale. Full tank, with just me in it, and the Torqlift camper tiedowns installed. Stableloads are going on tomorrow.

Tires are E rated tires at 3640 lbs each. (18" wheels)

Truck is registered for 12,000 lbs (only other option was 8k lbs, which was too low).
Here's the data.
Sticker
Scaled weight
If I go by the GVWR, payload is only 2460 lbs.
If I go by adding up axle weights, payload is 2840.
If I just add up the rear tire ratings, and subtract scaled weight, payload is 4020 lbs.

If I used the licensed weight, subtracting scaled weight, payload is 4460 lbs.

Calculations here
So which is legal, and which is safe, and what would you do?

I'm aiming for a used 2200-2500 lbs camper (no slide, like a Lance 845 or 825), but a slide (Lance 861, or 821) would be nice to have...and that's 3000 lbs...

Opinions?

[SugarHillCTD]

I was trying to be pleasant and not a weight cop. :W

I had a VERY rude awakening when I drove onto a CAT scale with our Eagle Cap 850. :E

[3_tons]

SidecarFlip wrote:
I get a chuckle reading these replies. In reality most units are overweight, some excessively.

X 2

[SidecarFlip]

I get a chuckle reading these replies. In reality most units are overweight, some excessively.

[burningman]

SugarHillCTD wrote:

Actually getting on a scale is sometimes a very rude surprise.

I think you mean always!!

[SugarHillCTD]

Powerdude wrote:
I'm aiming for a used 2200-2500 lbs camper (no slide, like a Lance 845 or 825), but a slide (Lance 861, or 821) would be nice to have...and that's 3000 lbs...

Opinions?

Your weight figures on these are low. An 845 with the usual equipment but with the tanks empty is going to be in the 3000-3200# territory without any of your gear in it.

Lance 861? Most likely upwards of 3300-3500# without water or your gear.

Keep in mind that you will see some folks post weight figures that may be based on a weight tag on the camper or possibly based on what they think it weighs.

Actually getting on a scale is sometimes a very rude surprise.

[SugarHillCTD]

I have posted this before but will repeat it here to add to this conversation.

Some time ago I contacted Chevy to find out the weight rating of the OEM steel wheels on my '12 2500HD.

A couple weeks later I received a reply that the wheels were rated for 3195#.

What a coincidence! That is the exact same weight rating as the OEM tires. :R

So the corporate statement seems to be CYA.

[cooldavidt]

There is another sticker called Tire And Loading Info just beside the one you posted. It tells u the payload. The is the max load to be legal and preserve your warranty.

You can do all the upgrades and changes u want, but none will change this payload.
Now before anyone 'yes but', there are improvements which can be made to aid stability and ride, but only Ford can set the payload. And it is done only once when it is made!

[3_tons]

Powerdude wrote:


I'm aiming for a used 2200-2500 lbs camper (no slide, like a Lance 845 or 825), but a slide (Lance 861, or 821) would be nice to have...and that's 3000 lbs...

Opinions?

Be advised that camper weights typically do not include things like LPG, water, batteries, any options (jacks on some makes) or even a slide-out if it is optional...Having said that, Based on my previous 04 2500 CC LB 2x4 dsl Ram with 17" E tires (3,195 per as I recall), I carried a 3,300 (base wt) Citation 9'-6" camper with only Tembrens OK, but I knew I was pushing it, so traded up to a DRW when switching to a larger camper...

[SidecarFlip]

Didn't know Canada weighed TC's randomly. I'll have to be sure I'm not heavy.

[kohldad]

Depends on your level of comfort on exceeding the suggested GVWR of the truck and if you plan on traveling into Canada or not where they do pull truck campers over and weight them (so I hear).

My personal rule of thumb is not to exceed the front or rear GAWR as stated on the door jam sticker. The sticker takes into account the weakest link which is usually the rim or tire. Just remember, if the camper COG is behind the axle, more than the camper weight.

All that said, the lighter the camper the nicer it is to drive around. Currently I'm about 1,200# under my payload and really like how the truck handles the camper.

[scout4trout]

The front and rear suspension on a 2016 F250 with camper package might be the same as the F350, but not on the 2017. The F350 leaf springs are thicker and the rear axle is not the same. I did a lot of research before ordering the 2017 F250 SCSB gas which I picked up this week. Happy though with the payload of 3,436 lbs. The GAWR is now 6,340 rather than 6,200 -- hey, every little bit helps. I'll have to change my signature when we pick up the new camper later this month.

[SidecarFlip]

Americamper wrote:
My truck is older than yours but is similar in that it is an F250 CC SB and came with the camper package. My camper is probably a little over 2500# loaded. I don't use airbags or anything else, just rancho shocks. I have been to the west coast four times now with no weight related issues. I did lose the brakes one time in CO , but that was my fault. We also carry a lot of stuff in the back seat, generator etc. I worried a lot about the same thing before I got the TC but it was all for naught. I agree with some of the other guys in that I think some corporate people are trying to cover their butt. You know, Warning coffee is hot and may cause severe burns!

I'm all about driving at a leisurely pace, not tailgating and being in no hurry whatsoever. If the speed limit is 70, I still drive 62-65 in the slow lane. It's about camping, not the Indy 500. In fact, I prefer secondary roads and 55. Much more to see and places to stop.

Your truck is younger than mine. by 3 years. Older in years younger in lifespan. I have just Rancho shocks as well and Firestone air bags but the air bags were installed not for the camper, but hauling around a tri-axle gooseneck. I deliver hay in the summer that I grow. The truck is really a farm truck disguised as a camper truck.;)

[Tizi]

I'm pretty sure any truck with a camper on the back of it will not drive like a sports car no matter what you do to it. I am probably a little overloaded with my set up based upon GVWR. I have done things to make the truck handle better: airbags, 19.5 rims and tires, rancho adjustable shocks, roadmaster anti-sway bar. After those upgrades it rides very nice. The main thing for me is driving defensively. I don't get into a hurry and since I cannot stop on a dime, I stay pretty far back from the vehicle in front of me on the freeway. I pretty much enjoy the ride and let others race to their destinations.

[Americamper]

My truck is older than yours but is similar in that it is an F250 CC SB and came with the camper package. My camper is probably a little over 2500# loaded. I don't use airbags or anything else, just rancho shocks. I have been to the west coast four times now with no weight related issues. I did lose the brakes one time in CO , but that was my fault. We also carry a lot of stuff in the back seat, generator etc. I worried a lot about the same thing before I got the TC but it was all for naught. I agree with some of the other guys in that I think some corporate people are trying to cover their butt. You know, Warning coffee is hot and may cause severe burns!

[SidecarFlip]

My concern isn't about being overloaded, it's about emergency stopping or evasive manuvers. being overloaded is a recipe for disaster.