Paul, I'm a self employed welder by trade and have been for 32 years. Back in 2005 I was looking at Dodge trucks, specifically the 4 door one ton dually. I was told by the salesman, even back then in 2005, that if the bed is removed from the truck and put a welding bed on the truck that the intended load design of the frame would be compromised and the warranty wouldn't cover anything related to frame damage. As we talked about it for a while, he explained that dodge, at that time also had some sort of frame prep for this and that if that was done, then the warranty would be good if I chose to remove the bed. He also showed me that the can and chassis trucks are made different and we're designed for aftermarket applications where different beds would be used. It made sense. If I remember correctly, remember this is 20 years ago, there were reinforcement plates what were added to the frame rails and they were placed on the rails where they ran between the cab and the bed. This is a known torque point on all makes and helps off set the positive and negative torque on that point in the frame rails. That does make sense to me. What baffles me is that a salesman, who was trying to get my business, back in 2005, 20 years ago, told me this then and yet it's a surprise to many folks now. That tells me that the industry either stopped educating, or didn't educate their Salesforce enough.
Paul, the difference is the fifth wheel hitch weight is transferred to the truck at a low point in the bed in front of the axle. The truck camper has weight high above the center line of the truck. Imagine carrying a weight down low at the end of your arms. Now take that same weight and put it over your head. It would make you top heavy and then also make you become unstable.
Truck camper package. Upgraded springs on front Helping spring on rear + stab bar on rear....comes with camper cert card. All those components can be a part of other packages and can be there even without camper package, like plow prep package, max tow package and such....
Happy New Year Paul and Magen! You will be fine with your truck. Our truck has the same piece of paper in the glove box except it has our VIN on it. Every truck comes with that paper unless you pay for the camper package. Which was discussed at the Rally two years ago. Manufacturers are trying to release themselves from Liability in the event something happens. The camper package doesn’t have much more than what your truck already comes with it’s just you didn’t pay for them to recommend you to handle it. Most people with Slide In Truck campers have that same paper in their truck, unless they special ordered their truck, and knew to add it on when they ordered. Truck Camper Magazine actually did an article on this some years back discussing this and really it just comes down to the truck manufacturer trying to release themselves from civil liability in the event your truck breaks, or the wind blows you off of the road. You guys enjoy your truck camper and have a Great New Year! Hope to see you around.
It would be interesting to see the reaction of the insurance company if it came to a claim. You know how they like to squirm their way out of paying a claim.
Steel is exactly the same. Difference is in width between vertical webs in frame (34" vs 37" on truck with body/box delete). There's some other measurements differences like distance from cab to axle and such.....but main difference is in width to match NTEA standards.
We have a 2003 ram 3500 dually regular cab diesel 8 ft box 6 speed manual trans truck.we have a slide in camper thar overhangs the rear of the box by 3 feet and 5 feet over the cab. Our truck has a gvwr of 12000 lbs.i have air bags on the rear axle for lift and stability. No problems at all on the road. You should be just fine with your rig. Happy camping
If the center of gravity of the camper is behind the center of the rear truck axle, then you are in trouble. If you have to much camper over-hang then again you are in trouble. This will affect your truck frame and could cause it to bend. Also if your front tie downs are just pulling up on the side of the frame rails, then again you will have frame problems. My truck just had L shaped front camper hold downs, and the truck went into the ditch at 70mph. The camper weights 2500lbs, and it went up. This force pulled the front tie down points up, causing the truck frame to twist out at the bottom. Now the truck has a 1 1/2 inch belly sag. 2 things that could stop this frame twist. 1) Screwjacks up to underside of bed where camper box is. 2) tying top and bottom tie-downs mounts together between the frame rails across the frame to the other side tie down.
From what I've seen from Ford is that if you purchase the "Camper Package" for a SuperDuty, it basically gets you upgraded front springs, F350 rear springs(which you already have if you have a 350), and a rear stabilizer bar(i.e. sway bar)... and a "slide-in camper certification card".
I have a 2020 2500hd Chevy, gas engine and custom package, this lets me haul more weight, it's all on the tag, I have a Palomino 2300 slide in, iput Timbrens on the rear, i have no issues at all, feels very stable, it's well under the tag in the glovebox. When I bought it they were very specific about not going over the rating, if you are in an accident, you are 100% at fault if you are over axle weight.
I carry a Lance 975 in my 2018 Chevy 3500 4x4 duelly. HD sway bar, air bags and helper spring blocks. It has very little sway and handles like a dream. Camper wet weight is 4,300 lbs. Your Ford won’t even notice the weight of your truck camper.
That slip of paper with your pickup VIN is Ford's version of the get-out-of-jail-free card or Olly-Olly Oxen-Free. They would call you out on it in a heartbeat.
Good morning from Godley Texas, Paul as long as you don't exceed the payload capacity you're fine. Plenty of dually trucks out there with cabover campers. Changing out front springs is not necessary. Exceeding payload could make you liable if you cause an accident. Continue living life to the fullest by doing what you love. Stay safe and happy travels 😎
Thank you for watching and commenting we appreciate your support! We are not concerned. Just found it almost funny this warning was in my truck. Happy New Year!
Paul I had a 2003 F350 4 door dully pulled a 36’ fifth wheel no problem, we Bought a slide in camper to go to Alaska had to put spacers in the truck bed to get the floor of the bed level because of the 5th wheel brackets it raised the camper up about 2” higher we had about 4-5 inches between the top of the cab and the bottom of the cabover part of the camper, up on the Alaska highway in Yukon Territory we hit some Frost Heaves the frame had enough flex in it that the cabover actually hit the top of the cab a few times didn’t cause any damage but maybe that could be the reason!
There is a RUclips video that shows the frame flex of the Ford vs the ram. If the Ford is loaded with a slide in camper, when the frame flex, the box and cab flex in opposite direction. When this happens loaded, the bunk part of the camper can touch the cab of the truck. Also when loaded and driving around corners, the camper can destabilize the truck.
I have a 97 f250hd 7.3 powerstroke 4x4 longbed. I have put my lance 1025 (10'3") in the bed for over 20 years with no immediate or short-term issues. The dry camper weight is just over 2600 lbs. Just under my maximum payload. Wet with the camper options, im about 500lbs over maximum payload. I purchased the camper package option when i ordered my truck. In 2004, when i purchased the lance truck camper, the camper store (on Long Island,ny) had to remove the rear sway bar. Technically, i dont remember why, but he said that was standard procedure with a truck camper. Its funny how the camper package gives you a rear sway bar, but they remove it when installing a truck camper. 2 years ago, i started to give my old truck a refresh, which included new suspension and painting the frame. While cleaning the rust off, i found a hairline crack in my frame. From the bottom of the frame to the bottom bolt hole of the rear air bag bracket. I believe the crack happened when i drove into a huge pothole that I didn't see behind a gas station. The back of the truck bounced off the ground twice. The rear camper tie downs actually bent my rear bumper up slightly. Im 99% sure it happened there. My welder buddy fixed the hairline crack a few months ago. I dont think the frame would have cracked if i didn't hit that huge pothole. Just a little bit of info i thought you might want to hear. Personally, im sure you will be fine. My brother in law has a huge triple slide truck camper on his f350 duelly. Its probably around 4000lbs. If you want to see the crack in my frame, go to my channel and watch the video called how much rust episode2. It's a very short video. If you want to talk to another camper store owner who has been selling and installing truck campers for over 30 years, give bill a call at east end campers in southold Long Island. He also has a second store in New Hampshire, which is usually closed this time of year. Good luck and happy new year!
I wouldn't stress about it. If you got the sway bar in the rear your fine like that guy Randy said. You gotta think with a slide in camper all that weight is up higher making the truck top heavy. Any sawing side to side is going to be amplified with all that weight up higher rather than just on the 5th wheel/ goose neck pin. I would definitely recommend some helper air bags in the rear tho! Even just a basic helper bag that you air up each side with an air chuck. Forget all the in languages and on board air compressor, you can add all that fancy stuff if you want but it just complicates things if you ask me and is one thing else to go wrong and not work when your on the side of the road in a strange place. Keep it simple! Air bags will help with the spring sag and help support all that weight that's gunna constantly be on the rear springs. With a 5th wheel you can unhook, with a slide in camper your stick with that in your bed all the time! That's hard on the springs over time. Air bags will help support the weight and help the ride.
The truck camper has a much taller centre of gravity, which means there is more weight higher up and further forward on the truck chassis as compared to the 5th wheel which will have the weight much lower and further back, this would make a big difference in stability and would explain the truck needing the appropriate springs and stabilizers for the truck camper.
i used to spec trucks for work.. if it does not have the camper package then its not ok.. basically its a rear sway bar.. the only real thing that can happen is in a accident if the insurance guy finds out they can just flat deny coverage.. that is the whole deal
Looks like you got the answer about the slide in camper restriction, i was going to say because a slide in would be top heavy where a 5th wheel puuts the weight way down in the box. I made a New Year Resolution years ago to "never make another new year Resolution" and I have had no problem keeping it. Lol
Hey Paul and Magen! Idk, common sense would seem to tell ‘me’ that with you having a dual wheel setup on your truck that ‘that’ would be more stable than a ‘regular’ truck not being a dually. I’ve never heard of such a thing from a dealer or manufacturer, but, then what do ‘I’ know! Great video and thanks for sharing as always! HAPPY NEW YEARS! Safe travels! ~Jim~
Hey Paul of all the camper designs truck campers put all the weight of the camper in the bed of the truck verses having most of the weight on its own axles. This also causes more issues with sway from wind and road conditions. That’s why truck manufacturers recommend a sway bar. The height of a truck camper adds to the probability of sway. However in your situation your camper weight is so far below your payload and the fact you have duel rear wheels makes it a moot point. I would start being concerned if you load up a giant AF or a similar rig. Then you need it all, heavy front suspension, spring wedges, giant sway bar, and such. Most GM trucks that are truck camper compatible actually have a sticker in the glove box that gives max truck camper weight. It’s usually around a thousand pounds under the door jam max payload number. P.S., I bought a new Lance last August and had to sign a paper basically saying if anything happens in an accident I cant remember where I got the camper or who I got it from!!!
Wanted a lance slide in for my ram diesel HD but, trust me, the first curve I came into and it leaned at all, I’d park it right there and go to plan B. Settled on outdoors 26 foot TT and all’s good 6 years later! Even in 50mph cross wind, solid as a rock. Just slow down a tad.
2024 GMC 3500HD CC SRW gas 4wd long bed with a 3983 payload and 11,700 GVWR but a sticker in the glove box says the truck camper limit is 3233 and I have the camper HD front springs. Still on the fence about getting a truck camper.
Go to scales and setup truck for a trip and weigh with and without the camper. This will probably tell you everything you need to know when compared to specs. I think you are probably ok but you definitely need to use caution as crosswinds in many states could tip you in the worst circumstances. You should also try hard emergency braking in a controlled environment before setting off on a trip so you know what to expect.
It is a lot easier to overload a truck with a truck camper than a fifth wheel, the fifth wheel trailer has its own axles that share the extra load with the truck. The truck camper all of the load is on the truck so you do need to be careful how much stuff you bring with you while camping. It might not hurt to take your normal camping load out over a cat scale and compare your axle weights to the weight rating plate in the door Jam.
I was thinking sway bars because the camper is somewhat top heavy compared the a trailer. Back in 1984 my boss bought a brand new F-350 for the farm. He asked the Ford dealership to install a Fisher snow plow on it. They told him sure but it will void your warranty.
I worked at a Dana plant which manufactured the pre 1996 Ford F series truck frames and they had a separate sub assembly area for the "Snow plow" upgrade, this was the HD frame rails with several additional steel doubler reinforcements riveted to the top and bottom of the rails.
@ I did not know this. But looking at the frame of this truck you could see manufacturing holes in the frame under the cab. We were told they were flite holes for flexibility. We thought it was just flimsy lol.
These modern campers are getting larger, heavier, and more luxurious so to speak. I don't recall having these problems back in the 1970's and 1980's. Anyway, I bought a used mid 1980's camper for my Chevy 2500 HD diesel truck. The camper is light weight, less than 2,000 lbs dry. I added heavy duty air bags to the rear for extra stability. I remodeled the entire camper including new exterior paint. Then I added two 150w solar panels on the roof. I bought the camper from it's original owners and it was in excellent shape and always stored under cover. I paid only $1k for the camper and put about $2k into the remodel. It looks brand new now, inside and out. But I only use it a couple times per year. Not bad for only $3k.
The black truck with the custom rear bumper, and the mag 30k hitch is my truck they did for me pictured in their website photos, it has dual fuel tanks, airlift rear bags with the compressor, this truck also has the removable goose neck installed with the premium bed conversion, I have a lance 1172 double slide camper on it, the truck has zero sway in high wind , and this is the only way to SAFELY carry these 5000lb empty weight campers without breaking the one ton trucks, or experiencing a white knuckle trip in wind, Peter at genesis truck and trailer will build you your dream truck that will last you a lifetime, his work is impeccable.
I assume when you say Timbren did you mean a Rubber Overload springs? I added some Poly Overload bags on the back of my Chevy 3/4 ton short box. I also had to extend my hitch 1 foot. The Timbren load boosters will greatly reduce the sway .. You would not want to haul a top heavy truck camper without them . I buy parts like that from ETrailer. Call the folks at E-Trailer..
Excellent advice! I do love the Timbrens. Inexpensive and easy install. I have thought about airbags but a bit pricey. Not so much for payload but the ease of adjusting the level of truck and camper when on uneven ground.
Just like they did in the 70's with camper specials, all you have to do is add an overload spring, or a pair of airbags. Or both like my 1974 f250 camper special. It's original camper was MASSIVE the largest slide in I've ever seen. It also has a huge rear sway bar.
Might I suggest calling the manufacturer? Otherwise a decent Service Manager can also be a terrific resource. The people who fix what’s broken tend to know more than Salespeople.
If you're serious about upgrading your rear suspension, the best way to do it is to add overload springs. These only engage when the camper is ON and when the camper is not ON, your factory ride is restored. Any legit suspension shop will have a big pile of air bags and other crap they've removed to make room for a *real* upgrade. I would add overload springs or don't waste your money. FWIW, I've been hauling and working out of BIG truck campers since I bought my first '72 3/4 ton Chev Camper Special in '76. Now we run a 2003 (last year for the 7.3) F350 with a tuner -- only has about 85,000 miles -- and we couldn't be any happier with it. No EGF, no DPF and don't have to buy no DEF either. I still like truck campers but we tow a 2020 Torque 5th wheel toy hauler these days = 43'4" long. :)
Hello and Happy New Years! I am a retired Ford Technician, and I have a suggestion Ford has a rating guide that takes in account short or long bed, cab if 2 or 4 door, and trim level that shows how much weight can be in the bed or towed for 5th wheel or frame hitch. I think if you talk to Ford Customer Service and tell them you are looking for the best RV for your needs and bring up that paper with your VIN# on it. I think if you put a camper on this truck and something happens it might be on you the responsibility. Some RV manufactures are in court over bad frames, over weighing trucks, registration issues, etc. I know of a Dodge Ram Truck on RUclips that the frame broke in half due to overweight.
Dodge like all other makes has some bad years for unspecified problems, the frame breaking behind the Dodge cab is just one of them. Do some research no vehicle is perfect..
Truck campers are all about payload capacity not towing capacity. Some camper edition trucks have a completely different suspension setup than non camper edition.
I wonder if the center of gravity for your camper is ahead of your axle? I've seen a video posted where there's too much weight behind the axle, and it took weight off the front.
The camper is fine but people overload their trucks after that... easy to add another 1000 lbs after the truck camper... think some of the newer truck campers have a dry weight of over 4000, big slide out and stuff?..
I personally wouldn't put one in with at least 2020 and up. The bed of the pickups is two pieces. The floor of the bed is a piece by itself, and getting zero support from the rest of the bed. Then. Made out of soft metal. Aliminium. Why I traded in my 2020 F150. With slight pressure. My elbow dented my hood. I went to a steel cargo van instead.
It’s because they got an option package of bolt ons that you didn’t get so they put that in there to remove liability from them. I wouldn’t worry about it. Truck will be fine. Might handle a little better with the package. But idk.
So the reason you don't put huge campers in and i mean the huge one is tube steal does not give very well like old c channel frames you can carry more weight with tube but those huge campers cause rocking over rear axle guess were it brakes the frame up forward but a ball hitch or 5th wheel puts the weight on top of axle or behind but driving down the road that big camper starts rocking frame up and down
Paul, do NOT believe the factory camper weight claim! My 1995 Skyline has a metal tag the says 3150 lbs. but when I took the truck to the CAT scale, the camper weighed 5200 lbs! That was fully loaded with water, food and clothing, but no way does 30 gallons of water and 2 days worth of clothes, food and plastic dishwear add over 2000 lbs. Definitely weigh your rig with and without the camper to know for sure how much it really weighs.
Ford is dropping the ball in every single aspect imaginable.. I own a 2019 F-150 and though I love my truck, it's got a fuck load of issues that came straight from the factory.
It has nothing to do with the capacity of the truck. It has everything to do with the spread of the outriggers clearing the fender flares and extended outer tires when removing and installing the camper.. Obviously a 1 ton dually has far better carrying capacity than a 3/4 ton.
Interesting?? Is it just risk management stuff in attempt to minimize liability?? I am curious what the frame/suspension looks like...my guess is its pretty heavy duty stuff under there.
I don't know about the new stuff but i had a 74 f250 camper special and still have a 70 c20 camper special. Both have a large rear anti sway bar and an upgraded rear axle with bigger brakes. The chevy has special inner front wheel bearings that are 90$ a pop if you find them and takes the same brake shoes on all 4 corners. I've tryed living with newer trucks and always go back to the 70 chevy because of cost of operation. I can build an entire small block chevy for what it cost to do a timing chain on a modern ford gasser and 5 of them to repair a modern oil burner of any brand.
We have mad respect for you or anyone talented enough to build engines. Wish I had that knowledge I could save so much money!! Thank you for watching and commenting we appreciate your support!!
If something does break while your hauling that camper your warranty will be void. That piece of paper proves it. People have been over loading trucks and manufacturers are covering their butts. Keep the shiny side up🤠
I’m guessing, they’re worried about it becoming top-heavy! That’s why they want you to sign your life away. It increases a chance of you flipping the truck over. Because the weight is now high. They’re worried about you suing them ! Probably somebody has sued the manufacturer in the past
It won't be a problem until it is a problem, and they'll have this piece of paper to help defend them from liability, but you'll have this video saying otherwise.
I think you have a camper that is much lighter than alot of newer ones. Quite a few truck campers are well over 5000lbs., yes there are lighter ones too, but the average ones are quite heavy. Check your axle ratings, for front and back, more important than springs. Remember diesel engins weigh more than gas, if its 4x4 that also takes away weight capacity from total available. If it was me, i wouldnt worry about your setup. If you are concerned, weigh it and that will remove any doubt. Safe travels
The reason may be possible frame failure in the case of a heavier truck camper than yours. This video explains it fairly well. ruclips.net/video/ci9jADPmVj0/видео.htmlsi=yhYIQjc2BB7KgbbM
It's so Ford can void your warranty for using the truck like a truck. Vehicle manufacturers stopped selling vehicles decades ago and switched to a business model focused on selling service, warranties, undercoating, pinstripes and whatever other bullshit add one they can think of. Dealerships have vehicles on the lot to allow them to sell financing. They build them to break.
This is very important to be aware of. Same with towing a ski boat or something that is also not covered if the tow vehicle wheelbase isn't long enough. Ive seen one tip over on the freeway and total both, imagine not having coverage if that happens.
I know it’s a stressful situation and doesn’t give you peace of mind, but I’ve seen many many early Super Duties (‘99 to ‘08 or thereabouts) toting around BIG Lance and Arctic Fox campers. I CANNOT and will not believe that a ‘22 chassis is not up to the same carrying capacity as a ‘99. I have never seen any literature not recommending slide in campers on my ‘99 F350 dually - just the max payload; and yours should be much higher. This really sounds to me like Ford trying to upsell to the 450. I’m not having it.
One major problem is your insurance company will not cover you if involved in a collision because your vehicle has this issue and it would void all liability.
This is a horrible video. Making the viewer wait while you are on hold is what happens when you smoke too much dope. For the last 60 years you have to upgrade the suspension in the rear to haul a camper. Toke some more. Its making your brain not work.
Paul, I'm a self employed welder by trade and have been for 32 years. Back in 2005 I was looking at Dodge trucks, specifically the 4 door one ton dually. I was told by the salesman, even back then in 2005, that if the bed is removed from the truck and put a welding bed on the truck that the intended load design of the frame would be compromised and the warranty wouldn't cover anything related to frame damage. As we talked about it for a while, he explained that dodge, at that time also had some sort of frame prep for this and that if that was done, then the warranty would be good if I chose to remove the bed. He also showed me that the can and chassis trucks are made different and we're designed for aftermarket applications where different beds would be used.
It made sense.
If I remember correctly, remember this is 20 years ago, there were reinforcement plates what were added to the frame rails and they were placed on the rails where they ran between the cab and the bed. This is a known torque point on all makes and helps off set the positive and negative torque on that point in the frame rails. That does make sense to me. What baffles me is that a salesman, who was trying to get my business, back in 2005, 20 years ago, told me this then and yet it's a surprise to many folks now.
That tells me that the industry either stopped educating, or didn't educate their Salesforce enough.
Cab and chassis frames are extremely different and come in multiple lengths you are 💯 correct
Paul, the difference is the fifth wheel hitch weight is transferred to the truck at a low point in the bed in front of the axle. The truck camper has weight high above the center line of the truck. Imagine carrying a weight down low at the end of your arms. Now take that same weight and put it over your head. It would make you top heavy and then also make you become unstable.
Truck camper package.
Upgraded springs on front
Helping spring on rear + stab bar on rear....comes with camper cert card.
All those components can be a part of other packages and can be there even without camper package, like plow prep package, max tow package and such....
Air bags with an air compressor .Tork lift Super hitch receiver. Tork lift tie down frame mount . I never pushed it over 65mph .
Happy New Year Paul and Magen! You will be fine with your truck. Our truck has the same piece of paper in the glove box except it has our VIN on it. Every truck comes with that paper unless you pay for the camper package. Which was discussed at the Rally two years ago. Manufacturers are trying to release themselves from Liability in the event something happens. The camper package doesn’t have much more than what your truck already comes with it’s just you didn’t pay for them to recommend you to handle it. Most people with Slide In Truck campers have that same paper in their truck, unless they special ordered their truck, and knew to add it on when they ordered. Truck Camper Magazine actually did an article on this some years back discussing this and really it just comes down to the truck manufacturer trying to release themselves from civil liability in the event your truck breaks, or the wind blows you off of the road. You guys enjoy your truck camper and have a Great New Year! Hope to see you around.
Thanks guys! We aren’t concerned. We plan to load and go! Happy New year to yall! See you on the road soon we hope.
It would be interesting to see the reaction of the insurance company if it came to a claim. You know how they like to squirm their way out of paying a claim.
I have a 1994 Lance squire 11'3". Same sink, oven/range/hood, cubby over sink, windows. ❤❤❤
When you buy a dully with a body on the back the frame is a 1/8 steel tube. When you buy a cab and chassis the frame is 1/4 steel C - channel
Interesting did not know this. Thanks for the comment!
You hit the nail on the head. Payload on the frame.
Steel is exactly the same.
Difference is in width between vertical webs in frame (34" vs 37" on truck with body/box delete). There's some other measurements differences like distance from cab to axle and such.....but main difference is in width to match NTEA standards.
Nope, you're entirely wrong ..... your nickname in school was Wrongway Ross ...... I was in Jr. High with you
We have a 2003 ram 3500 dually regular cab diesel 8 ft box 6 speed manual trans truck.we have a slide in camper thar overhangs the rear of the box by 3 feet and 5 feet over the cab. Our truck has a gvwr of 12000 lbs.i have air bags on the rear axle for lift and stability. No problems at all on the road. You should be just fine with your rig. Happy camping
Great! Thank you for watching and commenting! Sounds like you have an awesome rig!
If the center of gravity of the camper is behind the center of the rear truck axle, then you are in trouble. If you have to much camper over-hang then again you are in trouble. This will affect your truck frame and could cause it to bend. Also if your front tie downs are just pulling up on the side of the frame rails, then again you will have frame problems. My truck just had L shaped front camper hold downs, and the truck went into the ditch at 70mph. The camper weights 2500lbs, and it went up. This force pulled the front tie down points up, causing the truck frame to twist out at the bottom. Now the truck has a 1 1/2 inch belly sag. 2 things that could stop this frame twist. 1) Screwjacks up to underside of bed where camper box is. 2) tying top and bottom tie-downs mounts together between the frame rails across the frame to the other side tie down.
Thanks for sharing, that’s a good warning for those with campers!
The owners manual does not recommend driving in to a ditch at 70 mph...
From what I've seen from Ford is that if you purchase the "Camper Package" for a SuperDuty, it basically gets you upgraded front springs, F350 rear springs(which you already have if you have a 350), and a rear stabilizer bar(i.e. sway bar)... and a "slide-in camper certification card".
Thank you for watching and commenting we appreciate your support!
Have you seen the trucks where the frames are broken in half when a truck camper in added? Thats why they put that paper in there.
I have a 2020 2500hd Chevy, gas engine and custom package, this lets me haul more weight, it's all on the tag, I have a Palomino 2300 slide in, iput Timbrens on the rear, i have no issues at all, feels very stable, it's well under the tag in the glovebox. When I bought it they were very specific about not going over the rating, if you are in an accident, you are 100% at fault if you are over axle weight.
I carry a Lance 975 in my 2018 Chevy 3500 4x4 duelly. HD sway bar, air bags and helper spring blocks. It has very little sway and handles like a dream. Camper wet weight is 4,300 lbs. Your Ford won’t even notice the weight of your truck camper.
That slip of paper with your pickup VIN is Ford's version of the get-out-of-jail-free card or Olly-Olly Oxen-Free. They would call you out on it in a heartbeat.
You are spot on man!! CYA for sure!
Good morning from Godley Texas, Paul as long as you don't exceed the payload capacity you're fine. Plenty of dually trucks out there with cabover campers. Changing out front springs is not necessary. Exceeding payload could make you liable if you cause an accident. Continue living life to the fullest by doing what you love. Stay safe and happy travels 😎
Thank you for watching and commenting we appreciate your support! We are not concerned. Just found it almost funny this warning was in my truck. Happy New Year!
Paul I had a 2003 F350 4 door dully pulled a 36’ fifth wheel no problem, we Bought a slide in camper to go to Alaska had to put spacers in the truck bed to get the floor of the bed level because of the 5th wheel brackets it raised the camper up about 2” higher we had about 4-5 inches between the top of the cab and the bottom of the cabover part of the camper, up on the Alaska highway in Yukon Territory we hit some Frost Heaves the frame had enough flex in it that the cabover actually hit the top of the cab a few times didn’t cause any damage but maybe that could be the reason!
There is a RUclips video that shows the frame flex of the Ford vs the ram. If the Ford is loaded with a slide in camper, when the frame flex, the box and cab flex in opposite direction. When this happens loaded, the bunk part of the camper can touch the cab of the truck. Also when loaded and driving around corners, the camper can destabilize the truck.
I have a 97 f250hd 7.3 powerstroke 4x4 longbed. I have put my lance 1025 (10'3") in the bed for over 20 years with no immediate or short-term issues. The dry camper weight is just over 2600 lbs. Just under my maximum payload. Wet with the camper options, im about 500lbs over maximum payload. I purchased the camper package option when i ordered my truck. In 2004, when i purchased the lance truck camper, the camper store (on Long Island,ny) had to remove the rear sway bar. Technically, i dont remember why, but he said that was standard procedure with a truck camper. Its funny how the camper package gives you a rear sway bar, but they remove it when installing a truck camper.
2 years ago, i started to give my old truck a refresh, which included new suspension and painting the frame. While cleaning the rust off, i found a hairline crack in my frame. From the bottom of the frame to the bottom bolt hole of the rear air bag bracket. I believe the crack happened when i drove into a huge pothole that I didn't see behind a gas station. The back of the truck bounced off the ground twice. The rear camper tie downs actually bent my rear bumper up slightly. Im 99% sure it happened there. My welder buddy fixed the hairline crack a few months ago. I dont think the frame would have cracked if i didn't hit that huge pothole. Just a little bit of info i thought you might want to hear. Personally, im sure you will be fine. My brother in law has a huge triple slide truck camper on his f350 duelly. Its probably around 4000lbs.
If you want to see the crack in my frame, go to my channel and watch the video called how much rust episode2. It's a very short video.
If you want to talk to another camper store owner who has been selling and installing truck campers for over 30 years, give bill a call at east end campers in southold Long Island. He also has a second store in New Hampshire, which is usually closed this time of year.
Good luck and happy new year!
Wow! Glad you have a welder friend. Thank you and happy camping!
I wouldn't stress about it. If you got the sway bar in the rear your fine like that guy Randy said. You gotta think with a slide in camper all that weight is up higher making the truck top heavy. Any sawing side to side is going to be amplified with all that weight up higher rather than just on the 5th wheel/ goose neck pin. I would definitely recommend some helper air bags in the rear tho! Even just a basic helper bag that you air up each side with an air chuck. Forget all the in languages and on board air compressor, you can add all that fancy stuff if you want but it just complicates things if you ask me and is one thing else to go wrong and not work when your on the side of the road in a strange place. Keep it simple! Air bags will help with the spring sag and help support all that weight that's gunna constantly be on the rear springs. With a 5th wheel you can unhook, with a slide in camper your stick with that in your bed all the time! That's hard on the springs over time. Air bags will help support the weight and help the ride.
Thanks for the comment! I'll have to look into air bags.
Pickup Campers have a high Center of Gravity . I saw a Dodge 1 Ton Pickup that had the frame buckle upwards with a slide in Camper on it.
Man that would be a bad day!
The truck camper has a much taller centre of gravity, which means there is more weight higher up and further forward on the truck chassis as compared to the 5th wheel which will have the weight much lower and further back, this would make a big difference in stability and would explain the truck needing the appropriate springs and stabilizers for the truck camper.
i used to spec trucks for work.. if it does not have the camper package then its not ok.. basically its a rear sway bar.. the only real thing that can happen is in a accident if the insurance guy finds out they can just flat deny coverage.. that is the whole deal
Looks like you got the answer about the slide in camper restriction, i was going to say because a slide in would be top heavy where a 5th wheel puuts the weight way down in the box.
I made a New Year Resolution years ago to "never make another new year Resolution" and I have had no problem keeping it. Lol
That's awesome! We never make New Years Resolutions either! Thanks for watching!
Happy New Year Paul and Megan! Dan and Kerry
Hey Paul and Magen! Idk, common sense would seem to tell ‘me’ that with you having a dual wheel setup on your truck that ‘that’ would be more stable than a ‘regular’ truck not being a dually. I’ve never heard of such a thing from a dealer or manufacturer, but, then what do ‘I’ know! Great video and thanks for sharing as always! HAPPY NEW YEARS! Safe travels! ~Jim~
Thanks Jim!
Hey Paul of all the camper designs truck campers put all the weight of the camper in the bed of the truck verses having most of the weight on its own axles. This also causes more issues with sway from wind and road conditions. That’s why truck manufacturers recommend a sway bar. The height of a truck camper adds to the probability of sway. However in your situation your camper weight is so far below your payload and the fact you have duel rear wheels makes it a moot point. I would start being concerned if you load up a giant AF or a similar rig. Then you need it all, heavy front suspension, spring wedges, giant sway bar, and such. Most GM trucks that are truck camper compatible actually have a sticker in the glove box that gives max truck camper weight. It’s usually around a thousand pounds under the door jam max payload number.
P.S., I bought a new Lance last August and had to sign a paper basically saying if anything happens in an accident I cant remember where I got the camper or who I got it from!!!
Wanted a lance slide in for my ram diesel HD but, trust me, the first curve I came into and it leaned at all, I’d park it right there and go to plan B. Settled on outdoors 26 foot TT and all’s good 6 years later! Even in 50mph cross wind, solid as a rock. Just slow down a tad.
Great comment thanks! You are right. Anything heavier would be a concern. Thanks for watching!
Rear sway bar and AIR BAGS will eliminate your problems @@joerigsby-qt5bf
Do some research before trying to be a "know it all" he's driving an F350 (FORD) not GM as you're implying
@@speedfreak8200 Sorry I was neither trying to be a know it all or implying he drove a GM. He asked for comments and info and that’s what I gave.
It's all about weight distribution. The camper moves weight further forward putting more weight on the front axle.
2024 GMC 3500HD CC SRW gas 4wd long bed with a 3983 payload and 11,700 GVWR but a sticker in the glove box says the truck camper limit is 3233 and I have the camper HD front springs. Still on the fence about getting a truck camper.
Interesting!
Go to scales and setup truck for a trip and weigh with and without the camper. This will probably tell you everything you need to know when compared to specs. I think you are probably ok but you definitely need to use caution as crosswinds in many states could tip you in the worst circumstances. You should also try hard emergency braking in a controlled environment before setting off on a trip so you know what to expect.
Excellent advice thanks!
I would get beefier shocks on the front. Like a coil over.
It is a lot easier to overload a truck with a truck camper than a fifth wheel, the fifth wheel trailer has its own axles that share the extra load with the truck. The truck camper all of the load is on the truck so you do need to be careful how much stuff you bring with you while camping. It might not hurt to take your normal camping load out over a cat scale and compare your axle weights to the weight rating plate in the door Jam.
I was thinking sway bars because the camper is somewhat top heavy compared the a trailer. Back in 1984 my boss bought a brand new F-350 for the farm. He asked the Ford dealership to install a Fisher snow plow on it. They told him sure but it will void your warranty.
I have heard that before regarding a snow plow package.
I worked at a Dana plant which manufactured the pre 1996 Ford F series truck frames and they had a separate sub assembly area for the "Snow plow" upgrade, this was the HD frame rails with several additional steel doubler reinforcements riveted to the top and bottom of the rails.
@ I did not know this. But looking at the frame of this truck you could see manufacturing holes in the frame under the cab. We were told they were flite holes for flexibility. We thought it was just flimsy lol.
Trucks have been breaking in half especially dodge trucks . One ton duallies frames snapping hauling slide in campers
These modern campers are getting larger, heavier, and more luxurious so to speak. I don't recall having these problems back in the 1970's and 1980's. Anyway, I bought a used mid 1980's camper for my Chevy 2500 HD diesel truck. The camper is light weight, less than 2,000 lbs dry. I added heavy duty air bags to the rear for extra stability. I remodeled the entire camper including new exterior paint. Then I added two 150w solar panels on the roof. I bought the camper from it's original owners and it was in excellent shape and always stored under cover. I paid only $1k for the camper and put about $2k into the remodel. It looks brand new now, inside and out. But I only use it a couple times per year. Not bad for only $3k.
The black truck with the custom rear bumper, and the mag 30k hitch is my truck they did for me pictured in their website photos, it has dual fuel tanks, airlift rear bags with the compressor, this truck also has the removable goose neck installed with the premium bed conversion, I have a lance 1172 double slide camper on it, the truck has zero sway in high wind , and this is the only way to SAFELY carry these 5000lb empty weight campers without breaking the one ton trucks, or experiencing a white knuckle trip in wind, Peter at genesis truck and trailer will build you your dream truck that will last you a lifetime, his work is impeccable.
I assume when you say Timbren did you mean a Rubber Overload springs? I added some Poly Overload bags on the back of my Chevy 3/4 ton short box. I also had to extend my hitch 1 foot.
The Timbren load boosters will greatly reduce the sway .. You would not want to haul a top heavy truck camper without them .
I buy parts like that from ETrailer. Call the folks at E-Trailer..
Excellent advice! I do love the Timbrens. Inexpensive and easy install. I have thought about airbags but a bit pricey. Not so much for payload but the ease of adjusting the level of truck and camper when on uneven ground.
Just like they did in the 70's with camper specials, all you have to do is add an overload spring, or a pair of airbags. Or both like my 1974 f250 camper special. It's original camper was MASSIVE the largest slide in I've ever seen.
It also has a huge rear sway bar.
Sumo squat stops. Pain to install without a big bar but worth it. Doesn't change your ride and never a problem with springs or air bags.
'Ford adds different springs (helper) and sway bar on the "camper package"
Might I suggest calling the manufacturer? Otherwise a decent Service Manager can also be a terrific resource. The people who fix what’s broken tend to know more than Salespeople.
Excellent! I have a good service manager here I may contact.
Means your truck will break in half....I dunno why they did not reinforce the frames on those trucks it being that heavy duty
If you're serious about upgrading your rear suspension, the best way to do it is to add overload springs. These only engage when the camper is ON and when the camper is not ON, your factory ride is restored. Any legit suspension shop will have a big pile of air bags and other crap they've removed to make room for a *real* upgrade. I would add overload springs or don't waste your money. FWIW, I've been hauling and working out of BIG truck campers since I bought my first '72 3/4 ton Chev Camper Special in '76.
Now we run a 2003 (last year for the 7.3) F350 with a tuner -- only has about 85,000 miles -- and we couldn't be any happier with it. No EGF, no DPF and don't have to buy no DEF either. I still like truck campers but we tow a 2020 Torque 5th wheel toy hauler these days = 43'4" long. :)
Great advice! We have researched overload springs and like what we hear about them. Sounds like your 03' is dialed in perfect!
Hello and Happy New Years! I am a retired Ford Technician, and I have a suggestion Ford has a rating guide that takes in account short or long bed, cab if 2 or 4 door, and trim level that shows how much weight can be in the bed or towed for 5th wheel or frame hitch.
I think if you talk to Ford Customer Service and tell them you are looking for the best RV for your needs and bring up that paper with your VIN# on it. I think if you put a camper on this truck and something happens it might be on you the responsibility. Some RV manufactures are in court over bad frames, over weighing trucks, registration issues, etc.
I know of a Dodge Ram Truck on RUclips that the frame broke in half due to overweight.
Very interesting. Thank you for this information we appreciate it. Yes our Fifthwheel suffered frame failure.
Dodge like all other makes has some bad years for unspecified problems, the frame breaking behind the Dodge cab is just one of them. Do some research no vehicle is perfect..
Truck campers are all about payload capacity not towing capacity. Some camper edition trucks have a completely different suspension setup than non camper edition.
You are right. Thanks for watching!
Your front springs and suspension needs upgrading . Find out if there is a steering box needs to be upgraded .
Steering box? Interesting! I am going to make a call to Ford
I wonder if the center of gravity for your camper is ahead of your axle? I've seen a video posted where there's too much weight behind the axle, and it took weight off the front.
Exactly! That is our task now, finding where center of gravity is on the camper and making sure it sits proper in truck bed.
The camper is fine but people overload their trucks after that... easy to add another 1000 lbs after the truck camper... think some of the newer truck campers have a dry weight of over 4000, big slide out and stuff?..
Right on!
I personally wouldn't put one in with at least 2020 and up. The bed of the pickups is two pieces. The floor of the bed is a piece by itself, and getting zero support from the rest of the bed. Then. Made out of soft metal. Aliminium. Why I traded in my 2020 F150. With slight pressure. My elbow dented my hood. I went to a steel cargo van instead.
Good advice. They don't make them like they use to!
Happy New Year to you as well!
Happy New year guys!
Here's the good news the truck is young enough that you can recoup much of its costs and get a 450 with the better turning circle.
It’s because they got an option package of bolt ons that you didn’t get so they put that in there to remove liability from them. I wouldn’t worry about it. Truck will be fine. Might handle a little better with the package. But idk.
Agree!
My 2005 f350 6.0 dually 4x4 with the heavy rear has a lighter lc because its 4x4
They have to have camper package 350 or not.
Go find a scale and see how your front and rear axle weights change
Good video Paul.
Thank you for watching!
So the reason you don't put huge campers in and i mean the huge one is tube steal does not give very well like old c channel frames you can carry more weight with tube but those huge campers cause rocking over rear axle guess were it brakes the frame up forward but a ball hitch or 5th wheel puts the weight on top of axle or behind but driving down the road that big camper starts rocking frame up and down
Excellent comment! Makes sense to me. Our fifth wheel placed pin weight differently thanks for pointing that out.
Paul, do NOT believe the factory camper weight claim! My 1995 Skyline has a metal tag the says 3150 lbs. but when I took the truck to the CAT scale, the camper weighed 5200 lbs! That was fully loaded with water, food and clothing, but no way does 30 gallons of water and 2 days worth of clothes, food and plastic dishwear add over 2000 lbs. Definitely weigh your rig with and without the camper to know for sure how much it really weighs.
Exactly. Get it scaled. Its the only way to know for sure.
Check out Genesis truck and trailer, Ram 5500 chassis cab pickup truck conversion, trust me on this, they are just outside Dallas
I’ll have to check them out!
It appears that your truck does not have the "camper package" in its list of options.
Nope
Ford is dropping the ball in every single aspect imaginable.. I own a 2019 F-150 and though I love my truck, it's got a fuck load of issues that came straight from the factory.
Sorry to hear that. Hope you can get it worked out.
Its ok for the big guy to screw the little guy its called business but the other way its called a crime.
All 3 of my 2017 350 oil pans leak. Buy new pans to fix ?
It has nothing to do with the capacity of the truck. It has everything to do with the spread of the outriggers clearing the fender flares and extended outer tires when removing and installing the camper.. Obviously a 1 ton dually has far better carrying capacity than a 3/4 ton.
Interesting?? Is it just risk management stuff in attempt to minimize liability?? I am curious what the frame/suspension looks like...my guess is its pretty heavy duty stuff under there.
Yes our suspension and frame are heavy duty. Our guess is there could be liability on the manufacturer.
If the salesman said it's OK, it's OK. LOL I'd personally find out what Ford recommends for safety and warranty work.
You're right about finding out what the manufacturer recommends.
you have to see what your payload is and see how much your camper weight
I don't know about the new stuff but i had a 74 f250 camper special and still have a 70 c20 camper special. Both have a large rear anti sway bar and an upgraded rear axle with bigger brakes. The chevy has special inner front wheel bearings that are 90$ a pop if you find them and takes the same brake shoes on all 4 corners. I've tryed living with newer trucks and always go back to the 70 chevy because of cost of operation. I can build an entire small block chevy for what it cost to do a timing chain on a modern ford gasser and 5 of them to repair a modern oil burner of any brand.
We have mad respect for you or anyone talented enough to build engines. Wish I had that knowledge I could save so much money!! Thank you for watching and commenting we appreciate your support!!
If something does break while your hauling that camper your warranty will be void. That piece of paper proves it. People have been over loading trucks and manufacturers are covering their butts. Keep the shiny side up🤠
Happy New Year!
Shit up here in the North Dakota oilfield Dodge diesels are pulling big equipment on fifth wheels no problem Fords too
I’m guessing, they’re worried about it becoming top-heavy!
That’s why they want you to sign your life away. It increases a chance of you flipping the truck over. Because the weight is now high.
They’re worried about you suing them ! Probably somebody has sued the manufacturer in the past
do you actually trust ANYTHING a dealer tells you?
It won't be a problem until it is a problem, and they'll have this piece of paper to help defend them from liability, but you'll have this video saying otherwise.
Right on!!
I had the same thing in mine when I got it f-350 SRW I didn’t quite understand that
I think all manufacturers have them.
I think you have a camper that is much lighter than alot of newer ones. Quite a few truck campers are well over 5000lbs., yes there are lighter ones too, but the average ones are quite heavy.
Check your axle ratings, for front and back, more important than springs. Remember diesel engins weigh more than gas, if its 4x4 that also takes away weight capacity from total available. If it was me, i wouldnt worry about your setup. If you are concerned, weigh it and that will remove any doubt.
Safe travels
Excellent advice! Thank you for watching and commenting!
The reason may be possible frame failure in the case of a heavier truck camper than yours. This video explains it fairly well.
ruclips.net/video/ci9jADPmVj0/видео.htmlsi=yhYIQjc2BB7KgbbM
Thank You! I have actually watched that video.
Stop lying you do do need them. Love you, man.
It's so Ford can void your warranty for using the truck like a truck. Vehicle manufacturers stopped selling vehicles decades ago and switched to a business model focused on selling service, warranties, undercoating, pinstripes and whatever other bullshit add one they can think of. Dealerships have vehicles on the lot to allow them to sell financing. They build them to break.
I had to sell mine insurance would not cover it i was in an accident . It would have given them an I out.
This is very important to be aware of. Same with towing a ski boat or something that is also not covered if the tow vehicle wheelbase isn't long enough. Ive seen one tip over on the freeway and total both, imagine not having coverage if that happens.
Happy New Year to you both and all your family and friends. Here's to 2025 being amazing!! 😊
Happy New Year to you and your family Angela!!
That’s a sales guy don’t believe a word he said
A salesman said? I would need more guarantee than that, in writing.
Someone had an issue now the lawyers put the paper in there to CTA
If it is a extended cab the frame is weak I seen them Bent in half sitting on the ground
I know it’s a stressful situation and doesn’t give you peace of mind, but I’ve seen many many early Super Duties (‘99 to ‘08 or thereabouts) toting around BIG Lance and Arctic Fox campers. I CANNOT and will not believe that a ‘22 chassis is not up to the same carrying capacity as a ‘99. I have never seen any literature not recommending slide in campers on my ‘99 F350 dually - just the max payload; and yours should be much higher.
This really sounds to me like Ford trying to upsell to the 450. I’m not having it.
Agree thanks.
I used to deliver truck campers. There's really no dumber purchase than a slide-in truck camper, especially with slide outs on the camper.
I believe any camper purchase is not wise.
I have a 2022 F350
Not recommended doesn't say you can't
Make your own camper and save 2/3 the weight of factory made
This is why you buy a ram if it will fit you can haul it real truck real frame real suspension.
We have had no issues with our truck so far. Happy for you if your Ram is working great for you!
A fey years of Rams has a frame breaking issue. I think it around 2017 videos on YT of the Ram Truck speed bump special..
I can lend you my 1961 Apache 20 or my 1971 ford 250 camper special 😂😂
That would probably compliment our 94 camper well.
I guess it's not Ford tough.
Guess not! LOL...
Congratulation on you new truck purchase - please don't use it as a truck LoL
01:17
[rim-shot!]
One major problem is your insurance company will not cover you if involved in a collision because your vehicle has this issue and it would void all liability.
Very true! Amy reason for insurance to not pay!
I thought you were Sam Elliott
New rigs are junk
Wow another BS salesman.
A truck camper is the worst investment than a blonde lady that can cook but her brother is a divorce lawyer😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Any kind of RV should not be a investment 😮
LOL..You are correct!
@DreamingOutloudRVing Thank you for having a sense of humor... Nobody in Arizona has one 😆😆😆 Happy and Healthy New Year... 😀😀😀
Boring
More ford junk
That’s funny! GMC Dodge all have same warning! LOL…
This is a horrible video. Making the viewer wait while you are on hold is what happens when you smoke too much dope. For the last 60 years you have to upgrade the suspension in the rear to haul a camper. Toke some more. Its making your brain not work.