65 replies to this topic

[Ace!]

What is the payload of the F150 you have?

[PJorgen]

I'll add my $0.02.  Go with a 3/4 or 1-ton truck and be done with it.  Or, get a half-ton and worry about air bags and overload springs and inadequate braking etc.

 

I've got a 2014 Hawk on my GMC 2500HD and it weighs about 8800 lbs loaded for a trip.  Other guys have posted gross weights well over 9000 lbs.  That's just not a good idea with a half-ton truck.

[NorCalHawk]

X2 PJorgen...

Think most of us would be surprised how much our "lite" weight campers weigh, once they're loaded with people, a dog/child or two, fuel, water, food and all the stuff we think we need. Regarding truck size/dimensions, I think the Tundra's, Fi50's, etc. have the same dimensions or they're pretty close (an inch or two?) of the 3/4 ton/1 ton. Correct me if wrong, but the true differences between 1/2 tons and 3/4+ tons include the powertrain, tranny, brakes, springs, axle, etc., etc.

[wc6glenn]

I've Have a 2005 regular cab gas engine F250 4x4 with a 2011 granby more or less permanently on the truck.

With full tanks , whole load of crap and two fat people in it rolled across the scale at 9200 LBS. 

Went to the junk yard got some rear springs of a 2005 f250 took the rear springs apart left out the fat overload spring and

cut up the junk yard springs to fit where the overload spring was. Added four leaves on the left and three on the right to correct 

the left lean the truck had. Much nicer to drive now. Half ton aint gonna get it. Go big.

[Atlin]

Payload is about 2100 lbs.  Camper (expected, I don't have one yet) has posted dry weight of ~1000 lbs + 150 lbs water + 200 lbs (full) fuel + 320 lbs (2) people = 1700 lbs.  That leaves me with at least 400 lbs of gear or "buffer capacity" in case the camper ends up heavier.  I cannot imagine I will ever require 400 lbs of gear.  I originally wanted the long (8-foot) bed which has a payload of ~2700 lbs, but Ford never made one of these in 2015 so I ended up with the 6.5-foot bed.

 

Given that a lot of folks out there are putting 3000 or 4000-pound campers on 3/4 ton trucks and apparently not having issues with overload (I do think most are using extra springs or airbags etc.), I don't expect any issues, but we'll see.  

[EWizard]

Does the breakdown go like this?:

150/1500 - half ton

250/2500 - 3/4 ton

350/3500 - one ton

The biggest thing I'm having an issue with is the price difference when you go with something like a fully loaded Tacoma vs. a GMC 3500.  It's a full double the price.

I just don't think I could spend >$60K on a truck.  

Of course, there is the used market.

[smlobx]

I like the way this thread has gone and particularly like Ace's comments!

I have to agree with the majority of comments that you will want a 3/4 or one ton rig to ride safely down the trail. As far as diesel v. Gas is concerned I feel that is a personal one so I won't push diesel too much other than to say your range (both on road and off will be considerably further.

I am having a Hallmark Everest built as we speak and intend to do an accurate weigh in of the truck and camper so that will hopefully help others down the road. Keep in mind that the "published" weights (of any manufacturer) is the base model without any options and with a manufacturer like FWC you will have a lot of options in your rig.

[smlobx]

Does the breakdown go like this?:
150/1500 - half ton
250/2500 - 3/4 ton
350/3500 - one ton
The biggest thing I'm having an issue with is the price difference when you go with something like a fully loaded Tacoma vs. a GMC 3500. It's a full double the price.
I just don't think I could spend >$60K on a truck.
Of course, there is the used market.

It's easy to get carried away when you price a truck out but I just priced out a 2016 F-250 cc lwb 4x4 XLT for 45K

http://shop.ford.com...RW.XLT.~F-250.]

Also, it's pretty easy to get 5-8k off of list price on Fords

Edited by smlobx, 08 February 2016 - 04:32 PM.

[EWizard]

Is a F-250 a half ton?

[Happyjax]

No F150 = 1/2

250= 3/4

350= 1 ton