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RE: Levelling blocks for camper on driveway with 2 degree grade
I ordered the camco yellow block and shelled out for the rubber base.
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BeMurda
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12/25/22 09:15am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Levelling blocks for camper on driveway with 2 degree grade
It's funny you all say that you n need to support the base with something under it when the 2010 Lance instruction manual specifically says not to do that?
Ok since sliding is a concern should I use typical plastic blocks then? The truck camper is also going to be unloaded during winter and there may be some frozen moisture though I will clean it best I can.
If anyone can recommend a product I would appreciate it! Thanks!
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BeMurda
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12/24/22 10:39am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Levelling blocks for camper on driveway with 2 degree grade
I guess I don’t need blocks if I can just use the jacks, since it is smooth concrete.
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BeMurda
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12/24/22 08:26am |
Truck Campers
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Levelling blocks for camper on driveway with 2 degree grade
Hi, is there a product I can buy or do I need to build truck camper blocks to level my camper on my driveway that has a 2 degree grade? Unfortunately I don’t have a truck yet and may be buying a used 2010 lance 950s, so I need to place it correctly the first time because I won’t be able to move it until the truck I ordered comes in. Thank you.
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BeMurda
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12/23/22 08:43am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Best used truck campers for ~4400lbs payload SRW 1T 8' F-350
I think I will stick to fiberglass or aluminum types of construction. Lance, Wolf Creek, Northern Lite,
There is a Lance 950S with factory weight 3154 that I really want to look at getting but should probably go lighter. I did order the highest payload Dana rear axle.
You’re not quite understanding the camper construction types.
Aluminum is used in reference to the basic frame skeleton vs wood. I noticed zero difference between our 2 TCs which were identical except the wood one was older and we owned it longer. There’s still copious amounts of wood in most any camper that will be damaged by leaks. If it’s to the point that the frame is rotting it likely already has more damage than feasibly repairable to the other wood components. And even an aluminum frame camper would be basically destroyed due to the “other” parts rotting or delaminating.
Didn’t notice any weight savings or vice versa either with our campers.
The fiberglass were speaking of is clam shell exterior. (which will still have a bunch of wood under it). But it won’t have the full length seams at every corner that are all potential leak sources.
And realize that there isn’t an axle option under basically any 3/4 or 1 ton truck from the last 25 ish years or more that isnt rated to around 10klbs capacity. The axle is actually the strongest part of the truck equation for HD srw trucks. You didn’t get anything special axle wise to figure into your acceptable payload decision.
Yes, I did know all that about the construction, but it is still a good summary thanks :)
Regarding the axle, I'm sure you are correct that they are all rated for far more. What I was referring to is the Dana 4.30 axle increases the GVWR 400lbs relative to the Sterling 3.73 axle.
I also picked the 18 inch wheels and AT tires with the highest rating from the factory.
Actually you don’t understand any of it if you think deeper gears increases payload.
You could easily haul a 4400lb Truck camper around on a 30 year old F350 with a 351 Windsor and whatever gears they came with.
And 18” OE rims dont carry any more than the 20s.
You’ve ordered a very nice truck, congrats and good luck with your search for a camper.
Not sure where that tone came from, no, I don't think deeper gears increases payload in and of itself. On the 2023 F-350's, opting for the Dana 4.30 axle over the Sterling 3.73 axle, with the right tires, increases the GVWR by 400lbs. In fact, it's the only way to get the 11,900 GVWR package.
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BeMurda
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12/17/22 02:13pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Best used truck campers for ~4400lbs payload SRW 1T 8' F-350
I think I will stick to fiberglass or aluminum types of construction. Lance, Wolf Creek, Northern Lite,
There is a Lance 950S with factory weight 3154 that I really want to look at getting but should probably go lighter. I did order the highest payload Dana rear axle.
You’re not quite understanding the camper construction types.
Aluminum is used in reference to the basic frame skeleton vs wood. I noticed zero difference between our 2 TCs which were identical except the wood one was older and we owned it longer. There’s still copious amounts of wood in most any camper that will be damaged by leaks. If it’s to the point that the frame is rotting it likely already has more damage than feasibly repairable to the other wood components. And even an aluminum frame camper would be basically destroyed due to the “other” parts rotting or delaminating.
Didn’t notice any weight savings or vice versa either with our campers.
The fiberglass were speaking of is clam shell exterior. (which will still have a bunch of wood under it). But it won’t have the full length seams at every corner that are all potential leak sources.
And realize that there isn’t an axle option under basically any 3/4 or 1 ton truck from the last 25 ish years or more that isnt rated to around 10klbs capacity. The axle is actually the strongest part of the truck equation for HD srw trucks. You didn’t get anything special axle wise to figure into your acceptable payload decision.
Yes, I did know all that about the construction, but it is still a good summary thanks :)
Regarding the axle, I'm sure you are correct that they are all rated for far more. What I was referring to is the Dana 4.30 axle increases the GVWR 400lbs relative to the Sterling 3.73 axle.
I also picked the 18 inch wheels and AT tires with the highest rating from the factory.
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BeMurda
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12/17/22 09:39am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
From dealer "It has been known to cause delays yes. If you do not need the 5th wheel prep pack, this could highly improve the timeframe for the shipment of the vehicle."
I can get 5th wheel prep done later and pay more, the extra money doesn't concern me... Also I am getting $8k off with X-plan... This summer is important to me. I may have to rent or buy an in between truck if delays get out of hand...
See this video: https://youtu.be/UCgqwzFDeXQ?t=1329
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BeMurda
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12/16/22 11:55am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Best used truck campers for ~4400lbs payload SRW 1T 8' F-350
I think I will stick to fiberglass or aluminum types of construction. Lance, Wolf Creek, Northern Lite,
There is a Lance 950S with factory weight 3154 that I really want to look at getting but should probably go lighter. I did order the highest payload Dana rear axle.
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BeMurda
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12/16/22 11:28am |
Truck Campers
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Best used truck campers for ~4400lbs payload SRW 1T 8' F-350
Hi all,
Looking to buy my first truck camper, used. Looking relatively modern (less than 15 years old) with good construction and power jacks. Are there any models you recommend for this size truck? Any that you think would be ideal?
What should I look out for as a first time buyer? Thank you.
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BeMurda
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12/15/22 08:14pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
I made the bed length decision quickly. Maximum payload, fuel tank and flexibility.
Order date 12/12/2022
Job 1 / Priority code 10
F-350 Lariat Crew Cab Long Box
Carbonized Grey / Black Onyx
7.3L
4.30 gears
Lariat Ultimate
Camper/Snowplow
FX4
Clearance Lights
Dual Battery / Alternator
Max Recline Seats
???????
Good Luck. I hope you get it quickly. (hope you even get it by next camping season)
Thanks. I have an out if it doesn't arrive by June. It is the quickest job code and highest retail priority code so I'm hopeful. Also gas have been faster apparently. But the Fifth wheel prep package worries me about adding delays. I added it to get the bed 7 pin connector. Maybe I should have just had it installed after the fact. But labour is expensive here in Canada.
On my 2019 F250, the plug cost about $50 online. Plug it in under the bed, cut a small hole and install in bed. About a half hour including time to figure out where you want to put the hole.
Thanks, I had the dealer remove the fifth wheel prep package.
I hope I get it by June... eek
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BeMurda
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12/15/22 03:42pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
I made the bed length decision quickly. Maximum payload, fuel tank and flexibility.
Order date 12/12/2022
Job 1 / Priority code 10
F-350 Lariat Crew Cab Long Box
Carbonized Grey / Black Onyx
7.3L
4.30 gears
Lariat Ultimate
Camper/Snowplow
FX4
Clearance Lights
Dual Battery / Alternator
Max Recline Seats
???????
Good Luck. I hope you get it quickly. (hope you even get it by next camping season)
Thanks. I have an out if it doesn't arrive by June. It is the quickest job code and highest retail priority code so I'm hopeful. Also gas have been faster apparently. But the Fifth wheel prep package worries me about adding delays. I added it to get the bed 7 pin connector. Maybe I should have just had it installed after the fact. But labour is expensive here in Canada.
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BeMurda
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12/14/22 09:42am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
I made the bed length decision quickly. Maximum payload, fuel tank and flexibility.
Order date 12/12/2022
Job 1 / Priority code 10
F-350 Lariat Crew Cab Long Box
Carbonized Grey / Black Onyx
7.3L
4.30 gears
Lariat Ultimate
Camper/Snowplow
FX4
Clearance Lights
Dual Battery / Alternator
Max Recline Seats
???????
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BeMurda
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12/12/22 11:15pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
You gotta admit though, while driving that dually (you dont say which) you felt like you could haul just about anything.....
Actually I spun out on the turn out of the dealership because 2wd was on and it is snowy here and the truck was on A/T tires. Lol.
4wd helped but it didn't feel as planted as my sedan with winter tires, naturally.
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BeMurda
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12/12/22 02:18pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
Update: after much discussion, my wife vetoed dually after I brought one home and parked it on our driveway. Now I am looking at SRW long vs short box. I know long box has bigger gas tank and more camper options, but some campers in the lower weight ranges are built specifically for short box. I lean long box but I need to think further and decide.
Well, that will dishearten the members who don't believe in multiple considerations at play when choosing a vehicle...lol.
FWIW, there are plenty of shortbed capable full featured hard side "larger" campers. 2 of the 3 you mentioned in the first post are designed to be used on short beds.
That's the next stage of considerations. LB vs SB + and -.
It looks like max Cargo weight per Ford's page will be about 3600lbs vs 3900lbs (I subtracted 100lbs from each for Lariat options) for short box vs long box. The extra cargo capacity of the long box maybe should just point me in that direction. But the short box would be nicer day to day. Either way we won't drive it around town unless we have no choice since only one of us commutes and we have a 2023 Honda Odyssey for that.
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BeMurda
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12/12/22 12:55pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
Update: after much discussion, my wife vetoed dually after I brought one home and parked it on our driveway. Now I am looking at SRW long vs short box. I know long box has bigger gas tank and more camper options, but some campers in the lower weight ranges are built specifically for short box. I lean long box but I need to think further and decide.
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BeMurda
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12/12/22 12:01pm |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
Seems like I should order a DRW, I think I will go that direction and figure out how to live with it.
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BeMurda
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12/08/22 11:22am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
You will only discover "incurable weight limitations" if you intentionally buy a camper that's too heavy and are too stubborn to make the compromise, i.e. buy a smaller/lighter camper.
High 4000's are a bit much for an SRW, I agree, but we're not talking about high 4000's. We're talking low 4000's. Getting up there, but still manageable.
Heck even 5000 is possible with an SRW if you throw enough money at it.
A Lance 830 which is used in my neighbourhood seems like a good compromise. The issue with SRW short bed which is what this would fit well is that if I decide it's too small I don't have much of an upgrade path other than a short box single slide unit... or getting a different truck. And I told my wife that I would not upgrade the truck, it would be buy once cry once - unlike my other habits with vehicles haha.
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BeMurda
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12/06/22 08:23am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
Your F350 srw has a 7230 rawr that will be carrying most if not all of a trucks campers weight.
These trucks rigged out like you say rear axle may weigh in the 3500+ lb range leaving around 3700 lbs max for a truck camper. I sure wouldn't exceed a tire/wheel or rear suspension rating. Add 4400 lbs in the bed over loads Fords 7230 rawr.
That 4400 lb number is a gvwr payload and based on using the truck front and rear axles. Truck campers sit in the bed and add little if any weight to the front axle.
GVWR payloads are better suited for lets say a work truck for a business that requires a over head rack that sits in the rear of a pickups frame/in the bed.... and on the trucks front frame rails. That way all 4400 lbs can be distributed on fawr and rawr.
A 3100 lb truck camper ?
By the time you load the camper out like you want and road ready it may weigh over 4000 lbs.
Your looking at a one ton drw for weight carried in the bed like a truck camper.....or a lighter weight camper.
Or mod the F350 srw rear suspension with 19.5" tires/wheels and air bags/etc.
Thanks, I guess this is why Ford's specs the other individual found say max cargo weight 3990 before options on the Lariat trim I was looking at. That still seems very doable for me with the 950s but I can't tell if I am just naive or actually will be packing lighter than other people.
It would be really nice to have a slide so that a pack and play could fit in the hallway at night if we had a second child.
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BeMurda
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12/05/22 11:18am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
Here is a little math for your consideration.
Lance 950S dry weight is approximately 3100#. Wet weight will be 3500#. Does that include any accessories such as awnings, upgraded mattress, microwave/oven, solar panels, upgraded battery, etc? Let's hope so because those items can add a lot to the base spec weight. Anyway what weight is reasonable for your and the passengers? 400#? That will bring the weight to 3500#.
The rule of thumb is to add 1000# for "personal" items. That sounds like a lot but in my experience it has been hard to keep under that amount. This category includes such items as chairs, bbq grill, generator and fuel, tools, clothing, sheets/bedding, towels, cameras/electronics/hobby gear, extension cords, leveling blocks, cleaning supplies, black tank chemicals, etc, etc, etc. Let's not forget kitchen gear, plates, pots and pans, flatware, etc. Another big item is food and drink. Lug in your weekly groceries and you will quickly realize food and drink can get really heavy.
If you start with a camper in the 3000# range, you will very likely exceed your 4400# capacity. Some suspensions mods will be needed. Depending on the State/Provence being over the limit can be a legal issue. Another issue is weight distribution. Except for passengers, almost all of the cargo weight will be on the back axle and tires. Depending on wheels and tires, you will likely be at or exceed the maximum load specs.
You want to be able to use the truck as a second vehicle so avoiding a dually makes sense. You might want to reconsider. That supercrew and 8' bed are already issues for daily use. The length alone will make it difficult and sometimes impossible to maneuver in and out of parking lots.
Those LED clearance lights really cut into your cargo capacity... LOL just kidding.
You're on the right track. 4400lbs is a good comfortable max weight on an F350 SRW, though you may want to put airbags on to level the truck, and add a rear sway bar. Take a wait and see approach on that though. There's no reason you can't take a trip or two with the truck stock to see how it feels, and add what you think it needs later. It's either going to be passable or awful right out of the gate. Not like you're going to get 500 miles from home and suddenly discover that it's undriveable (if you do something is seriously wrong that add-ons would not have prevented).
Low 3000's dry is where you want to be looking for a camper. Sounds like you've done the research and have a few models in mind.
Two different posts with two fairly different opinions! The base weight of the Lance 950s is under 2900lbs so the person selling this unit is I believe being honest about the actual weight at 3150.
I have no interest in exceeding the sticker payload (I'm a lawyer lol) but I don't feel that we will travel with 1000lbs of gear? It doesn't make sense in my head...
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BeMurda
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12/05/22 11:12am |
Truck Campers
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RE: Ordering F-350 7.3 CCLB SRW - how big of camper can I get?
There is also a Lance 830 used in my area - the tent could be a good option in warm weather, but I don't like security aspects of it. Also the single propane tank seems terrible - otherwise an interesting option and definitely good for a single rear wheel.
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BeMurda
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12/05/22 11:08am |
Truck Campers
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