New to me 97 f150
- Thread starter crawldit
- Start date
BCHauler
Adventurer
crawldit - I think those charts show the maximum possible gvwr for a given setup. The legal amount for how the truck was equipped when it left the factory would be the door sticker. I'm starting to think that the biggest factor in how they were rated was the tires. Perhaps there was a higher rated tire as an option.
crawldit
Adventurer
Good point BCHauler. There's too many variables. Honestly, between my load range E tires, my add-a-leafs and the rear air shocks; I'm not overly concerned about a couple hundred pounds. Whether or not it's legal 
I suppose I could just swing by the dump and get it weighed......
I suppose I could just swing by the dump and get it weighed......
1stDeuce
Explorer
Nice thread and discussion fellas! I'm living in Berthoud, so I'll watch for your truck crawldit!
I think things might be different in Canada, but in the states, (except perhaps California, where EVERYTHING is illegal) there's nothing specifically "illegal" about having a truck loaded in excess of GVW. Even if you get stopped by the weighmaster, he'll only be checking the tires for a rating and will make sure that you're not beyond that rating. Well, within reason... If your truck LOOKS like it's going to break in half, and the front tires aren't hardly touching the ground, you're likely to be declared "unsafe" and you'll not be allowed to go on, even if your tires can technically handle it.
But the reality is that there are no laws that dictate that you must never load a truck in excess of GVWR, or GAWR for that matter, which would be the more important limit if there was one, it's all about the tires. Next time you're out on the highway, take note of the 1-ton pickups pulling 3 and 4-car transport trailers. They are almost always beyond their published GVW, GCW, and GAWR (at least on the rear!). When they get stopped, the weighmaster just checks the tire ratings and makes sure the tires aren't overloaded.
So what I'm saying is that you should get some sleep, load up to whatever you feel comfortable with, and head out!
And since someone asked earlier, the OEM's MAJOR limitation to GVWR is loaded vehicle handling, as well as chassis durability over rough roads. GCWR is almost always set by rear axle temp to maintain 55mph (or max speed if lower) up Baker Grade (CA headed to Vegas) in 100+F summer heat. Yes, they actually go out and use Baker Grade... I've went on that trip when I worked at Chrysler. 350F in an axle makes the lube REALLY smelly...
I think things might be different in Canada, but in the states, (except perhaps California, where EVERYTHING is illegal) there's nothing specifically "illegal" about having a truck loaded in excess of GVW. Even if you get stopped by the weighmaster, he'll only be checking the tires for a rating and will make sure that you're not beyond that rating. Well, within reason... If your truck LOOKS like it's going to break in half, and the front tires aren't hardly touching the ground, you're likely to be declared "unsafe" and you'll not be allowed to go on, even if your tires can technically handle it.
But the reality is that there are no laws that dictate that you must never load a truck in excess of GVWR, or GAWR for that matter, which would be the more important limit if there was one, it's all about the tires. Next time you're out on the highway, take note of the 1-ton pickups pulling 3 and 4-car transport trailers. They are almost always beyond their published GVW, GCW, and GAWR (at least on the rear!). When they get stopped, the weighmaster just checks the tire ratings and makes sure the tires aren't overloaded.
So what I'm saying is that you should get some sleep, load up to whatever you feel comfortable with, and head out!
And since someone asked earlier, the OEM's MAJOR limitation to GVWR is loaded vehicle handling, as well as chassis durability over rough roads. GCWR is almost always set by rear axle temp to maintain 55mph (or max speed if lower) up Baker Grade (CA headed to Vegas) in 100+F summer heat. Yes, they actually go out and use Baker Grade... I've went on that trip when I worked at Chrysler. 350F in an axle makes the lube REALLY smelly...
crawldit
Adventurer
Great info! I was actually down your way this past weekend. I picked up a 1982 Skamper 100s from a guy who lived not too far outside of Berthoud. I've got pic's of the camper on my truck in the link in my signature.
The camper is 10ft and my truck sags pretty good on the driver side. Passenger is okay. I'm assuming it's because all of the appliances are on the driver side of the camper. I think I can help with the lean if I run my rear air shocks on independent lines. Right now they are on a single line so the air pressure passes from one shock to the other, leaving my driver side low and passenger side higher. Another issue is that I can't find a gas station air compressor that will put out more than 90 psi. These shocks handle 150 psi each, so I am still pretty low compared to there max load leveling capabilities.
The camper is 10ft and my truck sags pretty good on the driver side. Passenger is okay. I'm assuming it's because all of the appliances are on the driver side of the camper. I think I can help with the lean if I run my rear air shocks on independent lines. Right now they are on a single line so the air pressure passes from one shock to the other, leaving my driver side low and passenger side higher. Another issue is that I can't find a gas station air compressor that will put out more than 90 psi. These shocks handle 150 psi each, so I am still pretty low compared to there max load leveling capabilities.
1stDeuce
Explorer
I have the airbags in my truck plumbed separately, and it definitely helped with sway, but I think airbags, being short, do that anyway. They also restrict travel quite a bit, so hopefully your shocks will work out better! I know the shocks say they're good for 150psi, but you might want to have a good look at the shock mounts and make sure they're up to supporting a lot of weight.. If you're relying on them heavily, it might be best to add a leaf or two to the spring pack instead, and only use the shocks to help with higher loads.
I'll check out your camper. I have an older Hallmark that I really like, but it takes up so much room when it's off the truck... Probably it's biggest drawback. Keep up the thread!
Chris
Oh, and I forgot to add that TKO tire on the south side of Loveland is selling Treadwright tires now. I talked to Kevin there, and he says they sell a lot of them. They're supposed to wear great, too! The completely overmolded Warden tires look really good!
I'll check out your camper. I have an older Hallmark that I really like, but it takes up so much room when it's off the truck... Probably it's biggest drawback. Keep up the thread!
Chris
Oh, and I forgot to add that TKO tire on the south side of Loveland is selling Treadwright tires now. I talked to Kevin there, and he says they sell a lot of them. They're supposed to wear great, too! The completely overmolded Warden tires look really good!
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crawldit
Adventurer
I'm going to try them plumbed separately for sure. I have looked at the mounts and they are rust free and look stout, but your concerns are valid. I already have add-a-leafs in the rear and don't think I want to start stacking them. I have been looking at Hellwig EZ-990's
http://www.hellwigproducts.com/products/load-control/ez-990/
They are an over the spring bolt-on and supposedly add 2000 lbs load leveling capacity, and can be adjusted independently to help with an uneven side to side load. By the time I add up the cost of the add-a-leafs, air shocks and Hellwig helper springs, I should have just bought Firestone air bags right off the bat
Live and learn, I suppose.....Great news about the tire shop in Loveland and the treadwrights. My Wardens have performed so well this winter that my wife wants a set on her Pathfinder. Sure would be nice to save on that shipping fee.
crawldit
Adventurer
Actually, just ordered a spare plumbing kit from Monroe this afternoon. While I was searching Amazon, I found a pretty good deal on a backup camera. My appradio is designed for use with a backup camera, so hopefully the install is straightforward. It will be nice to be able to see what's behind me with the Skamper loaded up. Talk about a blind spot......
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
BCHauler
Adventurer
Hope the new family is doing well. Any updates for us?
I recently test fit my old camper on my truck to check how it might work and it was quite uneven side to side. The drivers side was noticeably lower. I chalk it up to a combo of all of the camper appliances and cabinetry being on the drivers side, and the truck also having its 30 gallon fuel tank there as well. I will try and post a pic.
Please excuse the tarp - I live in a rainforest and this was just a quick test. After the trial fit, I realized a few changes were needed. The spacer I had added to the bottom of the camper for my Super Duty wasn't needed here - too tall. Plastic bedliner has to go; too unstable. Suspension in the back definitely needed a boost, the sag was dramatic.
My solution was a set of Hellwig Load springs off of craigslist (made for Chevy but they fit) and a set of factory 4x4 2" blocks from the junkyard. Install took about 2.5 hours. A few days later I re-installed the camper for another test fit.
The upgrades made a huge difference. I went from a large sag at the back to perfectly level when loaded.
Still not sold on the big camper with this truck. May end up using my camperette instead and towing a 15' Scamper trailer I just picked up. We'll see.
Anyway, back to your truck. Looking forward to an update.
Todd
I recently test fit my old camper on my truck to check how it might work and it was quite uneven side to side. The drivers side was noticeably lower. I chalk it up to a combo of all of the camper appliances and cabinetry being on the drivers side, and the truck also having its 30 gallon fuel tank there as well. I will try and post a pic.
Please excuse the tarp - I live in a rainforest and this was just a quick test. After the trial fit, I realized a few changes were needed. The spacer I had added to the bottom of the camper for my Super Duty wasn't needed here - too tall. Plastic bedliner has to go; too unstable. Suspension in the back definitely needed a boost, the sag was dramatic.
My solution was a set of Hellwig Load springs off of craigslist (made for Chevy but they fit) and a set of factory 4x4 2" blocks from the junkyard. Install took about 2.5 hours. A few days later I re-installed the camper for another test fit.
The upgrades made a huge difference. I went from a large sag at the back to perfectly level when loaded.
Still not sold on the big camper with this truck. May end up using my camperette instead and towing a 15' Scamper trailer I just picked up. We'll see.
Anyway, back to your truck. Looking forward to an update.
Todd
crawldit
Adventurer
Wow, that is a dramatic improvement on the back end. I haven't got much to update. I am glad to see that the Hellwigs made a difference because I ordered their 2,000 lb Helper spring kit for my rear end. Between the 30 gallon gas tank and all the camper appliances being on the driver side, I have the same leaning problem.
I have the Hellwigs to install and I still have the rear view camera to install on the truck. I also have a new battery and propane heater that need to get installed in the camper. Not to mention I still need to drill and tap the frame for the camper tie down brackets. One of these days I'll stop working so much and get back to my projects so I can get some camping in this summer!
I have the Hellwigs to install and I still have the rear view camera to install on the truck. I also have a new battery and propane heater that need to get installed in the camper. Not to mention I still need to drill and tap the frame for the camper tie down brackets. One of these days I'll stop working so much and get back to my projects so I can get some camping in this summer!
crawldit
Adventurer
Finally got out and about in the rig this weekend. Got the camper mounts drilled and bolted to the frame. Got the propane system working, and got the electrical wired up and running. The Hellwigs helped with the load leveling but it still sags a little more than I had hoped. Regardless, the truck handled the camper like a champ for 40 miles of washboard and some mild offroading to get back to camp. So far I'm pleased with the setup. Having the truck camper makes life so much easier with a 4 month old baby!
I think next on the list is some gas struts to help keep the canvas on the camper tight. I already bit the bullet and ordered some new plastic caps for the corners. I'm also going to try and squeeze in a paint job for the camper this summer. I'm thinking a slate grey will go nicely with the truck.
I think next on the list is some gas struts to help keep the canvas on the camper tight. I already bit the bullet and ordered some new plastic caps for the corners. I'm also going to try and squeeze in a paint job for the camper this summer. I'm thinking a slate grey will go nicely with the truck.
BCHauler
Adventurer
Looks great. We have great memories of camping with our kids when they were infants. Lots of work but fun.
If the Hellwigs don't feel like they are doing enough, you can tighten the u-bolts to increase the spring tension. What are you using for camper mounts?
FYI - my plans to use our truck for camping this summer just took a hit, as the transmission decided to take a permanent vacation. Oh well.
Looking forward to more updates.
If the Hellwigs don't feel like they are doing enough, you can tighten the u-bolts to increase the spring tension. What are you using for camper mounts?
FYI - my plans to use our truck for camping this summer just took a hit, as the transmission decided to take a permanent vacation. Oh well.
Looking forward to more updates.
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