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    Probably newbish DRW vs. Super Single questions

    19.5" tires can't be aired down due to their bead profile. Car and light truck tires use the interface between the wheel and bead plus the pressure within to hold the tires on. 19.5s and similar medium duty truck tires use air pressure to hold the tire one which limits how low you can lower the...
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    Probably newbish DRW vs. Super Single questions

    It would help if you distilled your questions down to specfically what you're wondering about. Some of these questions are nebulous and I'm left guessing about what you mean to be asking. Some questions: Are DRW F-350/3500 trucks "different" from DRW F-550/5500's because they're not on steel...
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    Velit 12v AC?

    To clarify your question - you're hoping to replace your current 110v AC to that specific 12v DC model because it fits into the existing hole and to minimize theoretical inverter losses while running AC on battery alone to keep your dog safe? Based on how you describe your travel (regular...
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    I would disagree that there is “not much difference.” The exchange rate makes Canadian labor rates and shop costs 25% cheaper (as of 1/30/24). Add that to the tariff assigned to a custom box (another 25%) and it can quickly add up. Finally, I’m not sure what shipping costs are doing these...
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    That is weird; @Victorian said the opposite in another recent thread. Anyhow, if that is the case, then I would work with another vendor as a custom box is your best bet for your needs.
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    A point about the width of the camper body: If you decide to go with an off the shelf TC camper (or a custom build with the narrower width of a SRW 350) and then decide to upgrade to a larger capacity truck, your camper is going to be "too small" on the back of the 550/5500 and that width will...
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    @ReluctantTraveler - as @StenchRV mentioned, the width is noticeable between the camper bodies. You can barely see the difference when looking at the box-to-cab area. The four of us were much more comfortable just hanging out in theirs than ours. On the road, the difference would be hard to...
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    Agreed - huge benefit.
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    TrailReady singles. The automatic leveling is for sure a great feature. I wouldn't judge you if that was your sole purpose in getting it.
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    Total Composites flatbed build

    That is really surprising to hear. Total Composites still advertises them on their site. Maybe try another builder? If I were to do it again, I'd see what our builder, Pronghorn Expedition had available - apparently, they've switched manufacturers. Another option for a custom box (and probably...
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    I've driven Liquid Spring trucks - they're nice, but not enough for cost IMHO. The Kelderman 4 link rear has more value and is easier to service but still expensive. If it were me, I'd probably get custom valved shocks from your vendor of choice, new front coils and a made to order rear spring...
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    Total Composites flatbed build

    Thanks - glad it helped. This box is custom. For your needs, I'd highly recommend you consider it rather than the off-the-shelf models. Find a builder that can help you design the interior ahead of time. Saves a ton of effort in the actual build. 80/20 is also a great solution - I heard about...
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    The track width is within the mirrors on both trucks with the 550's track closer to the width of the mirrors. I bet that you're still planning on new wheels/tires for the 350; the 550's wheel and tire package will probably cost more, it's true, but it isn't as though wheels and tires are a...
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    Total Composites and Ventilation

    In the build thread here. The dinette becomes a twin bed but you'll probably have to figure out a bunk bed situation or something for all the members in your family (unless you can convince some of them to sleep in a tent!).
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    This is not true. They are functionally the same size. Assuming the same wheelbase and overhangs, the 550 will easily fit into any space the 350 would.[/USER]
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    Total Composites and Ventilation

    You're describing my setup almost to a "T" but with an additional two people (and 25 gallons more water). Our total weight of camper box, gear, and personnel is ~ 3800lbs. The dry weight is just the empty shell before configuration and is listed at 1058lbs on the Total Composite's site.[/USER]
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    Payload Tolerances: how close to max is too much?

    As you found out in the other thread discussing ventilation, an important point is to be aware that the brochure/website payload can differ substantially when you're on the scales. The DRW F350's have a decent bump in payload but you'll still be carrying some limitations from the smaller...
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    Total Composites and Ventilation

    Which brings us back to my original point - buy once, cry once. There is a reason why completed campers with the capability we’re looking for cost as much as they do. I have never seen any configuration of an F350 that gets you more than 4200lbs. Our Total Composites box, fully loaded with 3...
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    Total Composites and Ventilation

    In my experience, you are going to be surprised. It will not be the end of the world, but it will be a lot more than you’re planning for.
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