Need Advice: Modifications needed for hauling a camper?

[IdaSHO]

Here's what I know even though I would like to get back to the OP's original question: I had a 1992 F250 HD that had a GVWR of 8,800 lbs. The leaf spring brackets on the rear of that truck were stamped "F350" so they were the same springs that came on an F350. It was a full floating rear axle just like the F350 but it was SRW and had a rear sway bar but did not have upper overload springs. There were F250's that weren't HD and they had a lower GVWR of 8,000 lbs. In the case of F250 being exactly the same as an F350, I can see that with an F250 HD but not a regular F250. I have never seen an F250 (OBS) with anything higher than a 8,800 lbs GVWR (maybe because the F250 was not offered in a DRW setup?). The reason I sold the 1992 F250 HD was because I was overweight on the rear tires and needed a dually to safely haul my camper. Plus, the 1997 had the factory camper package which was something I wanted as well.

FYI I dont recall any light duty/heavy duty badged models F250 models in the 94.5-97 Powerstroke 4x4

All the same, all had 8800 max GVWR


And the camper package is the option that provides factory overloads for the F250.

 

[IdaSHO]

Some of the newer trucks come with a hole already in the bottom leaf but mine doesn't have the hole for mounting the Torklift bottom Stable Load. The centering pin is too far away from the gap between the bottom spring and the others to function as designed. Perhaps my springs need to be re-indexed but I don't think so since I don't have any sag. I believe the instructions for the bottom Stable Loads mention the possibility of having to drill so they are aware of some of the springs not having this hole. Unfortunately, the upper SL rides on the front part of the upper overload so my unladen ride is quite stiff. The rear one doesn't do that. The overload springs are basically "two-stage" based on the load and the front and back part of the springs are meant to engage at different rates.

Overall, I really like the SL's. They definitely make my truck sit more level when loaded and they also help reduce "porpoising" with the truck camper loaded on uneven highways (I-90 in South Dakota is a great road for porpoising! Ask me how I know!). I didn't have a lot of roll before the SL's but I definitely don't have any now.

I much prefer a simpler approach if you already have factory overloads.

Running factory overloads, and reducing the leaf to bump top distance to engage the overload sooner.

In OEM configuration, you have to squat the truck a LONG way for the overloads to even start engaging.


Lowering the bump stops allows the standard pack to work as intended unloaded, and engages the overload pack much sooner to accommodate a load like a camper sooner in order to keep the truck from squatting.

Like this.

Not mine, but similarly done. Pretty easy.

 

[Lance990]

FYI I dont recall any light duty/heavy duty badged models F250 models in the 94.5-97 Powerstroke 4x4

All the same, all had 8800 max GVWR


And the camper package is the option that provides factory overloads for the F250.

I don't disagree with this. I was referring to the 2WD non-diesel trucks. All F250 diesels were considered heavy duty, IIRC. All of the non-diesel F250 HD trucks had the 7.5L as well just like all of the diesels were considered HD. I believe that all of the F350's had factory overloads but I could be wrong about that.

 

[Lance990]

I much prefer a simpler approach if you already have factory overloads.

Running factory overloads, and reducing the leaf to bump top distance to engage the overload sooner.

In OEM configuration, you have to squat the truck a LONG way for the overloads to even start engaging.


Lowering the bump stops allows the standard pack to work as intended unloaded, and engages the overload pack much sooner to accommodate a load like a camper sooner in order to keep the truck from squatting.

Like this.

Not mine, but similarly done. Pretty easy.

I'm sure that is a less expensive approach and just as effective. TL says you can grind off some of the bumper stop material to suit your needs, up to about an 3/8". It would probably improve my ride a little but it's a 1 ton truck and I don't expect a good ride.

 

[IdaSHO]

In all honesty, I am AMAZED at just how much better the truck handles with dropping the overload bump stops.

So much better. And regardless of how it is handled, I'm sure the results will be positive.

With the overload stops modified as I posted, the obvious benefit is ride when unloaded. It is unaffected.

I believe that all of the F350's had factory overloads but I could be wrong about that.

100% correct

Option for the 3/4 ton

Standard for the 1-ton

 

[boxcar1]

No it doesnt.

Not if it fitting this this thread, as in a 1994-1997 F250/350 Diesel SRW 4x4 w/ a slide in

Bull shi- You responded to a post I made. I never spoke in specifics about a 94 - 97 Diesel SRW truck. You need to re read this and calm down son.All have the same max GVWR. (we are not talking chassis cab)
Wrong again....


Post up your current rig. Again, if it doesnt meet fit within the context of this thread, it doesnt matter.

To who? You. It does matter to everyone else. It's a 1996 F-350 XLT super cab with a 460 I ordered it new.
The problem you have smart guy is that I own a fleet of Fords. I need them for my Garage door co.
Is it a chassis cab?
is it dual rear end?
is it 1994-1997?



The listing is for the entire pack.
What it does not include is the overloads, which is a different part number as it is a factory option.

Only on the diesel......
Thats not a gasket for a D60 smart guy. Its a COVER, that is for the sterling rear end.
The rear end that is in EVERY 1994-1997 F250/350 Diesel SRW 4x4 from the factory

But not in every 3/4 or 1 ton produced by Ford from the late 80's through the late 90's


You should be a politician. you'd be great in the debates.


OK. You stated ALL 1ton's were the same as ALL 3/4 ton's. If you read my post that started this conversation I was speaking gas and diesel. When did you decide that I was talking only about your truck. And why would I ?
You stated ALL 1 ton's and ALL 3/4 tons are the same.
Now to fix that, you go specific. It has to be a 94-97 Diesel src.
Maybe you should look beyond the only rig you own before you give advice and or opinion concerning every truck Ford makes.
Your talking apples and oranges here Ida.
It's a well known fact that I am no fan of diesels. Well known to you....

 

[IdaSHO]

OK. You stated ALL 1ton's were the same as ALL 3/4 ton's. If you read my post that started this conversation I was speaking gas and diesel. When did you decide that I was talking only about your truck. And why would I ?
You stated ALL 1 ton's and ALL 3/4 tons are the same.
Now to fix that, you go specific. It has to be a 94-97 Diesel src.
Maybe you should look beyond the only rig you own before you give advice and or opinion concerning every truck Ford makes.
Your talking apples and oranges here Ida.
It's a well known fact that I am no fan of diesels. Well known to you....

Wow.

Just as I figured, you took everything out of context.

OK. You stated ALL 1ton's were the same as ALL 3/4 ton's.

Wrong again. Please stop back-pedaling and admit the error and or leave.

This is an exact quote of what I said...

The vintage tucks that the OP's friend is looking at, the only reason to avoid a 3/4 ton and only consider 1-tons is if a dually rear end is a consideration.

Everything else (sans the front axle if 4x4) is the same. Everything.

Key words... The vintage tucks that the OP's friend is looking at


NEVER did I say ALL 1ton's were the same as ALL 3/4 ton's. as you claim.



Also, the context of this entire thread up to the point of you going off the reservation has been 94.5+ 7.3 PSD

From the Original poster:

She's been looking for an older F250-F350 Powerstroke diesel with plans to haul a camper around the country.

Right now she is looking at older (1994-2001) F250 and F350, 4x4, extra or crew cab, single rear wheel model trucks

 

[boxcar1]

First: Make sure what ever your friend decides to buy. Take it to a mechanic and have it fully checked out before purchasing......
The year range Ford she is looking for has some definite advantages but some well known problem spots as well.
If she plans to travel year round she wants an F-350 standard cab 4wd, Gas or diesel with manual hubs.
Manual transmission ( if she's comfortable with it ) If she must have an automatic be careful.
Fords of that era run an E-4-OD trans that is notorious for problems. Have it checked out .......
The super cab has the steering radios of a school bus. The standard cab is nice and tight.
The good news is: that If she decides on a diesel the 7.3 is the best that Ford ever offered. The bad news is : you can't buy good fuel for it any more.
Gas options are the venerable 460 or the 351. Both will do the job fine.
In an F-350 the 351 is going to be hard to find.
Camper mounts and suspension:
Belly mount the camper. ( true frame mounts ) Don't mount to the bed.
The F-250 nor F-350 will need no suspension aids unless the camper is extremely heavy. Best springs in the business.
With an older rig it would probably be a good idea to replace the shocks with new gas shocks and have the rig re bushed with all new bushings. I'd have the brakes looked at as well.
Then be very picky when purchasing an old used camper.
Good luck.

I hauled a 9" Conny on a 95 Ford for years.

View attachment 333407

This is the post that started this whole uproar. You took offence to the E4OD comment, The super cab comment and the diesel comment.
Funny, they all describe your truck.
Do you see any reference to a diesel only comment from me here?

I went back and looked . I am giving advice concerning all Fords. Gas and or diesel.
You only got specific in your last few posts. Or should I say, made it clear that you were only describing your own truck.
Again Ida. Why would I be interested in describing or for that matter referencing your truck? Ford never built your truck.
It's a morph.

 

[topofpalomar]

Asking for a friend.... My friend Sophia has her own business and plans to take it on the road soon. She's been looking for an older F250-F350 Powerstroke diesel with plans to haul a camper around the country. I've been helping her with the truck purchase, but where I fall short on knowledge is in the hauling of a camper.

Her plans include using a hard-sided slide in camper. The photos I saw of the one she is considering are of an older model that extends beyond the bed by about a foot to a foot and half. Anyways, I'm concerned for her as this is her first time operating a rig this big and hauling a camper and I want to be sure she's safe doing it. This is also research as I have been considering do the same soon myself, but with a pop-up camper. So this is where you come in-

What modifications, if any, should she do in order to haul a camper?
Added leaf in the rear springs?
Air bags?
What about the front suspension? Brakes?

Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I want to be sure to put her on the right path so she's successful in her business venture.

Thanks in advance!

NorthernWoodsman:

Since you asked for advice here's mine: As mentioned previously in this thread it's best to decide on a camper first THEN match that camper to a truck. But that's not always feasible. Most truck and camper owners think about the vehicle as the priority, since they will be spending so much time in the front seat driving for hours at a time. Or the "perfect truck" is discovered so you snap it up and then have to find a camper that may or may not be well matched.

To answer your specific questions concerning leaf springs or air bags - get the camper and the truck (matched as best as possible to weight and payload). Load the camper with good tie-downs and see how it handles. Possibly adding airbags will be fine. Maybe add-a-leafs will be required. She will be able to see what works for her as soon as she hits the road with the chosen truck and chosen camper.

Personally I'd consider adding the adjustable airbags first. You can fine-tune the ride and how much the rear end sags. As long as she's comfortable driving it and the vehicle is safe she's good to go.

BTW I previously owned a '96 F250 single cab 4x4 with 460/auto I bought used in 2003 and it handled our 99 Apache popup just fine. Other than some issues with electric window switches and door locks it was a great truck. And I know what you're thinking. The answer is yes. I bought the truck first and the camper second.

You asked about front suspension and brakes. Again, matching the camper and truck without extremely overloading the truck is key.

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

hey everyone thank you so much for all the advice. i just wrangled some more info out of my friend who, unbeknownst to me, already has the camper she will be using. yeah, that would have been good to know up front, but whatever.

It's an older camper and all the names, stickers, etc. have worn off, but one. It's called the "Mobile Traveler"-





Anyone heard of these? By chance know the weight?

She found a really great F250- 7.3 powerstroke, 1 owner, 189,000 miles. needs tires and shocks and has a wobble on the front end she's having inspected monday or so. it was a single owner grandpa's truck who bought a new truck. but with the news about her camper, we're thinking it might be best to wait and start looking for a F350 now. *Edit*- scratch that last part. i think she is set on getting a 250 now after talking to her today. choices in her area are admittedly limited and the 250's I looked at on line were better than any of 350's I saw. Plus the one she's currently looking at seems like a good deal.

So with that, I think our conversation is going to going to turn towards what she needs in order to safely use the camper on a 250.

 

[IdaSHO]

hey everyone thank you so much for all the advice. i just wrangled some more info out of my friend who, unbeknownst to me, already has the camper she will be using. yeah, that would have been good to know up front, but whatever.

It's an older camper and all the names, stickers, etc. have worn off, but one. It's called the "Mobile Traveler"-





Anyone heard of these? By chance know the weight?

She found a really great F250- 7.3 powerstroke, 1 owner, 189,000 miles. needs tires and shocks and has a wobble on the front end she's having inspected monday or so. it was a single owner grandpa's truck who bought a new truck. but with the news about her camper, we're thinking it might be best to wait and start looking for a F350 now.

The camper looks to be in great shape for what Id assume is a mid 70's/ model.
Dating is based upon window and door designs/construction.

Although it does look to have a more modern roof top AC, so all bets are off :sombrero:


And MFG data plates on the unit at all? If it actually has a model number and date of MFG you might have a chance of finding more info about it.
That last photo shows some plates on the rear of the unit, above the furnace vent.

Quik google searching without a model number turns up very little. Although NADA references it as a M-1450 or M-1550

http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/1973/Mobile-Traveler/Truck-Campers



As far as the pickup, the wobble could very well be the tires you already know it needs.
Otherwise, a TTB D50 front axle at that mileage is probably (over)due for ball joints, axle pivot bushings, leaf spring bushings, tie-rod ends, etc.

But all that is easy and relatively cheap and worthwhile if the rest of the truck is in great shape.

 

[boxcar1]

The camper looks good. The data plates are on the left side of the door in the last Pic.
A little pencil graphite may revile what has been rubbed off.
The camper looks very similar to a Conestoga 9" er from the early to mid 70's .
If it's dry , and has been kept that way it should be a nice rig.
I'd have it re sealed and have a membrane roof added. ( cool old camper ) ......
As to the Ford . That could be good choice.
Will she get any service records with the truck? That'd be nice.
With or without records . Get it thoroughly looked over by a Ford mechanic at a reputable shop.
Without knowing her budget it's hard to tell what she has been looking at . I just scanned the Craig's list in the Portland metro aria. Lost of 3/4 tone and 1 ton trucks out there .
Many under $10,000

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Update!

I want to thank everyone again for all of your input. My friend decided to go with the F250 I found on craigslist. I think it's going to be a great truck for her on her travels this year. At the end of the day, it only needs shocks! The PO put on some newer tires and all the mechanicals checked out a-ok.

She still need some help on the camper-hauling side of things and I plan to reference your responses in my ongoing assistance.

Love expo for all the great resources...you!, and help when needed.

 

[boxcar1]

Glad it worked out for ya. Post up some pics of the rig once she get's it all together.

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

The truck had less than 200k on it, only two PO's and both in the same family- grandpa and grandson, had receipts for previous work done, and had some nice custom front and rear bumpers.