I have a 2019 F150 XLT 3.5 shortbed SuperCrew with a 1939 payload capacity. I want to buy a Kimbo truck camper (about 1000lbs dry, won’t increase much as it doesn’t have tanks, but I have a 5-gallon water container). Here’s the weight breakdown:
1050 lbs for the camper
6 gallons of water (50lbs)
Me (about 140lbs)
Dog (about 15lbs)
Electric motorcycle (200lbs)
Various things including a fridge, battery, and food (300-400lbs)
Total: roughly 1900lbs. I will be removing the tailgate and rear seats to save about 140-160lbs (I can’t find the weight of the rear seats online). I have the option to upgrade to an F250 but I’d rather not if I don’t need to.
Palmer said:
You don’t want to run your truck near max capacity all the time. F250s aren’t much more expensive, if at all.
That was my first thought, but since my truck has a high payload compared to other XLTs and the camper was designed for a Tacoma, I figured it might be okay. I know it would be better to have more capacity than needed, but every time I look up anything about hauling, I just see people saying to get a Super Duty. Do you think my truck can handle 1800lbs for extended periods without causing unnecessary wear?
@Sage
Wear is a concern. With the extra weight, parts like brakes might wear quicker. A 250 would be better because the parts are made to handle it. I imagine you’ll go through more brakes, and they’re expensive to upgrade. Your truck might wear through front-end parts and bushings a bit faster too. I’d suggest getting good shocks and tires.
@Sage
I’m not even talking about wear. With 1000lbs in my half-ton, it feels like a boat on the road. Same load in my Super Duty and it rides like an empty half-ton.
Palmer said: @Sage
I’m not even talking about wear. With 1000lbs in my half-ton, it feels like a boat on the road. Same load in my Super Duty and it rides like an empty half-ton.
Palmer said: @Sage
I’m not even talking about wear. With 1000lbs in my half-ton, it feels like a boat on the road. Same load in my Super Duty and it rides like an empty half-ton.
I’ve noticed that when I’ve gone over towing capacity, anything under 6k isn’t really noticeable in my experience.
I haul max GVWR often in my 2013 shortbed SuperCrew with a 5.0 and 3.55 gears. Honestly, it feels pretty normal, and if it sits lower, I can’t even tell. My center of gravity is lower than a camper’s. Good luck!
You might be over RAWR, though it’s hard to tell until you get on a scale.
I have a 1910 payload XLT and have gone over the payload many times, but never consistently, like on a daily basis. It’s different from hauling a load of concrete or lumber around town. That said, I wasn’t too far from my payload when towing our travel trailer, and it did fine.
A couple of things can help the handling. I use LT 8-ply tires with 65 psi on 20-inch rims. That makes a difference. I also have a Roadmaster RS1 device on the rear that stiffens the rear leaf springs when a load is applied. My truck is a max towing model, so it has a transmission cooler and a bigger rear axle.
If you were doing this all the time, an F250 or bigger would be the right choice. But if you’re talking about eight or ten weekends a year, I might stick with the F150. It’s easier to live with daily.
Sage said: @Toryn
Thanks for the input. Since I’ll be living out of the truck for a few years, I think the F250 sounds like the better option.
Yes, I think that’s a good choice. Also, truck campers apply force to the truck frame in weird ways. There was a photo of a new Ram 3500 with a broken frame from a truck bed camper (it was a big camper, maybe a Lance). I think it’s better not to undertruck it when using a camper.
Also, make sure to check the door sticker on the F250. Some high trim trucks only have around 1900lbs of payload. Too many fancy options and not enough payload/performance options can make a truck weak.
Three things. If a Tacoma can handle it, a half-ton should be able to as well. If you’re living out of it for years, I’d suggest removing the bed and putting a simple flatbed frame on it, then mounting the camper. That will save some weight. Lastly, if you go up to a 3/4 ton, you’ll spend a lot more in fuel. If you’re stationary, it’s not a big deal. If you do go with a half-ton, get air bags.
@Remi
Why does the internet make it seem like you need a Super Duty for everything? If my truck has a 1939 payload capacity and I’m running 1800lbs, what’s the problem? They act like my transmission will explode and my tires will fly off. Also, do you have any links for flatbeds?
@Sage
Because most of the information online is just repeating things, and people don’t actually know. Plus, in America, we tend to get more than we need because of commercials. A lot of factors affect wear and tear. If you’re driving on flat roads with gentle slopes, once you hit cruising speed, there’s no added stress. But if you’re going up mountain roads, parts might wear faster. If you drive like you have extra weight, it shouldn’t be too bad. I don’t have a link, but just look them up.
You also need to consider brake and transmission wear. A half-ton won’t handle the stress of maxing out as well as a 3/4 ton. Don’t want to max it out all the time, it’s really hard on the vehicle.
Sterling said:
I wouldn’t recommend it, especially because it’s a shortbed. With a shortbed, most of the weight is behind the axle instead of over or ahead of it.
Could you explain that? I’ll admit I don’t know much about this.