camper package, 6.0 F350

[dminz]

I've ordered an F350 Lariat CC SRW 4x2 LB 6.0L auto, but it's not too late for me to change the options chosen. I'll be pulling a 13,000 lb, 35 ft 5th wheel. Do I need the camper package? I assumed it was for camper shells and I didn't order it (or the heavy duty suspension), but I notice that many contributors here have them. How does it affect the ride quality, loaded and unloaded? Thanks.

[SmokeyWren]

The camper pkg has 3 parts:
[*] Heavier front suspension - unless the computer selected the heaviest available front suspension without the camper pkg.
[*] Rear stabilizer bar - anti-sway bar, or simply a sway bar.
[*] Certificate that allows you to haul a (very light) slide-in camper.

On your truck, the camper pkg probably will not increase the front GAWR. CrewCab longbed 4x2 PSDs will get the heaviest-duty coil springs Ford makes for the twin I-beam front suspension, with or without any suspension pkg. At least that was true when I ordered mine. I didn't order any suspension options and mine came with the heaviest coil springs Ford made at the time.

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How does it affect the ride quality, loaded and unloaded?

[/ QUOTE ]

If your 5er grosses 13,000 pounds on the road, then your tow vehicle is going to be overloaded by about a thousand pounds over the GCWR of the tow vehicle, and a few hundred pounds over the GVWR of the tow vehicle. You need an F-450 to tow that much trailer without being overloaded.

But when loaded for bear, you'll enjoy the ride of the rig. The camper pkg will add a rear sway bar, which you'll need for your overloaded tow vehicle. And it won't affect the unloaded ride, since you'll probably get exactly the same front and rear GAWR as the same truck without the camper pkg.

There are two reasons to order the camper pkg on an SRW. You need a good stiff rear sway bar, and that's probably about as cheap as you can add one aftermarket. Plus if things change down the road and you decide to mount a slide-in camper in the truck, you'll void the factory warranty unless you have the camper pkg.

I don't have it on mine, but I haven't needed the rear sway bar with my 7,500-pound 5er. But it will cost you $136 invoice price to add it to yours by ordering the camper pkg, so I'd recommend it unless you can add a Helwig or other good aftermarket brand of sway bar for less than $136.

[GLM]

Might wanna check but I think the rear stabilizer is only on the F250 and not the F350. May be wrong but think that is what the spec sheet that I was looking at stated.
Gary

[Cochise]

Dminz,

Cochise here. It should not be too late to alter your order unless it has been "Locked-In" by the factory. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[YODA]

The camper package does come with the bar on the 350. Its on mine.

I would recommend getting the camper package for yours.

[outdoors1]

I bought my 350 and didn't even thank or know about the camper pkg. Until I hit the diesel stop! So I am here to say the 2000 F350 has the big sway bar up front and another one over the rear axle which is big as well.
Thanks for your time
Outdoors1
2000 F350 xlt 4x2 sc,lb all stock

[mkspear]

I just took delivery on my 6.0 F350 and it does not have a front steering stabilizer can this be added from aftermarket? If so who would you suggest. And is it needed for non-off road driving?

Thanks