First of all I want to thank you all for your sharing and help to others. It has been a most valuable resource to me in choosing and outfitting my truck/camper. I have wanted a P/U camper since the 70's, but finally pulled the plug (on my bank account) last year. Ordered a 2011 F350 DRW with only what I wanted. Then a 2011 Artic Fox 1150 wet bath with only the options I wanted. Was late in 2011 for the camper, so was able to get 2012 decor. Took my first true trip with it in late April. Will have a separate trip report, but am now learning how to work with the web. (Post pictures, etc.) Now for the details.
2011 F350 XLT DRW with Powerscope Mirrors, 357 Amp dual alternators, 3.73 limited slip rear diff, diesel, Quad Cab, Camper Package (for the leaflet :-), and Rear Vehicle Aid Sensor (real handy around kids when no camper). Wanted some of the other niceties, but would have required some package or another. Absolutely did not want leather seats, nor a Moon Roof. (A Moon Roof on a pickup, you gotta be kidding me! No Way!)
Note - I started out with a prime requirement of a manual transmission. But neither Ford nor GM offered that option in 2011. Only Dodge. Dodge put wimpy axles (no flame wars please) on their 2011's that would not carry an Artic Fox 1150 fully loaded comfortably. Went with Ford for the payload (no flame wars from GM either please). Really, REALLY wish I could have gotten a manual transmission. In unforgiving traction situations I know how to work a clutch. Am learning tricks with an auto, but it still can't rock like the way I want (need) it too.
Anyway, to this I only added Rickson 19.5" rims and Goodyear G622RSD 265/70R19.5 tires and Torklift Stableloads. Not for looks, but for payload. The doorjamb sticker and a flyer in the glove compartment both stated the the tires were the limiting payload factor. I intend to stay well below the axle ratings, but the tires had to be replaced. I mean gee, my first two F250's had factory 19.5's.
For the camper, I deleted the microwave and any other electrical parasite that I could. (Missed the radio, but pulled it myself.) This gave me extra cabinet space to boot. Really happy with all the storage space, and the camper.
Now for hard numbers. From the door jamb;
Front GAWR 5940
Rear GAWR 9000
(GVWR has no meaning as it is solely limited by the tires. It says so in writing! Multiple times.)
Stock with a full tank and me on a Cat Scale the truck weighed;
Front - 5020 lbs
Rear - 3480 lbs
Total - 8500 lbs
Camper with full fluids, all camera equipment, Honda generator, etc. and Rickson Wheels (but less food and some others) on a Cat Scale;
Front - 5250 lbs
Rear - 8780 lbs
Total - 14020 lbs
But wait, stock wheels weigh 85 lbs and Rickson's weigh 150 lbs (yes I weighed both on a scale), so subtract 450 lbs unsprung weight (6 X 75 lbs) and the camper weighs 5130 lbs. All is good with a wide safety margin. I know the weight police will complain, but I also know that they do not understand unsprung weight from previous postings. The proof is in the pudding and the combined rig handled admirably in trying conditions. I am happy from both a calculated and an empirical standpoint. I am 640 lbs below the rear axle limit which is heavier than I want, but still below. That is what matters.
And now to see if I truly learned how to post a picture of my rig at it's first camping spot.
Starchmill wrote: The dry wt for the 1150 is 3458#. Am I missing something cuz that's alot of wt ( 5130#) over these dry wt ...
Not surprising at all. My camper has a similar dry weight, but weighs around 5500-5600 lbs. when we're loaded up for a two-week trip. Honestly, dry weight is only useful to the transporter who hauls it to the dealer. Everyone else hauls the camper with a bunch of extra stuff thrown in.
That is an impressive setup, and nice photo skills! Congrats, it really sounds like your research has paid off in the getting the right rig for you.
George and Ann
2012 Dodge 3500, SLT Big Horn,CC,DRW,Cummins HO,4x4,3:73, Dual Cam Hitch
2008 Keystone Springdale 291RK Retired Army, but still working....until 2015
Starchmill wrote: The dry wt for the 1150 is 3458#. Am I missing something cuz that's alot of wt ( 5130#) over these dry wt ...
The 3458# are before you add the 595# mandatory options to it. Like electric jacks and many other items that Northwood requires and you have no choice. So take the 3458 + 595 = 4053# before batteries and propane and any other things you might have added as additional options, water and your food and personnal items.
Butch
2011 F350 KR 4X4 CC LB SRW
2012 Northern Lite 10 2 CDSE
2010 Can-Am 650XT Outlander Max
2012 Harley Tri Glide
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