With a chassis-cab, you can make the rear length about any length you want it. Ever notice how short tow trucks (wreckers, not carriers) are behind the rear axle? Shorten up the rear and load the camper further forward. If you put it up on a flatbed (eliminating wheelwell interference), you can load the camper all the way to the front, so with an 84" cab-to-axle length, almost 7 feet of the camper will be in front of the rear axle Mount a 'pack rat' drawer under the flatbed and you got a whole lotta storage space, or mount side tool boxes under the camper 'wings'. Lotsa possibilites with custom truck beds!
One possibility with a custom truck bed on a chassis cab is doing away with a towing extension of the camper doesn't hang down below the bed at the back.
Shipper,
Our 2005 F450 Manning conversion (176" wheelbase version) handles our 1181 effortlessly (other than the fact that acceleration is more "leisurely" than when empty). Last year we moved personal property for our son from Virginia to Texas on our single axle motorcycle trailer using the Superhitch with 48" extension. Trailer load included a large Yamaha, a printing press and numerous heavy boxes. We could not have asked for a better handling setup. GVWR on this truck is 16,000 lbs.
If I were doing it over, I might go for the F550 for the extra capacity though we have never really needed that. The cost difference should be small. We got the F450 in hopes that the empty ride might be less harsh, but have learned that airing the tires down a little when empty helps greatly (thanks Sasha). If you did the same on the F550 I'm sure the empty ride would be acceptable.
Dick
2005 F450, CC, 4X4, Lariat, Superhitch, FastGuns, TransferFlow Aux Tank
Have you considered using a weight distributing hitch?
Shipper wrote: Your F450 probably handles your 1181 and your toad because you have four down, but have you weighed your hitch weight? I'm worried that my single axle motorcycle trailer might put 400+# on my hitch which would really lighten up my front axle. We have similar rigs, but I thought going to the 550 might be best for the future. Are you satisfied with your 450? What have you added?
Shipper wrote: ...but my F350 Fx4 doesn't handle my 39" center of gravity Lance 1181
Shipper, what kind of issues are you having carrying the 1181 with your F350? BTW - Your profile says you have a Dodge 2500 and a Carriage Cameo?
I'm very curious because I have this exact setup and tow an 8000lb. car trailer with a 750-800lb. tongue weight. I've experienced no issues what so ever.
Are you actually having problems or are you simply wanting to be within all the manufacturer weight limits? Please let me know. If you want to PM me any issues that's fine too. I can give you specifics on my setup if it would be helpful.
2006 Ford F350 Lariat CC LB DRW
6.0 PSD w/TorqShift 4x4 4.10LSD
Airlift Airbags/SureSet Controller - Timbrens
2007 Lance 1181 - All the Options
Torklift Superhitch/Tiedowns/Fastguns
Shipper . . . both Manning and Tuscany do most of the conversions now. If you're buying the 550 new Manning makes the most sense . . . they are right next to the Ford factory and will pick the truck up and ship it to you local dealer without doubling up your freight charges.
1181guy is pretty happy with his. Mine was done in California by "Roll-a-long."
'08 Ford F550, Lariat, Link Air Suspension, Roll-A-Long Conversion, Twin Turbo 6.4, TorkLifts, SuperHitch, "Monster Duty Truckasaurus"
'05 Lance to-the-Max (Sold)1181.
'09 Host Everest
Truck
1. Lance struts (makes a huge difference on your combo)
2. Rancho 9000 shocks (#7 front and #8/9 rear). Makes a big difference in sway.
3. Front and rear Hellwig swaybars (big big big difference in sway)
Trailer
1. Trailer less than 2k lbs. Go single axle, you won't know it's back there. (Reese towbeast or stock hitch)
2. Trailer more than 2k lbs. Dual axle with weigh distribution hitch. (superhitch is nice). This will actually improve your ride, as I've felt firsthand.
That's my take from having been in your situation.
* This post was
edited 05/08/08 05:27pm by 1181guy *
Mount a 'pack rat' drawer under the flatbed and you got a whole lotta storage space, or mount side tool boxes under the camper 'wings'. Lotsa possibilites with custom truck beds!
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