Community Forums

TerryCamper · 08-20-2019, 07:40 AM

If I was looking to carry a heavy camper, what year (NOT NEW) should I be looking for?

What brand/year gets enough of an improvement to make it a good starting point to do a search for?

Bedlam · 08-20-2019, 09:48 AM

You should look at 2015 or newer F450 pickups and chassis cabs.

2011-2014 F450 pickups only used 17" wheels instead of 19.5"
2015 Powerstroke 6.7 got a 10% bump up in horsepower

ChallengerRV · 08-21-2019, 05:25 PM

If you are mechanically inclined and not opposed to doing your own repairs and maintenance there are some really goo deals on 05-07 F450 and 550's with the 6.0 Powerstroke. I know the rep but the aftermarket has these engines well figured out and there are a lot of forums that provide great support. Skip the 08-10 Ford Super Duty Diesels the 6.4 is too hard/expensive to fix and there is still a lot of aftermarket support holes. The 2011 and up Super Duties with the 6.7 Diesel are great trucks if our budget allows as they can get expensive quickly. It's more on what your budget and repair comfort levels are. Any 450 or 550 from 2003 on will haul a heavy camper. Also don't forget that Dodge has heavy duty 4500 and 5500 trucks as well. They are always worth a look.

consolenut · 10-04-2019, 10:41 AM

Add the Kodiaks ans Topkicks from 03-09. I hace a 4500 and i haul a super heavyweight 5ver. 5800 pin weight is on the level of even a Host Mammoth TC. Not a diesel but my 8.1L gas engine does well.

Bedlam · 10-04-2019, 11:21 AM

The problem with Kodiaks and Top Kicks is cab height. Once you add the cab over camper to them, you will most likely be over the 13.5' limit. I'm over 13' tall with my Ram 5500 and Host Mammoth.

consolenut · 10-04-2019, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedlam

The problem with Kodiaks and Top Kicks is cab height. Once you add the cab over camper to them, you will most likely be over the 13.5' limit. I'm over 13' tall with my Ram 5500 and Host Mammoth.

Okay i see your logic there. My cab height is quite a bit taller then a ram 4500 F450 etc

RobG · 10-06-2019, 06:20 PM

Keep in mind that the F450 with the pickup bed is identical to the F350 with the exception of the 19.5" wheels and tires and the F450 badge. If you want a real F450, you'll need to get one with a flatbed or other body.

The guys are right about the 6.0... with some work, it can be made into a decent motor. The 6.4 on the other hand, don't take one even if they give you the whole thing for free. It really was that bad.

tuffr2 · 10-07-2019, 02:10 AM

I would vote for a 2015 F-450 with the generation 2 of the 6.7 Powerstroke with it's improvements.

A 2015 F-450 has the 19.5" tires that can carry more weight. Also F-450 has the tighter turning radius with 4:30 gears and larger brakes. But better than the 2015 F-150 would be a 2017 F-450 with the aluminum body and much better frame.

Above someone recommended a cab chassis and I agree as the cab chassis F-450 will have the best cargo capacity.

And an FYI - I had a 2012 F-450 and it had options for both a snow plow and truck camper packages. That probably means slightly larger springs.