Hi,

I am getting ready to order a new F-350 crew cab single rear wheel. I will be towing a 5th wheel with it eventually. In the options under ordering the new truck there is a Camper package option which includes Auxiliary Springs, Extra Heavy Service Front Springs, Rear Stabilizer Bar and Slide-In Camper Certification. My question is do I need to order this option? It is an additional $160.00 so money is not an issue. If it is an option that is not needed to haul a 5th wheel, but I do order it, will it make the truck ride stiffer than it normally would without the package while driving without the 5th wheel. The only reason I would order it if it is not needed is that I may put my lance camper 10,9" extended cabover on the truck to use until I get my 5th wheel rv. However, If having the camper package option is going to alter the ride of the truck when not towing, I will not put the camper on it and will just wait until my 5th wheel is ordered as a fair amount of driving will be done without towing. I hope I have made sense in this question. Thank you so much for your time.

Ed in California

Hi again, I answered your question in the RV trailer category. Especially important to get the factory "camper package" option with a slide-in camper. Newer trucks lean more on curves with campers because of the longer rear leaf springs. Ford starting in 99, Dodge starting in 2003 and GM started in 2001.

For $160, I'd definately go ahead and order the package. It will help out a lot if you get the slide in and definately won't hurt anything with the fifth wheel.

Thank you so much for your replies. I think I was more worried about the heavier front springs changing the ride than I was the back. But from what I gather by the posts from you two, I am doing the right thing by ordering the camper package.

Thanks again,
Ed

Yes indeed, diesels come with heavy duty front suspension as part of the package. The only way to get heavier is with the snow plow package and then you will ride rougher when empty.