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Topic: Truck for arctic fox 1140
Posted By: hrose on 05/13/17 10:39am

Hey guys,

Im planning to buy an arctic fox 1140 soon.

I need to buy me a dually to carry that heavy camper

Id like to buy a ford f350 diesel but what ratio should i get ?

Seems like we cant have 3.73 anymore ... is 3.55 enough or i need 4.10 ?

Thx guys !

Posted By: [email protected] on 05/13/17 10:53am

We have the 3.55 and have towed 18000 pounds on our toy hauler up some steep hills with no difficulty. I don't think you'd need more rear end with the 6.7.

Shawn
2013 Ford F350 6.7 CCLB Ruby Red SRW, sway bar, Bilsteins, etc
2007 Cyclone toyhauler, 18,000 GVWR
Northstar Igloo 9.5
https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2J3zF6J/0/M/i-2J3zF6J-M.jpg
US Army retired


Posted By: fpoole on 05/13/17 10:54am

I would suspect it depends on what kind of "Camping" you'll plan on doing.

On the highways mostly, paved, I'd probably go with the highest for gas mileage.

If Boonie camping, dirt roads I'd probably go for the 4.10 (it's what I have now) for the lower gearing for dirt roads etc. I get apx 9.5 mpg, I don't know just how much difference the 3.55 would make, but guessing some on the highways.

Not much help, but something to think about...
If I were to choose again, I'd probably stick with the 4.10 and suck up the mileage loss if any..

I "Try??" to cruise around 63-65 mph.. heheh, doesn't happen all the time.. but that's the goal..

Hope that helps, congrats on the new 1140, fun...

Frank Poole
Roam'n ROG (Full Timer since Oct '15)
2016 RAM 5500, C/c, 6.7 Diesel, AISIN HD 6-spd, 19.5 DRW, 72 Gal fuel, 4x4, 10’ Alum FB, 440 Amps, 4.10 Axle
2016 AF 990 640-Solar/10-6v Batts
GlowStep Stow N’ Go, E-Bike
RS1 Buggy
frank

Pooles website


Posted By: donn0128 on 05/13/17 11:29am

It is really a misconseption that a 4.10 will give worse mileage than a 3.55. It still depends on motor and transmission ratios. What is the RPM when in the middle of the motors torque curve? Generally speaking I have found that my Cummins is happiest at around 1800 RPM at 70MPH. That is with a 6 speed auto and a 4.10 rear end. At that my dually winds up returning around 18MPG. Towing a 13,500 pound fiver I can cruise all day at the speed limit with cruise control set. Could I do the same with a 3.73 or a 3.42 rear end? Probably, could I get the same fuel economy? Who knows. All I know is my motor is happy running at 1800 RPM.




Posted By: NGaMountains on 05/13/17 11:32am

If you're like me and will be carrying a camper and not towing much, you might want to at least consider the truck with the 6.2L gas instead of the diesel. On top of the purchase price premium and general increased maintenance burden of the diesel, reading about the potential of the CP4 high pressure fuel pump to grenade and cause up to five figures of collateral fuel system damage pushed me over the edge to gas. It may not be right for you, but thought I'd throw it out there as I just ordered a new F-350 last week. Good luck whatever you decide!

2017 Ford F-350 4WD Super Cab 6.2L Gas DRW
2014 Bigfoot 25C10.4

Posted By: hrose on 05/13/17 12:27pm

Thanks for the answers guys i apreciate.

@nGaMountains, did you ordered it with the camper package ? Or did you took some special features ?

Next year we're gonna hit the road for 1 or 2 month so i guess ill be doing lot of highways but after this trip ill only use it to go boondocking in the wild so i guess the 4.10 is a better idea

Posted By: Bedlam on 05/13/17 12:36pm

The 1140 will be too heavy for a SRW unless you make upgrades to the wheels and suspension.

If you do not plan to tow anything more than 3000 lbs, the 3.55 gears will be fine. Towing heavier will result in you driving mostly in 5th gear and downshifting to lower gears on grades unless you are on flats with no headwind. If you drive faster 65 mph with your truck camper, the 3.55 gears may get you better mileage. Driving empty will get you better mileage with 3.55's.

4.10's will give you a lower first gear in addition to top gear which helps on steep terrain or difficult campsites. You will be able to drive in 6th gear more often and use the full range of the transmission but may find it winds too much if you have heavy foot on the go pedal.

I rarely drive my truck faster 65 mph unless it is rolling down a gentle grade and have my gearing selected for my driving style and combined weight. Figure out your usage and gear appropriately.

Chevy Sonic 1.8-Honda Passport C70B-Host Mammoth 11.5-Interstate Car Carrier 20-Joyner SandViper 250-Kawasaki Concours ZG1000-Paros 8' flatbed-Pelican Decker DLX 8.75-Ram 5500 HD


Posted By: NGaMountains on 05/13/17 01:28pm

hrose wrote:

Thanks for the answers guys i apreciate.

@nGaMountains, did you ordered it with the camper package ? Or did you took some special features ?



I special ordered the truck. I did order the camper package, and ended up deciding on a 3.73 axle. The other choice with the 6.2L was a 4.30, which after doing the math to figure RPM in gears based on the trans gear ratios I decided was too much, considering our load and likelihood of running hundreds of miles in flatlands vs occasional mountain passes, etc.

Posted By: hrose on 05/13/17 02:00pm

Thank you !

Posted By: Hemi Joel on 05/13/17 02:53pm

My truck has a cummins, not a powerstroke, but it has 3.55's. I haul an AF 1150 + tow a 10,000# trailer no problem. It accelerates as fast as I care to and same for highway speed - it will go faster than I want to. The cummins is not stock though.

2018 Eagle Cap 1163 triple slide, 400W solar, MPPT, on a 93 Dodge D350 Cummins, DTT 89 torque converter, big turbo, 3 extra main leafs, Rancho 9000s rear, Monroe gas magnums front, upper overloads removed, home made stableloads, bags.


Posted By: CAJW on 05/13/17 02:57pm

Our DRW Chevy 3500 (in sig line) has 3:73 gearing and hauls our 5,000 lb. AF996 just fine, whether hills or flat interstates. Consistent mileage at the speed limit around 12-13 on the flats to 10 or so in the hills. Good call to get a DRW, you won't regret it.

2013 AF 996, 2013 Chevy 3500 CC,LWB,4X4, Duramax, DRW, 3.73 rear, Torklift Stableloads & Tie-downs,Fast Guns, Ride Rite Air Bags, Superhitch w/ 32" extension.Big Wigs, Front Timbrens, TST TPMS-507,CubbyCam, Trimetric. TM & SC 2030 150W + 100W suitcase

Posted By: work2much on 05/13/17 09:14pm

If it's just for a TC gearing shouldn't matter too much. Our old truck was a Ram 3500 TD with 3:73 gears and would roll over all but the steepest hills pretty easily in last gear with our AF 1150.

The new truck we got 4:10 gears as we want to leave ourselves more flexible to tow a 5th wheel as well. The new truck is noticeable more powerful but I think that has more to do with engine power increases than rear end gear ratio.

2022 Ram 3500 Laramie CTD DRW Crew 4x4 Aisin 4:10 Air ride.

2020 Grand Design Solitude 2930RL 2520 watts solar. 600ah lithium. Magnum 4000 watt inverter.

Posted By: hrose on 05/14/17 06:42am

Thx guys very helpful, im actually trying to find a chart with rpms/speed/mpg for each ratio, that could give me an idea

Posted By: donn0128 on 05/14/17 06:50am

Remember, if your looking at Ram/Cummins there are three transmission options. Each with different ratio sets.

Posted By: bighatnohorse on 05/14/17 08:46am

I had an 1140 on a 2005 diesel dually and the 3.73 was just fine on highway or dirt.
If you get a new 6.7 diesel dually F350 don't even think that you'll need a lower rear axle ratio. These new diesels are crazy powerful with more than enough torque for a truck camper.

2021 Arctic Fox 1150
'15 F350 6.7 diesel dually long bed
Eagle Cap Owners
“The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity." -Yeats

Posted By: jimh406 on 05/14/17 09:09am

A 3.73 on my past 6.0 was ok with camper only. That being said, my 6.4 with 4.30 stomps it in the mountains. No doubt that a ratio like 4.10 will impact the mpg on the same model/transmission truck compared to the 3.55. That's why they have gears afterall.

I bought a truck with 4.30s because I knew I was going to go over the Cascades and Rockies pretty often, and I wanted the capability of towing the largest fifth wheel in the future if I wanted to.

Unless you plan to tow heavier loads a lot, or go through passes a lot, the 3.55 should be ok.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member


Posted By: Poodlemaster on 05/15/17 08:29am

Last year I had lance 1172 truck camper appx 5,000lbs on a 16 ram 3500 drw with 385hp 900lb ft and 3.73 gears living full time in Los Angeles. My experience has been that I could have used more oomph so next year when I get a new camper I'm going f450 with 4.30 gears on 19.5" wheels so it's similar to a f350 with 4.10 on 17" wheels. The main reason I'm getting 450 vs 350 is because of the wide track front axle that turns more sharply which would be very beneficial for boondocking in tight places and negotiating city. In tow haul mode I would be hitting approximately 65mph when shifting into 6th gear. For most driving I wasn't over 65 anyway so lower gearing I think would be similar mpg wise. Also, get a bed liner. Even with a very heavy duty bed mat I had craters in the bed from the camper weight. Hope this helps.

Posted By: macdale4 on 05/15/17 06:58pm

I had a 6.7 with, I believe, 3.73 gears and an AF 1140. It ran like a race horse.

Dale & Eileen
1998 Lance 945 Legend
2011 Ford F-350, dually, 4 X 4

Posted By: hrose on 05/17/17 08:04am

Yesterday, i ordered a f350 drw xlt diesel with 3.55 and camper kit.

Thank you guys !

Ill now search about rear suspensions upgrades in the forum like timbrens,stableloads,etc

If someone know a great topic about it or advices that he could give me i would apreciate thx !

* This post was edited 05/17/17 08:17am by hrose *

Posted By: DSSAMP on 05/17/17 08:57am

I currently have a lance 1172 with a 2015 F350 "Heavy Tow Package".
That package gives me 4.30 gearing AND the tighter turning that the 450's have. I believe I have 500 lbs more towing ability than the 450's have also.
I've heard all you guys with 373's, 355, 410 gearing. With the camper (heavy sucker) and a 22 ft Ranger Reata I average 10-11 mpg. And if the speed limit is 80, I usually do 80. Mileage does not seem to matter if the boat is attached or not. So, I guess what I'm saying is the gearing doesn't seem to matter when loaded up and towing. Don't know what empty MPG is since I keep the camper loaded but when new seemed to be 15-17 IIRC.

BTW. This Friday I'm trading my 2014 Lance 1172 for a brand new, 2018 Host Mammoth. What an awesome camper

Posted By: Bedlam on 05/17/17 09:57am

Welcome to the Mammoth family. Make sure you post in the mammoth thread: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/29117589.cfm

Posted By: hrose on 05/17/17 03:58pm

FRTT350J ? can someone tell me if thats the timbrens i need for my 2017 f350 i'd like to make sure before ordering thx !

Posted By: Bedlam on 05/17/17 04:20pm

Yes, you can use FRTT350J or the slightly heavier FR250SDJ on the rear.

Posted By: AllenTC2 on 05/17/17 07:18pm

Noob here, with a similar question. The last time I was in a truck camper, it was 1972, so I assume a lot has changed.

Looking at retirement plans and so far when it comes to full-time RVing, the only thing I've totally decided AGAINST is a 5th wheel. I'm prefering the motor coaches, but from what I've been reading, those can sometimes limit where I go due to length. Which has led me to truck campers.

Can one full-time in these?? Emphasis on "one". LOL Oddly enough, I was looking at the same Arctic Fox campers and also wondering what kind of truck I'd need to have.

Posted By: Threebigfords on 05/17/17 10:47pm

DSSAMP wrote:

I currently have a lance 1172 with a 2015 F350 "Heavy Tow Package".
That package gives me 4.30 gearing AND the tighter turning that the 450's have. I believe I have 500 lbs more towing ability than the 450's have also.
I've heard all you guys with 373's, 355, 410 gearing. With the camper (heavy sucker) and a 22 ft Ranger Reata I average 10-11 mpg. And if the speed limit is 80, I usually do 80. Mileage does not seem to matter if the boat is attached or not. So, I guess what I'm saying is the gearing doesn't seem to matter when loaded up and towing. Don't know what empty MPG is since I keep the camper loaded but when new seemed to be 15-17 IIRC.

BTW. This Friday I'm trading my 2014 Lance 1172 for a brand new, 2018 Host Mammoth. What an awesome camper



That's going to be a sweet setup with the Host on there, can't wait to see some pictures!

By the way, the same year F450 is rated to tow 4700 pounds MORE than your F350 Max Tow (wide track front axle and 4:30 gears), not 500 pounds less. Your GCWR is also 5400lbs less than the F450.

You do get a bit softer unloaded ride with the thinner leaf springs and the 17" tires though....some days I dream of E rated tires....especially since
I've moved up to the H rated 245 Michelins now. [emoticon]

15' Ford F450 4x4 Platinum Bronze Fire Metallic
17' Ford Explorer Platinum 3.5 Ecoboost Ruby Red Metallic
78' F250 SC LB 4x4 - highly modified

2003 Weekend Warrior FS2600 toyhauler and the toys to fill it
1997 10' Northland Grizzly 990 Ext Cab

Posted By: macdale4 on 05/19/17 03:15pm

I had an AF 1140, I would advise you to get a different camper. I know a lot of people like them but my experience was bad enough that I sold it and bought an 18 year old Lance. The old Lance was a lot better made.

Posted By: Troutguy on 05/19/17 04:07pm

macdale4 wrote:

I had an AF 1140, I would advise you to get a different camper. I know a lot of people like them but my experience was bad enough that I sold it and bought an 18 year old Lance. The old Lance was a lot better made.


This thread is about buying a truck to carry the OP's AF 1140, not the fact that you were dissatisfied with the 1140 that you had. I've read your last 10 posts or so and clearly your intent is to bad-mouth Arctic Fox truck campers in approx. half of those posts. It seems to me that you didn't understand what you were buying and are blaming AF for your own oversight.
I find it hard to comprehend that an 18 yr.old Lance is better than any modern AF. You need to quit complaining about your experience and also stop your feeble attempts to influence current and future AF owners.
You appear to be a troll with this type of activity. Get over it.......

TG

* This post was edited 05/19/17 04:16pm by Troutguy *

2018 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 DRW Cummins HO, Aisin trans and 4:10 gears, 14,000 lb GVWR
2018 Arctic Fox 1140 Truck Camper & Honda EU2000

Posted By: hrose on 05/19/17 04:09pm

My buddy had so many problems with his lance 1181 and his father have an older AF1150 and he never had any problems with it, Hes often on rough roads for hunting and fishing. His son otherwise never leaves the Highways and we gotta fix something on his 1181 every years since he got it.

Now that you told me how you didnt like your AF1140 i dont know what to think anymore.

I apreciate your advice, thank you sir.

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