advice on slide in camper requirments...

[EEdmondson]

Earl,



Look into a travel trailer with an equalizing hitch. You get a lot more for your money and your truck will pull it with ease. Only thing you need is a brake controller.

 

[RKane]

Earl, I'm planning on checking out this manufacturer at a sports show this year. http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/grandby.htm

I've not had any experience with campers, but I like the idea of aluminum construction and light weight for a camper.

 

[geusterman]

Earl, you will be fine with that camper weight you are looking at. I carry about twice that weight with no problems. Rancho 9000's are the best in sway control. I am a believer in overload springs for maintaining ride height but lots of guys use air bags. If you have an onboard compressor for the Rancho's you can rig it for air bags. I use overload springs and have a Fox shock set up for back roading on my new rig (04. 5) but used Rancho's on my 02. You do not have overloads like I did on my 02 2500 Camper Special so bags may be the best for ride height. Try the camper on the truck first. Just set it on and drive around the parking lot. You can tell ride height issues right away. Use Rancho shocks for sway. Happy camping! George

 

[Eric_77]

Thanks Doug. That gives me more confidence seeing you have a 2500 and you must get some heavy winds in Colorado. By the way, my 2500 is a 2WD vs. 4X4. Do you think that this is an advantage or diadavantage? Seems like I have more power for pulling (no extra differential to turn). Does anyone know the status of adding a Jake brake to an automatic? The last time I checked, Dodge said it voided the Warranty.



here's my stats: 2004. 5 2500, 305 engine, 2wd, shortbed, white ;^)

Earl check the thread that is stuck at the top of the third gen engine trans forum from Carlton Bale.



FYI the 2004. 5 had 325 hp/600trq and a revised 48RE the 2004 had the 305/555 like the 2003. 5 so you may want to check which engine you have but for an exhaust brake it should not make any difference expect for the trasmission as it has had some revisions to the thrust washers but all 2004 have a PCM that controlls boith engine and transmission unlike the 03s had a seperate controller for engine and trans.

 

[Tee]

So James, How was the trip?

 

[frankram]

I have a Lance 820 on my short bed. Truck weight is 7200 empty and

11,300 with camper loaded and ready for the road. I have air bags and factor sway bars. I have had no problems, drove to Ouray, Colorado from Pa. and did 2 weeks in New England, plus many short trips. Just remember it is not a sports car and you can not take corners at 60 MPH. Drive with some common sense. If you have a blow out in a corner with anything it will make life interesting. i am very happy with my set up. But if you have a short bed and the camper is for a long bed it will not work, too much overhang and the front of your truck will probably be off the ground.

 

[tobaccogrower]

trip was great! no problems except a load rite airbag that keeps going flat! i cant find the leak. we cruised down to south florida about 70mph the whole way. 9. 5 mpg. if i ever get my own slide in id get the shocks for the front to minimize th front to back bouncing. we bought a 30foot mariah cigerrett boat while we were down there. i dont think i'll be able to tow that with a slide in ..... james

 

[frankram]

Be sure to check the fill valve. You should have one for each side.

 

[805gregg]

slide in camper

I,ve got a lance 9'6" 3000# camper I put on my 03 3500 srw, at the dealer they said I would need air bags-so I got them, but didn' need them the camper just makes my 4x4 truck level. I would worry about a front blow out more than a rear, and who would want those ugly fenders sticking out to get in the way. Just put the camper on and go.



805gregg 03 3500 Qcab lwb srw 4x4 larime banks exhaust banks six gun and speedloader afe intake mag trans pan