Bought a new AF camper, need advice

[JSoloman]

After months of trying to decide to upgrade my 5th wheel to an Arctic Fox, I ended up upgrading, but to an 860 model with slide camper. It seemed to make more sense the deeper into the back roads and remote areas I like to go to camp and fish.



I had a Lance camper years back that I hauled on my short bed Chevy. I ended up putting air bags under it to stabilize the load. This camper is rated at just over 3000 lbs dry wt. Its designed for the short bed, so I shouldn't worry.



With the HO 6 spd set up and the one ton pkg, do you all think I will be okay to run as is or would the air bags be a smart way to go with this set up as well?



I'm still running 285 BFG mud terrains also. I like these tires and they are rated to 3350 lbs.



Let me know what you all think. Thanks. Jen

 

[Bill Stockard]

I've hauled Lance campers for over 20 years on 3/4 ton and 1 ton duallies(much prefer a dually for stability) with both Fords and Dodges. I've always used air bags to help level the truck when loaded front to rear and side to side. Also when driving in strong crosswinds, one air bag air pressure can be raised to offset the effect of the wind on the side of the camper if you have the on board compressor and in cab controls/gauges.



Bill

 

[MDietrich]

I run my set up with air bags for the same reasons Bill does, level loading and the ability to offset side winds.



I would defiantly recommend upgrading your shocks also. I run Rancho 9000x's and would not go any where without them. Handling was just plain scary on factory shocks and air bags alone, JMO.



MD

 

[JSoloman]

Sounds like at bags (at the least) is the way to go. I looked at each of your set ups and see if I am going to be safe with this arrangement, I better go the next step.



thanks again for the help. I'm looking forward to the new rig!

 

[Rman]

I just got a new lance camper and handling is scary on stock shocks. I'll be upgrading soon. I'm going to beat the stockers up for a while. I did put air bags on though, that certainly helps significantly. Good luck!

 

[DPelletier]

As usual, I have a different opinion!

Air bags are good for load leveling and bad for sway control. The Rancho 9000's will help significantly with the sway control issue. Air bags by themselves will often make the sway worse by lifting the load off the springs. On my 2500, I had custom 5 leaf overload springs installed and with the Ranchos on level 9 rear and 5 front, it handled my 3215 lb camper OK, but ultimately I decided I wanted a dually for that heavy a slide-in.

Good luck

Dave