Camper rocking [not while parked]

[CRAGS]

I have an older S&S 8 1/2' camper, 1850# dry, on a 2003 2500 long box 4x4 Quad. It leans something bad on turns and rocks terribly on any kind of bumpy road. I plan to put airbags on. Anybody else having problems or already solved this problem. Otherwise I love this truck. 18,000 miles since March on it. I drive alot of rough roads in MT. My 99 Ford SD shortbox supercab with an 8600 GVW hauled it fine. It came with overloads and sway bar. I figured a Dodge with 9000 GVW would be no problem, DUH! Thanks for any help on this.

 

[clem]

Sounds like you need a sway bar on the rear. The camper package used to come with one

 

[exfuzz01]

suspension

Try IPD Suspension Company... . I think they are out of Portland, Oregon... .



I put their suspension on a motor home I once had... made all the difference in the world... larger torsion bars etc... .

 

[lschultz]

If its rocking don't come a knocking.

 

[dieselshu]

sway bar

Try a Hellwig sway bar from JCWhitney, 1-1/4' dia very strong.



Dave

 

[wsurf]

Sway bar will help. Had a 12 1/2 foot camper on a ford dually and I go to Baja, off road. I had hitch receivers welded onto the frame and would use this for tie downs. No more roll. I could remove the receivers when the camper wasn't on. This nailed the camper to the frame. Cost me about $300 but well worth it.

 

[scotmartin]

What tires are you using? Load range letter? Inflation?? Tires are often overlooked. Have seen people change the suspension and still have this same problem until they put Load range E tires and 80 PSI in them.



Scot

 

[wsurf]

Scotmartin, you hit the nail on the head. I assume people read their tires and act accordingly. Tire pressure gives the tire strength and under-inflation (and actually over-inflation) is disaster waiting. Pressure will give the tire sidewall strength, i. e. less roll. Check your tire pressure!!

 

[NETim]

Ranchos!!!!

Get yourself a set of Rancho 9000 shocks on all 4 corners of the truck. They will do much to reduce sway on your rig.



Tim

 

[Dane]

I had the same problem with my cabover. Air bags solved the problem nicely. Pump them up to 80psi and no more sway. I run unloaded with them empty.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

All the other solutions will only solve part of the problem... go with the air bags... then no more sway unless you want sway.

 

[CRAGS]

My camper problem

Thanks to all of you for the replies. Looks like I should try the airbags. As for my tires, they are michelins, E rated, and I put 80 lbs. in them with the camper on. I do hope I can keep the smooth ride when empty. Incidentally, my buddy has the exact same truck except his is a short box. His definitely has a little stiffer ride. Still, I sure am pleased that Dodge finally has a quiet, less smoky smooth riding truck with a smart 4 door arrangement, and with the best diesel engine available.



Thanks again from CRAGS in Butte MT. Time to go elk hunting.

 

[Deezul1]

Airbags worked wonders on my old truck with a 3200lb 11. 5 Dreamer on it, just pump it up till the headlights are aimed right