Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Camper Special Group

[Shrimpy]

I am kicking around the possibility of a left-over 02 HO, 6spd, quad cab, but it is not equiped with the Camper Special Group. This is the Rear Stabilizer bar and Auxilary Springs.



Not sure if I really need this, but am curious if others trucks don't have this option. I don't plan on towing heavy loads. My current 95 is not equiped with this option. It's not the cost ($95. 00) I am concerned with, it is the NEED for it. Is it really NEEDED on this truck (6 spd, HO, Quad Cab)?



Thanks... ... . Jim

 

[Pit Bull]

I have a friend that does not have it on his 02 3500 4x4 and he uses his truck in his construction business. Tows and hauls heavy and he says it is not a problem. He loves his truck. I talked him into buying it so if he was not happy I would be the first to know. Go for it. I bet you will get a great deal. I got around $7500 off list on my new 02

 

[fj40charles]

I've got it on my truck. I think it makes the truck ride rougher without a load. IMHO, I don't think you need it unless you're going to be towing all the time. .



Charles

 

[tarussell]

The 2002 towing manual states the need for the " camper special group " only if towing at MAX rating . If your not going for maximum load and pull ability than go for it . I got lots of friends that don't have it and they don't complain about it ; the only ones that have mentioned something do tow way beyond what they should.

Good luck , Thomas

 

[Dane]

Got mine without, Airbags with separate lines are the way to go imo. I've had em load up to 3,000 lbs in the back at the local landscape supply many times. A few pumps into the bags with a bicycle pump and off I go no problem



The 1st time I had the guy forklift a pallet of concrete wall blocks into the back and I just shut the camper shell door and drove away. The look on his face was priceless. Musta been a ferd or chebby fan...

 

[klenger]

My truck has the camper group, but the overload springs were removed when the TSB to lower the back end was done. I haven't noticed any difference, and I tow a 5er at max load. I do still have the anti-sway bar.



Pics of lowered back end.

 

[Shrimpy]

Thanks for the info Gentlemen, this is the info I am looking for..... real world experience. I have emails out to two differant dealers as we speak.



Update... ... . I have found a 2003 Quad Cab, HO, 6SPD, ST equipped for LESS than the 2002 invoice wise ?!?!?!?!?!?!



All are 2 wheel drives by the way... .

 

[DiTrani]

I have the camper package and the only time my extra leaf has touched the stops was the other day with 1/2 cord of hardwood in the bed. I'd say you don't need it unless you always run around max weight, like with a big camper.



I really like the way my truck corners without _any_ sway, but others hate the way the sway-bar harshens the ride. Again, unless you're at max a lot, you probably don't need or even want it.

 

[Rob Levandoski]

My '00 did not come with the camper package. I frequently haul full loads of wood (with sideboards), fire hose, and various things and have never been able to bottom out the stock suspension. I suppose it's possible but I haven't done it yet. I added the rear sway bar and really found a big improvement in handling (especially in the corners). My . 02.

 

[jrobinson2]

I weighed mine with the 8' camper on at 9040lbs and still had 1/2" clearance on the overloads. I find the constant clack clacking as they hit a little annoying. I would add a swaybar if hauling much.



Jared

 

[E7mack96]

I have, and need this option. I haul up to 6,000 in the bed and I assure you that the package definately helps out with the load. Ride is Harsher when empty, but like 4 wheel drive, you do not need it all the time. Its that one time that you will need it that makes you get it.

 

[jhellmers]

My first truck was a 97 3500 without the camper package. I tow about a 8000# tag load and with the 97, while it towed ok and rode nice unloaded, while towing the nose had a tendency to "porpose" a lot on wavy roads, even with the load bars tightened up. My 2002 3500 has the camper package and while I don't load it enough to use the overloads, I do notice that :

A Rides a bit rougher unloaded

B Is more stable (especially cornering)

C Does NOT "Porpose" over the same stretch of highway



I think the camper package also included stiffer shocks, so maybe thats why it is different, IMHO.

 

[bfreel]

To me, for the small price you pay for the package, just to get the sway bar is well worth it!

That's what I did.