need bigger rear springs or????

[bray]

just purchased a 93 elkhorn slide in camper,it weighs 2500lbs,and puts a huge squat in my 01 2500. what is the best route to go here and level my truck back out? THX

 

[Whitmore]

add some air bags then you can level it back up to your likings... ... ... . Kevin

 

[Snow man]

Welcome to the TDR!, good first post,Your truck is overloaded by a substantial amount,this is why it puts a huge squat in it,the 3500 is the truck for carrying slide campers,IMO. Dont take this the wrong way,im not telling you what to do,but your endangering yourself/family with that rig,it isnt going to handle well,it is at the limits as far as being safe,and the tires will run very hot,even at 80psi. I wouldnt go far with that rig,and not very fast either. Your wet weight will be over 3000 lbs on that camper. As other will say,you can put airbags on it,and it wil sit level,it still wont stop well,or be able to manuever if needed like a 3500 dually would.

 

[LandShark]

bray: I also have a 1993 Elkhorn. It weights closer to 3600 pounds wet.



I've tried AirLift air springs and also the Timbren add on rubber springs. The Timbrens will give superior handling, but a ride I consider to harsh. I ended up reinstalling the AirLifts after about 5000 miles of testing the Timbrens. The AirLifts allow much more sway than the Timbrens, but a much nicer ride.



I would suggest that you weigh your truck and camper to get real world weights. I agree with 'Snow man' on the tire issue. If you are running any where near the max load on your tires, you are asking for trouble.



My suggestions would be: AirLifts, sway bar, Rancho 9000's, and 19. 5" wheels with load range F or G tires. If you really only weigh 2500#, skip the last suggestion and save big bucks.

 

[Bhale]

I agree, your overloaded. So am I! I got weighed at over 10,500 lbs. and my camper is 2880 with water and propane. Food and such is extra.



First and foremost you should address your brakes. At the least, put a set of Performance Friction pads on and flush and replace your fluid with a high temp fluid (rated at ~500+ degrees). At the same time, replace your rear wheel cylinders with a set from a 3500 to give you some added stopping power. They are a simple swap, same bolt patterns and only about $15 each. Even better would be the brakes the EarthRoamer guy uses, EGR heavy Duty brakes. http://www.earthroamer.com/egr/



Next i'd look into a sway bar. Even if you have one, look at a heavier one and go with the Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. The AirLift air bags on the rear made all the difference in the world for leveling out the load but didn't do anything for handling. Spend a little extra and get the in cab controls as they can be a big help in leveling your rig. You could also consider adding an extra spring to your spring pack to help carry the load.



I'm constantly :-{} with the wife about the amount of stuff we take on a trip with us. Keep it as light as possible and don't take won't you don't need to. We actually took the bathroom scale out to the camper one time to see how much extra junk we carried but never used. Over 400 lbs! It adds up quick.



Are you scared yet? With proper planning, clear thinking, and good maintence you'll be alright but don't skimp and don't push it. Be aware that your beyond the rated limits of your truck and act accordinly and you should be fine. We've logged over 80K miles like this from Maryland to the Grand Canyon and Texas with no problems.

 

[DocStressor]

Good post, Bhale. Couldn't have said it better. You have to modify the suspension of a 2500 in order to carry a heavy camper safely, but it can easily be done.

 

[Casey Balvert]

Weigh your rig with everything in it including all your supplies and both you and your wife. If you are over 8,800 pounds and I suspect that you are, I would buy a lighter camper or a one ton. I know there are all sorts of things that you can do to the truck to help it carry the load, but if you end up in an accident and kill or injure some one, the GVWR on the door sticker and a smart lawyer (and a few dumb ones) will make that one ton look real cheap. MHO. Casey

 

[RAMalama]

DON'T PANIC FM ALL THE POSTS!!!

Bhale did indeed spew all kinds of chunks of common sense!



Tires would be a high priority concern with me. Upgrading to E 10plys and the stiffer sidewall will do wonders with stability as well. I recommend air bags as well only from Firestone. They are much heavier duty than the AirLift units. They border line on industrial/commercial grade. Grate units.



I've seen 2500 with campers similar to yours AND THEN they're towing two horses or a bass boat or something. Makes you wonder what THEY did!



Just reread Bhale's post and you'll do fine. Your Dodge is a whole lot more truck than Cheezy's for Fords. Have faith in it.



Ian.