Slide In Camper Set Up

[Jack fr MO]

I would like to offer my experience with my air bags. My truck 98 12V Quad Cab 4x4, Rickson’s 19. 5/245/70 H rated, Bilsteins (BE5-25 rated for over 8800 lbs. ), factory overloads, air lift bags with on board load controller. One ton rear wheel brake cylinders, 11 ft Elkhorn camper. Total weight wet is 10,800 lbs. , (trk & camper). I started out using 90 lb. bag pressure to level the truck. This bag pressure took the over loads completely out of the system. On our trip west from MO to the 2000 May Madness Rally most of the trip was a nightmare due to the high winds, but compounded by the high bag pressure. While at the rally I talked to others with air bags and found that they used considerably less pressure than the 90 lbs. I used in mine. At that time I did not have the on board air or the Bilsteins, so decided maybe that was too much pressure. I got underneath the truck and started letting out pressure until the over loads were just touched. What a difference that made. That gives you support of the bags, but also lets the overloads start to lend their support. I carried a small bicycle tire pump to keep the bags aired, but soon realized the need for the on board air. Besides just keeping the bags aired the cab controller also allows me to fine tune the bag pressure according to road conditions. I found for me that the best pressure was 45-50 lbs. The higher the side wind I reduce the pressure to allow the camper to ride evermore on the overloads, but on road surfaces that tend to make the truck want to porpoise I can increase the pressure to customize the ride according to wind and road conditions. The on board air also allows me to use the bags to level the rig, more side to side than front to back, when setting up. I then added the Bilsteins which also made another big difference. There was 2 sets that would fit my truck as of 11-21-2000, one set, up to 8800 lbs. the other for over 8800 lbs. Got mine at Auto Zone $64. 95. I called Bilstein and discussed my need according to my set up. The decision was made for the over 8800 lb. set for the weight being carried and also for the need to control the weight of the Rickson wheels and tires which are 50% heavier than stock tires and wheels. I feel with the Bilsteins and the on board air to be able to customize the bag pressure to complement the overloads has given me very good control. Not that it couldn’t be better but it is much better than either one by itself. I am presently considering either a Hellwig or IPD sway bar to replace factory bar. I believe the price of a Helliwig to be about $130 I have not priced it from a supplier but have a price quote of $375 for the IPD. If that price is right can the quality and performance be worth that much more than the Hellwig? Also according to the information provided by Earth Roamer (issue 35 Page 53) raising the rear of the truck when heavily loaded defeats the brake system that provides more rear braking as the rear of the truck is lowered. That article also explains how to overcome this problem. Hope my 2 bits help...

 

[roadranger]

Ok, here's my $. 02;



I ran one season with air bags on top of the factory helpers-- handled poorly, rear end higher than front, limited suspension travel, bags a PITA to get aired up properly.



2nd season I took the bags OFF.

Truck now rode level front to rear, MUCH better handling by riding down on the helpers, get full suspension travel. Level it out when camping with oak blocks.



This season, got a new 4100lb camper. GVW is now 11,800lbs.

Replaced factory sway bar with Helwig (much thicker), and replaced factory single leaf helper with aftermarket 4 leaf helper spring, also replaced factory wheels/tires with Rickson 4500lb wheels and load H tires.



Have traveled 800 miles so far with new camper, and the truck handles like it was on rails. Even when passing semi's and traveling thru 50 mph cross winds. I also tow a 7000lb trailer on a 30in. long stinger w/load equalizing hitch. GCVW is 18,800