Truck Campers

[xplorer]

I want to put a truck camper on my Ram (8800 gross), but have found that nearly all of the cold weather rated campers weigh at least 2600 pounds and many go up in the range of 3400 pounds (dry weight). I am interested in experiences in handling with campers this heavy that are essentially overloading by over 1000 pounds.



I talked to a camper this last week that was carrying a 4000 camper on a 3/4 ton F**D and said he had no problems.



I would assume that it would be wise to put air bags on the rear end to help balance the load. Thoughts?

 

[Dieselnerd]

Mine is overloaded by about 1000 pounds. I have the camper package with overloads and sway bar. I'm happy with the way it drives, been all over the country including twisting mountain roads. The sway bar prevents lean when going around corners and the overloads keep it nice and level. If you don't have the camper package you need something or you will have a low rear end and roll badly in the corners. Air bags are a good solution.

 

[Hammer Head]

I agree with Dieselnerd. I'm running a Lance 1130 that checks in very close to 4000lbs. With fluids aboard it scales at about 12,800 which puts me well over the max for my 3500 4x4 dualie with camper pack. I also have Firestone air bags. With with those inflated to about 70 psi, the rig runs and handles like a gem. Although one doesn't need the airbags with the camper package, in my opinion, they in conjumction with the daulies really add to the handeling qualities. Also don't forget the tire pressures.

 

[dewdo]

I too am running overloaded. I have an 11. 5 ft Artic Fox with generator, air, microwave and all the rest of the goodies I could put on it. I too have the airbags and heavy duty towing package. I let the dealer talk me into using the Happi Jac tiedowns mounted to the bumper and the front of the bed. BIG MISTAKE.



First trip out I made it as far as Montana from the Seattle area and told my wife that when we reached Kalispell, I was going to some place that had frame mount tie downs and replace the hokey thing the dealer put on. I found a place with a set of Tork Lift tiedown in stock, and had them installed. Made a world of difference. Now it handles like a dream. In fact around the first of the year we are going to make a circle of the US. It's that stable now.



Dewdo in the other Washington

 

[Hammer Head]

Happy Jacks

dewdo,

I'm interested in your experience with the happy jacks. I've had mine for 2 years and have no complaints. Forest servite grade roads are about the worst I'ne been on, but haven't noticed any handling probs and my bumper and bed don't show any wear and tear. Did you have all 4 points tied with spring loaded jacks? I only use two spring loaded and two straight threaded.

 

[dewdo]

I use the four spring loaded tiedown made by Happijacs. I now use them to tie the camper to the Tork Lift frame mounts.



My camper is a bit higher than most campers on the market. It is a bit top heavy I would say from the rocking I did with the bed mounts. I also have a set of fifth wheel mounting rails that are 1 & 1/2 inches above the bed that I had to build up with rubber matting. Too much trouble to take them out each time I use the camper.



I use the camper for short trips around the northwest and haul the fiver down to Yuma, AZ in the winter for 5 months.



I had a Ford Camper Special with a 9. 5' Western Wilderness that was attached to the bed and it worked fine. To the top of my air conditioner on the Arctic Fox is over 12'. I am happy with the frame mounts. I am thing about buying the Tork Lift shock type tie down to use in place of the spring type which doesn't seem very strong to me.



Dewdo in the other Washington