Truck Prep for Slide In Camper Questions

[fj40tom]

I am in the market for a Lance 820 slide in camper and I was curious about the prep work that my truck will need. I am planning on a set of Firestone Ride Rite airbags and adding a sway bar. Any other suggestions?



The sales rep that I am dealing with on the camper claims the Lance 820 will be just fine with the the SRW short bed. Anyone out there running around with the same set-up?



Cheers,



tp

 

[Russknh]

Go to rvnet.com and log into the camper foreum,after reading that a while you will be an expert, if you have trouble finding it send me a pm and I will get you a link--

 

[rwitt]

I am in the market for a Lance 820 slide in camper and I was curious about the prep work that my truck will need. I am planning on a set of Firestone Ride Rite airbags and adding a sway bar. Any other suggestions?



The sales rep that I am dealing with on the camper claims the Lance 820 will be just fine with the the SRW short bed. Anyone out there running around with the same set-up?



Cheers,



tp

In addition to the upgrades you mentioned get the Torklift Hitch and frame mounted tie downs. If you want to tow anything with the camper the factory hitch is not rated for an extension that you'll need. Get a good set of aftermarket shocks ( Rancho 9000's, Bilsteins).

Rich

 

[SBall]

TP,

Watch your GVW (total loaded vehicle weight). I say this because it's been my experience that camper dealers will try to sell you a rig that can seriously overload your truck. It happened to me and I fell victim to it. Ended up selling the 1992 W250 club cab CTD and buying a 3500 DRW to safely handle our Lance 9 1/2' Squire 4000 camper. While loaded on our W250 it appeared to not be overloaded and rode pretty much level, but was in fact overloaded by close to 1000 lbs! It handled dangerously in cross winds and in turns, an as much as I tried to improve it through the use of air bags and sway bars, it was an exercise in futility. That same camper on our 3500 duallie handles like a dream and is a much more pleasant driving experience. I haven't had to modify the 3500 suspension in any way, and don't have to run and hide when the wind starts blowing.

My $. 02 worth.

Hey, judging by the name, you must be a Land Cruiser enthusiast.

Steve

 

[frankram]

Good Luck with your Lance 820! I have one and just love it.

Truck weight is 7200 without camper and 11,300 with camper.

I have Air-Lift air bags on rear and Skyjacker dual shocks on front.

I have driven to Co, from Pa. twice and once to Maine from Pa. plus a lot of short trips and I have had no problems. I have been happy with the Lance tiedowns. I highly recomend the electric jacks I love mine.

 

[PKnoerzer]

I have a 820 too. See the pic in my readers rigs. I my opinion our trucks have too short a wheelbase for this model. Almost no weight transfers up to the front axle. That being said, I love mine and the truck drives nice as long as the storage tanks (grey and black) are empty. I put Timbren rubber bump stops on because I heard they were more stabile than airbags, and they work fine. I also put on an IPD anti-sway bay and I consider that a must. Ranch RSX9000s in the back help too. The torklift tie downs are great. I also bought the Lance struts for the overhang, but I haven't driven enough with those yet to see how well they work. Mine weighs 4200 in the front and 6500 in the rear. Too much for a single wheel truck, but within the rating of my Nitto tires (3415@65psi each. )

 

[PKnoerzer]

Doh! My camper is a 821 not the 820. You'll have about 400lbs less on the rear and probably a better weight distribution - its still a heavy camper for a 3/4 ton truck.

 

[Bob4x4]

Not trying to burst any bubbles but when you bought your truck,there should have been a paper in your glove box stating this truck not recommended for a slide in camper.



Bob

 

[KB0OU]

Hey,

What is the GVW of the truck?? 9900 Lbs

I think 11,000 Lbs plus is kinda overloaded!!!

Hope you never get in a wreck and the other party gets a good lawyer.

 

[Lorenz]

sold the 821 just for the formentioned lawyer comment. there is no way i was going to educate a jury as to why overload springs were not as good as airbags, and why training wheels are not needed to stay withing tire # perameters.



think twice about being overweight and traveling in the US with our new terrorists... Lawyers and you fellow emotion heavy jury.

 

[Lock93]

Isn't the 820 the Lance Lite 815 with attached "skirts" for the SB models? If so, that is a narrow, fairly light camper if it is not loaded down with a ton of extras.



I ran a Lance Lite 835 w/ ext'd bed area in my '93 W250 and was right at the GVWR, and well within rear axle & tire ratings (after going to the truck scales). Of course, my '93 was only a 6400lb truck empty w/ me and fuel, and I know they are lighter than a 2nd Gen.

 

[fj40tom]

Nope, the 820 is a heavy fiberglass sided camper with all the options. It is designed specifically for short bed trucks.



I have picked up the 820 and had it on the scales. It is heavy, but I am still withing the rear tire ratings.



I am definatly ready for the tire makers to get in gear and turn out a 17" tire rated higher that 3195#. Hopefully it will happen soon. If not, I will be looking at going with 19. 5" wheels and tires.



Cheers,



tp

 

[TAllen]

If in doubt get 19. 5 Rickson wheels and H rated tires you'r worries will be over.

Tim