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> Need Help Camper too heavy?, Camper Bottoms Out after air bags

jjsales10
post May 30 2011, 11:53 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): lance
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: f150. 1/2 ton. 5.4 engine
Type of Tiedowns used: torklift and fastguns
Truck and Camper Setup: Ford f150 with 2002 lance 825. Torklift with fastgun tie downs. Air bag shocks



Hey,
I'm kind of puzzled about this. I have 2004 Ford F150 Extended cab 5.4 engine 4wd. I installed 1,000lbs airbags and bilstein HD rear shocks. My camper is a 2002 Lance lite 825 model. I think it weighs dry around 1500-1700lbs. I am not positive i cannot find it online and the exterior tag on the camper is worn away. When I have the airbags filled to 80-90lbs on each side, 100lb capacity, the camper sits perfectly straight. When i drive it drives smooth until i go over bumps that cause the rear to buckle the bed im being told bottoms out. Whatever it is hitting it doesnt sound good. I had a yard of dirt in my bed and heard the noise so i swung by my mechanic who said its the bumbers bottoming out underneath. He said obviously it wasnt good. The yard of dirt is probably close to a ton and i only had 50lbs in the bags, so i can see why that was too heavy but the lance lite is suppose to be made for lightweight trucks,,,,f150s, tundras ect. I really do not want to spend another 500$ to put on 5,000lb airbags. Does anyone have any idea why my truck is not handling this camper. Thanks for any suggestions and answers.
Happy Camping
jon
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Dave D.
post Jun 1 2011, 11:38 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Looking for Pop-up
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2011 Silverado WT 1/2 ton
Type of Tiedowns used: none yet
Truck and Camper Setup: Still shopping



1755 dry camper
100 water (1/2 tank)
100 cloths
50 food
50 drinks
200 gasoline
300 2 passengers
60 aux battery


Already at 2,500 lbs. Add a bike rack and a couple of bikes, a generator etc etc and you can see why a bigger truck is needed. Even if airbags will keep a truck level, they won't compensate for axle, brake and chassis loading. Just look at the difference between the frame of a 3/4 ton and a 1/2 ton pickup.

On the other hand many people do what you are doing and are happy with their setup.
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Dave D.
post Jun 1 2011, 11:42 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Looking for Pop-up
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2011 Silverado WT 1/2 ton
Type of Tiedowns used: none yet
Truck and Camper Setup: Still shopping



By bumpers bottoming out, you probably mean Bump-Stops between the axle and frame are bottoming out. You can probably upgrade the bumpstops as well .
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KY_Campers
post Jun 3 2011, 08:46 AM
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Not sure what the problem could be, especially when you're using ''airbags''.

I have a 02 F-150, 4x4, extended cab, 5.4 engine, and I put airbags on the rear!

I have a Sunlite camper, and also pull a boat behind every time we go camping!... I pack the camper with A LOT of stuff, and load the boat down with extra things!... I've never had a problem, and I also use an extension hitch that puts the boat back further.

One thing that I don't do is:... Fill up the water tank before we leave.. I always fill it up when I get to the campground!

On the airbags... I only have to put 60 to 70lbs. of air in them!


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jjsales10
post Jun 12 2011, 11:44 AM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): lance
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: f150. 1/2 ton. 5.4 engine
Type of Tiedowns used: torklift and fastguns
Truck and Camper Setup: Ford f150 with 2002 lance 825. Torklift with fastgun tie downs. Air bag shocks



Hey thanks for post
What size airbags do u have 2000lbs or 5000lbs?
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KY_Campers
post Jun 12 2011, 03:45 PM
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QUOTE(jjsales10 @ Jun 12 2011, 12:44 PM)
Hey thanks for post
What size airbags do u have 2000lbs or 5000lbs?
*


I have 2000lb airbags.

You could also try a bolt on ''helper spring'' with the airbags.

Advance Auto has a pair for like $30.00.


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rickf
post Jul 26 2011, 08:45 AM
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Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 1996 Ford F-250 Diesel 4X4
Type of Tiedowns used: Custom
Truck and Camper Setup: Ford F-250, Heavy duty leafs, Fleetwood 11 foot with custom made tie downs



QUOTE(KY_Campers @ Jun 12 2011, 03:45 PM)
I have 2000lb airbags.

You could also try a bolt on ''helper spring'' with the airbags.

Advance Auto has a pair for like $30.00.
*



A yard of dirt is around 3000 lbs.. There are a number of ways to make the suspension carry the weight but the problem is that you are still putting all of the weight on a light duty differential. I have replaced many axles and bearings on 1/2 ton trucks that were overloaded. If that axle snaps you are going to crash! no if's, and's or but's. No matter how hard you try you can not make a F150 into a F250 safely.

Rick
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RustyStuff
post Aug 21 2011, 04:58 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Homebrew
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: Dodge W250.
Type of Tiedowns used: Homebrew
Truck and Camper Setup: 1985 Dodge W250,360v8 4bbl, Camper Pending.



QUOTE(Dave D. @ Jun 1 2011, 08:38 PM)
1755 dry camper
  100 water (1/2 tank)
  100 cloths
    50 food
    50 drinks
  200 gasoline
  300  2 passengers
    60  aux battery
   

Already at 2,500 lbs.  Add a bike rack and a couple of bikes, a generator etc etc and you can see why a bigger truck is needed.  Even if airbags will keep a truck level, they won't compensate for axle, brake and chassis loading.  Just look at the difference between the frame of a 3/4 ton and a 1/2 ton pickup.

On the other hand many people do what you are doing and are happy with their setup.
*


Don't forget the weight of any aftermarket accessories that are on the truck or on/in the camper.
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tom
post Aug 21 2011, 07:45 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): ulta lite 1200lbs to me is not lite
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: f150 ford
Type of Tiedowns used: home built to frame
Truck and Camper Setup: looked for something really lite, nothing on the market. Wanted something less than half of the rated weight load for a 1/2 ton truck.Like to be realistic about weight capacities. Built a totally aluminum unit. 8 ft. box, 80 in. wide, 80 in. high. With door, windows and AC and jacks I can still left one end by hand and I'm over 60. I'm guessing at this point unit must be around 200 lbs.



QUOTE(jjsales10 @ May 31 2011, 12:53 AM)
Hey,
I'm kind of puzzled about this.  I have 2004 Ford F150 Extended cab 5.4 engine 4wd. I installed 1,000lbs airbags and bilstein HD rear shocks.  My camper is a 2002 Lance lite 825 model.  I think it weighs dry around 1500-1700lbs.  I am not positive i cannot find it online and the exterior tag on the camper is worn away.  When I have the airbags filled to 80-90lbs on each side, 100lb capacity, the camper sits perfectly straight.  When i drive it drives smooth until i go over bumps that cause the rear to buckle the bed im being told bottoms out.  Whatever it is hitting it doesnt sound good.  I had a yard of dirt in my bed and heard the noise so i swung by my mechanic who said its the bumbers bottoming out underneath.  He said obviously it wasnt good.  The yard of dirt is probably close to a ton and i only had 50lbs in the bags, so i can see why that was too heavy but the lance lite is suppose to be made for lightweight trucks,,,,f150s, tundras ect.  I really do not want to spend another 500$ to put on 5,000lb airbags.  Does anyone have any idea why my truck is not handling this camper.  Thanks for any suggestions and answers.
Happy Camping
jon
*


There may be only one or two full size ( 8 ft. box) TC's that can safety fit a 1/2 ton pickup. One may by a stripped out Capri. suppose to weigh 750 lbs.
If you continue to carry that weight you might want to check the load rating on your tires, especially the rear.

Good luck and be safe, Tom
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elkhornsun
post Dec 20 2011, 02:53 AM
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Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: Chevy 2500HD SRW Diesel
Type of Tiedowns used: undecided
Truck and Camper Setup: Chevy 2011 2500HD diesel with short bed. Plan to add Supersprings and air bags and Big Wig anti sway bar.



According to the Lance 2002 brochure they only made Lite models 815, 835, and 845.
The 835 had a dry weight of 1865 lbs. - in theory as this would not include additions to the camper.

To be safe I would figure a wet load with gear and passengers of 1,000 lbs added to that figure for 2900 lbs. and then compare that to the stated payload for your truck. Regardless of what you do in terms of airbags and overload springs your rig will be limited by the load rating for the rear axle and the load rating for the rear wheels (rims and tires x 2).
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mikewayne
post Mar 28 2013, 02:50 AM
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Thanks for putting this post as even my camper seems to be going through, the same problem and even i was told that the airbags might help in leveling the vehicle and keep it safe, but i have gone through the troubles many a times and have recently decided to buy a bigger truck.
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sugarhillctd
post May 28 2013, 05:29 PM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lance
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2012 Chevy 2500HD crew 4x4 sb
Type of Tiedowns used: Torklift with Happijac Quik-loads
Truck and Camper Setup: 2012 Lance 855S AirLift airbags BigWig swaybar Nitto DuraGrapplers 285/75-17



Mike,

Despite what Lance states, the 825 is too heavy for a 1/2 ton truck. We travel pretty light- we DO NOT bring all kinds of stuff in the camper, but I think that the 825 was about 2500+# set to go for a few days.

Last year we bought one (our 3rd TC) and already had a 3/4 ton pickup. I cannot imagine trying to carry it on a 150/1500.

Our truck carried it well with Timbrens as the only add-on. But look at the difference between 1/2 and 3/4 ton frame, axle and (mostly) spring pack.

We have since had a large dog join us, needed more room and we traded the 825 in for an 855S. This camper is 3500# and I have had to go to 4000# rated tires, airbags and a huge swaybar.

Good luck.
John
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bela374
post Jun 22 2013, 06:00 AM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): Lamborgini
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: F-350 Dually 4x4
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijac
Truck and Camper Setup: Happijac Tiedowns



I have a Sunlite camper, and also pull a boat behind every time we go camping!... I pack the camper with A LOT of stuff, and load the boat down with extra things!... I've never had a problem, and I also use an extension hitch that puts the boat back further.


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fatboy
post Nov 30 2013, 10:02 PM
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Look up the nearest CAT scale and drive over and weigh your truck. Front axle, rear axle and GVW. Then, look at your door pillar and see if your over loading and where (front/back).
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dubob
post Dec 1 2013, 09:39 AM
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Favorite Truck Camper(s): 2011 Lance 992
Type and Brand of Truck(s) Owned: 2010 Chevy 2500HD, Ext Cab, 6.0L
Type of Tiedowns used: Happijac w/ Qwik-Loads
Truck and Camper Setup: TC pulled behind the truck on a gooseneck trailer



Mike, Suger, Bela, & Fatboy,

Did you happen to notice that this was a 2011 thread?


cool.gif


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fatboy
post Feb 14 2014, 05:27 PM
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QUOTE(dubob @ Dec 1 2013, 08:39 AM)
Mike, Suger, Bela, & Fatboy,

Did you happen to notice that this was a 2011 thread?


cool.gif
*




Dang it! Happens to me all the time. -FB
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Turbotexas
post Nov 24 2014, 09:28 AM
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Truck and Camper Setup: Dodge one ton dually, Lance Squire 3000 8 foot bed, heavy chains to tie down!



How do you plan on STOPPING this overloaded truck with brakes that were not designed for this much weight?
You bought the wrong airbags as well! Go big or go home! For safety's sake!
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