I have a Ford F250 4X4 diesel. The previous owner added heavier leaf springs because he towed a large 5th wheel with it. I just purchased an Adventurer 93FDS (has a slide out). The dry weight is 3069 lbs. The dealership said my truck can handle this weight and once they started preping my truck, said I did not need air bags because of the added leaf spings already on the truck. They said I saved a little over $500.00 because they did not need to add air bags.

The camper sat nice on the truck and did not sag in the back, but once home, I noticed it leaning several inches to one side (slide out side). I suspect that the weight off the slide out and refrigerator is causing this problem. If they remove the added leaf springs and replace with air bags, will this correct the problem or is there something else I can do. Any advice would be apprecicated.

Thanks in advance

David Fullen

I would at the very least add air bags to the truck you would be able to adjust the air pressure on each side and allow for more pressure in the side that is leaning to bring it up to a level height. I am not positive, but I think you can add airbags without removing the extra spring. I have michelin tires too and they will allow you to carry about 6800 lbs on your rear axle according to manufactures specs. My camper is 2800lbs dry and with my gear in it. It exerts 5600lbs on my rear axle. I would reccomend a rear sway bar for about $200 bucks it will take the white knuckle ride away when negotiating curves on mountain roads.

The people installing the airbags said the Helix leaf spings have to be taken off because they will be in the way of the air bags. I did order the Helix rear sway bar as you suggested. What about a front sway bar? I don't know anythig about either of them, but the rear sway bar looks fairly simple to install.

Thanks for your suggestion on the rear sway bar. The reviews I've read from people who installed them are very happy with them.

David Fullen

bigh110 you were right about being able to keep the added leaf springs on my truck. I ordered the Air-Right air bags and the Heavy Duty air system compressor w/dual gauge control. Both for 527.31. Seemed like a good price. Now if I can find someone to install them at a reasonable price instead of the peole I bought the camper from.

David Fullen

When I purchased my Lance 845, I had the dealer install the torklift tie downs. He said I "probably" would not need airbags on my F250. As it turned out , with the camper loaded the truck was leaning to the driver side, and the rear of the truck was sagging a little.I dont have a slide out; I guess it was the bathroom and kitchen all on one side weighting it down. I put airbags on and by adjusting the pressure, it levels right out. I run 75 lbs on the drivers sde and 40lbs on the passenger side. The whole rig is level side to side and front to back. The airbags worked for me.