[ Outline ] · Standard · Linear+ Stable setup?, 1998 3500 DRW 12V 5 speed w/3500lb TC

[alittlesideways]

Hello Truck camper forum..
I just bought a truck camper (2004 S & S Ponderosa Series M-11-DB ) a deal I could not turn away. It is Heavy around 3600lbs loaded with water, 60 gal of propane for the generator, quality truck camper I must say, cant wait to use it to go fishing... the truck( 98 12v Single Cab, 8ft bed 2wd with 130K) has air bags, and stock moog front springs. I put about 70 psi in all 6 tires and both Firestone airbags to 70psi , the truck feels a little wobbly at high speed (65 +) and over bumps in town, but I'm getting used to it, got 16 mpg hauling it home from PA in 40mph headwind, and it pulls like almost not loaded. ( < Buying a SuperhHitch with 48in extension to tow my 12ft trailer(Dreaming).>)

Should I buy a club cab 4x4 ? Duramax club cab 4x4? or any upgrades like heavy duty front springs, front air bags ? Blistens ? Rear end Mods besides airbags on my 2wd? Is it Normal to have a camper this size with a 2wd and possible towing? Always have a failed ball joint in the back of my mind..

I had a 39ft toy hauler 10K. I owned and towed with this same truck and it did fine... I have a good bit of $ in this truck, has banks twin intake and banks turbo kit, other than that stock and new front end parts, new standard gear and trans 5 speed upgraded , Double disk south bend clutch, new rear.. List goes on..

Any input from other truck camper owners over 3000Lbs about how there rig drives would be great? I just want input before i dump more cash into the truck , Pacbrake, Front and rear Hitch..Etc..There is pic of Rig in my avatar .

[SidecarFlip]

Interesting camper. My question is of course, did you check it for water intrusion and/or when was the last time the original owner checked the seals. Reason I ask is I see what appears to be some issues on the pasaenger side bunk area. Hard to tell with the low resolution picture but it looks like there is an intrusion issue there.

Campers can look nice on the outside and be rotten underneath the outer skin.

Why camper builder have gotten away from front windows like yours. Intrusion was a big issue.

Easy way to tell is lift the mattress and look closely under it at the front of the camper and/or insde the storage cabinets on each side at the outer edges. If you have any water stains in those places, you have a water intrusion issue and a camper of that vintage will be rotting away under the skin and it's a very, very expensive fix.

Remember, wood rot creates mold and mold spores are hazardous to your health.

I'd have a look-see before comissioning it for use.