[ 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 .

[wintertree]

Its what ever floats your boat....The pal SS1500 is a light weight for sure...if thats all you need or want its all good...Our travels can last for months at a time....and as we are in Canada...many times we are in our rig Off season....having a thermal hard wall unit with heated tanks / basement is all that works for us....In regards to our truck handling the camper it does a great job....Do I notice the camper is there ?...Yes...the truck finally rides good ...LOL..Does it act poorly in high winds or when a semi passes close....not that we have noticed...our last truck sure did (hauling the same camper)....does the truck break a sweat ?...No....It is a power house and all the factory gear I ordered is made for the job....The only time I notice is when we stop at the pumps for a fill....difference between loaded with the camper or empty is about 4 mpg...(if we are in a bad head wind that is not the case)...As our truck is designed as a hauler it has a lower center of gravity...and the DRW keep things stable...We have traveled off the beaten path with it....but common sense dictates the taking it easy and know the limitations of a heavy rig...