Truck Camper Forum [Powered by Invision Power Board]

Posted by: jjsales10 May 30 2011, 11:53 PM

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

Posted by: Dave D. Jun 1 2011, 11:38 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.

Posted by: Dave D. Jun 1 2011, 11:42 PM

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 .

Posted by: KY_Campers Jun 3 2011, 08:46 AM

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!

Posted by: jjsales10 Jun 12 2011, 11:44 AM

Hey thanks for post
What size airbags do u have 2000lbs or 5000lbs?

Posted by: KY_Campers Jun 12 2011, 03:45 PM

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.

Posted by: rickf Jul 26 2011, 08:45 AM

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

Posted by: RustyStuff Aug 21 2011, 04:58 PM

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.

Posted by: tom Aug 21 2011, 07:45 PM

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

Posted by: elkhornsun Dec 20 2011, 02:53 AM

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).

Posted by: mikewayne Mar 28 2013, 02:50 AM

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.

Posted by: sugarhillctd May 28 2013, 05:29 PM

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

Posted by: bela374 Jun 22 2013, 06:00 AM

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.

Posted by: fatboy Nov 30 2013, 10:02 PM

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).

Posted by: dubob Dec 1 2013, 09:39 AM

Mike, Suger, Bela, & Fatboy,

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

Posted by: fatboy Feb 14 2014, 05:27 PM

QUOTE(dubob @ Dec 1 2013, 08:39 AM)