[ 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]

I went down your road with a 4 season Lance and sold it and if I was planning on long term camping, I'd still have a pop up. Interior room wise, same as the Lance was, same with storage. I realize no pop up has a slide except the NL with the pop out room but we have never had the need for a slide and never will. I have everything you have except hard upper walls and ad far as exctended trips, we will be on the road for more than a month this summer and I see no issues. Plenty of Wal Mart's in route for supplies. Next January we are planning on going to Florida, again, for at least a month, maybe longer.

What really impresses me with a pop up is the low vertical CG because all the appliances are mounted lower, there is much less sway, in fact, there is none at all. and the lower stowed profile hauls easier too.

I realize they aren't for everyone, but having owned a hard side for 10 years and then going to a pop up, we have no regrets at all.

...and, it fits in my garage too. No Hardside will fit in a normal garage. Pop up's go right in.