big time sagging.....
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Tuned
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 321
Likes: 4
big time sagging.....
so i bought the camper and the truck dropped 4.5 inches. ive read several post that suggest contrary to installing heavy duty lift leaf springs. could this camper just be to heavy for my truck?? the truck it came off of was not sagging this much.
i dont have the weight of the camper as it doesnt have a weight placard. please excuse my ignorance on this subject but, if the truck has a 1/4 to load capacity and a 9400 lbs towing capacity, shouldnt it be ok if i added a 2000 lbs camper? this is just estimated weight based on the jacks specifications on the camper.
what is your input as to how to remedy this problem.....its ok if you have smart a&& remarks, i can take it.....
1986 f150 4x4 8' bed 5.0 efi no mods
thanks
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 917
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
Your truck has at least a half ton rating. Look at the drivers door sticker, and it will tell you your specific weight rating. You didnt mention the last truck the camper was in. Also, one way of fixing the sag are air bags, which help hold the weight. I have no experience with these, so maybe someone else can chime in.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: BC Cana'duh
A picture speaks a thousand words.Have you driven the truck with the camper?With the stock 302,my bet is that it'll be straining on the flat straight highway,never mind any hills.Wait till you load your gear and passengers.You need a vehicle designed to haul all that weight,not just rear springs.My opinion is you need at least a F250 with a tow package.HD brakes,suspension,tires and more engine.A camper special is best for that load.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2009
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No didn't want to drive it not knowing if this in fact is to much weight for te vehicle. Judging by how it squated I thought I was safer not to.
Last edited by redz284u; Sep 10, 2012 at 03:31 PM. Reason: clarification
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
The slide in campers for the 1/2 ton trucks usually stop at the tailgate. The bigger heavier campers usually hang way out the back, usually with a heavy full bathroom back there, and they usually require the f250 and up truck. Looks like you have a big one.
I would say beef up the suspension and try it, but I would be afraid of the tires. The larger trucks have 16 inch rims and you can put the 10 ply heavy truck tires on it. They have a very stiff sidewall and can handle the load.
I would say beef up the suspension and try it, but I would be afraid of the tires. The larger trucks have 16 inch rims and you can put the 10 ply heavy truck tires on it. They have a very stiff sidewall and can handle the load.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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From: BC Cana'duh
That photo is of my '88 f250 4x4 reg. cab long bed.It had an anemic EFI 302 c6 and I swapped in a carbed 460 ported heads,headers,Comp Cams cam etc...The suspension will hold 3500lbs of drywall but the engine had a very hard time on level ground, forget about hills or inclines,hence the engine swap.I was told that the extra springs made it a Camper Special,although the only badging is XLT Lariat.All I know is that with all the power it has now makes hauling loads effortless.Stops great too with twin piston calipers and big drums out back on the full floating rear axle.Plus where I live it's emissions exempt due to the gvw.To safely haul that camper you should have all new brakes,E load range 10 ply tires as suggested by Franklin and more suspension.Or upgrade to a F250 and and you'll be better off.And at least a 351w to haul that weight.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Heres what I had on my stock F250.
Had these to help out.
Timbren springs, they are empty rubber boots.
Your sagging doesn't look that bad, i've seen F150's carrying some pretty big campers with terrible sag.
Had these to help out.
Timbren springs, they are empty rubber boots.
Your sagging doesn't look that bad, i've seen F150's carrying some pretty big campers with terrible sag.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2009
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ok so im thinking this should be my solution.....any know issues or concerns with this year model????? 1993 f350 2wd dually crew cab. long bed 460/7.5 auto 115k miles
Last edited by redz284u; Sep 13, 2012 at 08:46 AM. Reason: car info
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
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From: Exmore, VA
That will probably haul anything you want, but, look at the label on the back of the driver's door (crew cab location) the axle code will give you the capacity, the front/rear load values are also helpful. A dually is usually pretty high carrying capacity. Only thing I would worry about on an EFI 460 is #5 cyl. Have a compression and maybe a leakdown test run on the engine, and look for signs of oil into coolant leaks, the heat exchanger on the late 89-90 and newer is famous for leaking.
FWIW, I used to haul a Wolverine 11.5' cab over camper in my 77 F150. I added overload springs to the rear and used some pretty hefty 235/75 R15 tires on it. The 300 was a little anemic and fuel economy with the camper was in the big block range. I put a 390 camper special in it with C6. Empty highway wasn't much worse than the 300, loaded, big improvement, I even towed an Omni on a tow bar behind it.
FWIW, I used to haul a Wolverine 11.5' cab over camper in my 77 F150. I added overload springs to the rear and used some pretty hefty 235/75 R15 tires on it. The 300 was a little anemic and fuel economy with the camper was in the big block range. I put a 390 camper special in it with C6. Empty highway wasn't much worse than the 300, loaded, big improvement, I even towed an Omni on a tow bar behind it.
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From: Virginia
Now you are on the right track. You could possibly get by with a smaller truck if you are just going to stay within a 150mile range of your home base and you are able to drive slow. But if you are going on long trips at high speeds on the interstate, dodging 18 wheelers and the other maniacs, the above truck is what you need to have a safe confident drive. After all, you are supposed to have a good time on vacations, not a white knuckle ride each time you go somewhere. Those slide-ins love to sway, that dually will take care of that.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I used to have a similar slide in that I would carry on my SRW truck.
It would sway a lot even with the towing package. (E-rated 16" tires, 3" brakes, sway bar, helper springs, etc...)
IMHO, you are in way over your head trying to manage that with a 5.0 F-150.
The F-350 pictured may be overkill, but you will be comfortable dragging it around.
It would sway a lot even with the towing package. (E-rated 16" tires, 3" brakes, sway bar, helper springs, etc...)
IMHO, you are in way over your head trying to manage that with a 5.0 F-150.
The F-350 pictured may be overkill, but you will be comfortable dragging it around.
. thanks to all of you that pointed me in the right direction and helping take my family in a "safe" trip.
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