Has anyone used a large slide in camper in thier ranger? I am considering buying one and want to know if any modifacations are nessasary. The camper weighs about 1500 lbs

 

I would think you will need helper springs in back to keep the truck level,1500 LBS. will squat a ranger quite a bit.

 

How big? 1500lbs is pretty heavy for a ranger. I've seen quite a few rangers with campers though, and almost bought one myself at one time. Go to <a href="http://www.trailerlife.com/cforum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/27.cfm">this truck camper forum</a>. Read through, search, and post with some questions. You will get many mixed opinions one Ranger's with campers, however, the people who I have talked to IN PERSON were happy with what they had. One lady had a 98 Ranger 4x4 supercab with a sixpac 7ft camper in the bed, and she said that she keeps it on all the time, hasn't taken it off for over a year. Traveled all over the place, boise to coast, etc. The only modifications were airbags for the rear end to keep the suspension level. What would I reccommend...?
1) <a href="http://www.truckperformance.com/products/?searchtype=5d&sortorder=DAAA&productcategory=Leaf +Springs&category=Suspension+%26+Chassis&sf1=FORD& sf2=1998&sf3=RANGER&sf4=Add-a-leaf+Kits">Add-a-leaf springs</a> in the back, along with <a href="http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=1995&prmenbr=361">airbags</a> (firestone or riderite). This will help keep the truck level with an increased spring rate.
2) <a href="http://www.truckperformance.com/products/?searchtype=56789d&sortorder=DAAAAAAA&productcateg ory=Vehicle+Specific+Shocks&category=Suspension+%2 6+Chassis&sf1=FORD&sf2=1998&sf3=RANGER&sf4=4wd">Ra ncho 9000 (or Bilstien HD)</a> shocks all the way around. Most people prefer Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks, so the truck rides smooth with no camper, but can be firmed up with a load. Keeps the truck from bouncing, and helps prevent body roll.
3) Front and rear <a href="http://www.truckperformance.com/products/?category=Suspension+%26+Chassis&productcategory=A nti-Sway+Bars&searchtype=d&sortorder=ADA&sf1=FORD&sf3= RANGER&sf2=1998">anti-sway bars</a>. If you truck doesn't already have these, you DEFINATELY want them with a camper. They help to prevent body sway and roll when cornering, sidewinds, etc.
4) Other mods would depend on the truck itself. For example, you may want lower gears, bigger brakes, exhaust (or performace parts). Definately want good heavy duty LT tires. You should probably have an 8.8" rear end as a minimum. Speaking of all this, give us some details (engine, tranny, year) about the truck.
And what kind of camper are you looking at?
(sidenote: most of the links are specific to a 98 year, for reference purposes)

 

With 1500 lbs of river rock in the back of my Ranger (4x4), the springs are about 1 - 1 1/2" from the rubber bumpers. You will need different springs, ideally not air shocks or the like that will leave you in a bad situation when a leak develops. You may want to read your owners manual carefully; there are 1/2 ton trucks. It's not worth risking breaking an axle or the lug nuts off and loosing a wheel when driving. Another thing to look into is braking. Sure, it'll stop fine around town and all, but what happens when you're gong down a long steep grade and you're really getting the brakes good and hot? I'd be doing some talking on this one.

 

Thanks for the good advice everyone, I have a 99 ranger 4x4 w/the 4L engine, auto trans. and is set up from the factory with the towing package It has a 6ft bed.