Air bags, add a leaf, or overload springs

OP: after you see how it looks if you decide you want some leveling capacity then I would certainly go the airbag route. The older F-Series trucks have a suspension more in common to a covered wagon than newer pickups, so you want something that doesn't effect the empty ride.

Glenn West wrote:
Air bags are for overloaded trucks. jfyi

Got anything useful to back that up?

Iv'e had air bags on two of my trucks now and the work wonderfully. Very easy to install and not that expensive. But do as the other folks say and loader up and then make the call. Good luck and happy camping!!!

When I had my last truck camper I added overload springs to my '89 F250. I liked them. They don't affect the ride at all unless they're needed. I've never tried airbags.

But like others have said, wait until you get hooked up, then weigh the whole thing, especially the rear axel, and go from there.

Air bags are for overloaded trucks. jfyi

Our truck came standard with the overload springs and they work perfectly.

Not one post about how much can your tires hold. All the springs/air bags/timbrens ain't worth a darn if the tires can't hold the load. Do nothing, fill it up as you would to go camping. Some water/ no water/ full gas/ waste tanks half full ? then take it and get it weighed. whole rig, fiver/ front axle/rear axle etc. THEN you can talk about something or nothing. But most important are the carrying capacity of your tires on the truck.

When I had my truck camper and my '96 GMC I went with air bags, didn't like them and went to a spring shop and added an extra full length leaf. Big difference. Handled the weight better, but rode very rough.
Jim

N-Trouble wrote:
I would also consider these as they don't affect ride when unloaded like Timbrens. Simple install as well.

http://www.torklift.com/products/stableload.php

it does unless you spin them outward everytime your unloaded which is a PIA.I have these.They are stiff as heck when engaged just like timbrens.But unlike timbrens you have the option to disengage them but it isnt as simple as the website would lead you to believe.Over time they end up rusting pretty bad and dont disengage as easy as they once did.End up needing a crow bar to lift the leaf slightly to didengage.Ive had them for two years and wish I just went with bags like I ended up doing in the end.You end up just leaving them engaged all the time.And for the price of these you might as well get bags.

Bilstiens and bags

I would also consider these as they don't affect ride when unloaded like Timbrens. Simple install as well.

http://www.torklift.com/products/stableload.php