3/4 ton vs. 1 ton shortbed for a Lance 855-S
I have backed off wanting an 11' camper with a 1 ton duelly as it just seems too overwhelming; that I would end up never taking the camper off the truck as it is too big and heavy. We have now sett...
Forum Discussion
For 2011 and later Duramax trucks the only differences with the 1-ton trucks are 5% larger rear disc rotors, an extra leaf pack, and 18" wheels. The drawback at least in 2011 was that the extended cab short bed truck was not an option with the 1-tons, only a regular or crew cab configuration was available.
The 2011 and later GM trucks will easily handle the 855s with the standard shocks, rims, and tires. No need for a rear anti-sway bar and no need for air bags. With my 3/4 ton Duramax truck and the 845 camper (wet weight of 3700 lbs.) I added a set of SuperSprings to provide an extra 1400 lbs. of load capacity at the rear axle. With the 1-ton this $445 expense and hour of labor to install would not be needed.
I would avoid most earlier Duramax trucks as most have design defects that can lead to $5,000 to $8,000 repairs. The one exception is the 2006 to 2007 Classic version LBZ model trucks.
Air bags help if you have a camper that is significantly heavier on one side as then you can add more air to the bag on that side to level the camper. Not really a great solution but the easiest to implement.
The 2011 and later GM trucks will easily handle the 855s with the standard shocks, rims, and tires. No need for a rear anti-sway bar and no need for air bags. With my 3/4 ton Duramax truck and the 845 camper (wet weight of 3700 lbs.) I added a set of SuperSprings to provide an extra 1400 lbs. of load capacity at the rear axle. With the 1-ton this $445 expense and hour of labor to install would not be needed.
I would avoid most earlier Duramax trucks as most have design defects that can lead to $5,000 to $8,000 repairs. The one exception is the 2006 to 2007 Classic version LBZ model trucks.
Air bags help if you have a camper that is significantly heavier on one side as then you can add more air to the bag on that side to level the camper. Not really a great solution but the easiest to implement.
