Prepping Truck in Advance: Suggestions?

For sure leave the tail gate at home.

I don't leave my camper on full time, but I leave the tailgate off full time since I don't use the truck for "truck stuff" in the off season, and it's not my daily driver (DD).

1140 dry weight is way more than 3500, heck, my 811 weighs more than that bone dry.

Even if you don't do any initial suspension mods, and decide to do some later, do Stableloads first.

I wish I would have gone that route instead of getting caught up in the airbag hype.

towpro wrote:
Does your new truck have the Air level suspension out back?

Yes, I opted for the factory auto level rear air suspension. Looking forward to seeing how well it works, if at all ;)

I have a bed mat, Torklift 'Talons' and 'Fastguns' already. Lots of good info here for sure, much appreciated.

with factory air level system, I would do nothing. I am interested to see how it works with close to, or over GVW loads. This is the one option I wish I had, but my truck came off the lot so I got what I got.

Stableloads were the ticket for my application. I really like how they use the springs to mediate the ride instead of a bumper or bag on the axle. Very uncomplicated and easy to use. The lowers are a breeze to pivot out of the way if you have a floor jack available. The uppers are probably overkill for me but when the truck only sat down 3/4 inch when loading I smiled! Now the camper has its complement of "stuff" inside it but I'm still happy.

Other truck mods or gadgets?

I really like my Dashboss app on my iPhone. The interface plugs into the OBDII connector and provides real time data for tracking the performance while underway. There are like programs for Android.

Go ahead and install a bed electrical connector for the camper. The dealer can do this quickly before delivery as well.

Go weigh your truck at a certified scale. Take the usual things you carry (including people and pets) and a full tank of fuel. Leave the tailgate at home. You will have this as a benchmark from now on.

When ordering the Torklift stuff be sure to get the foam block kit that keeps stuff out of the hold down tubing. I forget what it's called.

Start thinking about an alternator upgrade to the truck. Upgrading the wiring to the camper might be an option to explore. Boy, I love to spend other people's money! Here at home the well is dry...

Best of luck to you with what sounds like an awesome experience. Truck camper envy is a terrible thing.