I recently had Rancho 9000XL shocks installed. I have searched this forum, and read many of the threads on the above topic. Many folks have stated what number they have their shocks set on when empty and when their camper is loaded. Unfortunately, many of the folks who have stated their settings did not list any information as to what camper they were carrying, or what type of truck, i.e. 250, 350, SRW, DRW etc. As a place to start in reference to my shock settings, I am looking for input from folks who have a set up similar to ours and what they use for shock setting, both empty and loaded. We have an 2015 F350 crew cab 4X4, SRW, gas, 8' box, camper package, Torklift upper StableLoads, 2008 Northern Lite Classic SE, 9'-6”. If replying with setting input, please list what truck and camper set up you have. Thanks in advance for your help.

The settings really depend on you and what you prefer. I prefer a crisp ride from my truck unloaded, so I don;t have any need for the adjustability. I run Bilstein 5125s in a heavy compression on the rear of my truck. Try every setting while unloaded, and also with the camper. Hit some good bumps and washboard if you can. You'll likely end up with a 1 or 2 unloaded, and near if not max while loaded with the camper.

My previous truck was a '06 Ford 350, PSD, 4x4, SRW, Supercab with the TC in my signature. I ran F-3, R-1 unloaded and F-6, R-9 loaded.

2011 F-350 diesel super cab,4x4,camper package DRW,upper stable loads2008 Bigfoot 25c 10.4 eUnloaded F-3. R -1Loaded 9 all around

Using the truck & camper noted in my sig line.5/3 unloaded9/9 loadedBBF

Rancho 9000XL shock setting help please. | Good Sam Community

JW2
Explorer
Sep 30, 2015
Thanks everyone for your help and support with this. I appreciate it.
joeshmoe
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
JW2 wrote:
Joeshmoe:

Your set up sounds close to what we have. To clarify, is that 3 on both the front and rear when unloaded, and 9 on both the front and rear with camper? Thanks.

Yes. I tried 5 on the fronts, but didn't notice a lot of difference. 6 and 7 felt stiff, so I settled on 3 all the way around, unloaded, just to keep it simple. Nothing scientific, just feels about right with my truck. 1 on the rears was WAY too squishy of a ride.

Seems like there's little difference from one number to the next. 2 click increments is when I feel a difference.

I suspect that suspension/spring wear and tear plays a role in what number you decide on.
Boatycall
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
sky_free wrote:
2012 F350 DRW 8' 6.2 Gas
2013 AF 990
Leave the fronts at 6 all the time, backs are 1 unloaded, 9 loaded.

Truck camper in sig, same settings as sky
Super_Dave
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
Backs only.

Empty = 1
Loaded = 9
JW2
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
Joeshmoe:

Your set up sounds close to what we have. To clarify, is that 3 on both the front and rear when unloaded, and 9 on both the front and rear with camper? Thanks.
joeshmoe
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
3 unloaded
9 w/camper
2BLAZERS
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
On my 2011 Ram 3500 dually hauling our 2011 Arctic Fox 1150

Empty 7/1
Loaded 9/9
scottz
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
Unloaded / Loaded
6:6 / 9:9
whizbang
Explorer II
Sep 28, 2015
2003 F350 Crew Cab, Long Bed, 6.8L, 4x4 SRW with 9-1/2 ft Alpenlite:

Unloaded: 3 Front, 2 rear

Loaded: 6 Front, 7 rear

Off-road loaded, 2 Front, 2 rear (better articulation and less vibration).
sky_free
Explorer
Sep 28, 2015
2012 F350 DRW 8' 6.2 Gas
2013 AF 990
Leave the fronts at 6 all the time, backs are 1 unloaded, 9 loaded.