Re: Okanagan 117DBL

debtor wrote:
Hello All:
This is my first post ever. I have just purchased a 2008 117DBL and will drive to Fl. from ND to pick up (road trip yah). I have a 2011 3500 cab and chassis DRW, 6.7, manual 6sp, 4.10 gears, flat bed. This weekend I will be lowering the bed and cutting out and putting in some shallow wheel wells for tire clearance. I grew up pulling trailers and in recent years have had a couple of 5th wheels. This is my first time with a slide in and need your advise. My truck has a payload capacity of 5210 lbs compared to a 3500 with a box on it @ 4680 lbs. The cab and chassis has a heavy straight frame and what appears to be a heavy factory suspension. In your opinions do I need to add airbags, and will it lean left when loaded? I would prefer to get home without adding air bags yet. Thank you all in advance, John

I have a 2007 117dbl and a 2006 Dodge 3500 CTD DRW. If I don't air up my bags, then my headlights would be pointing up (they do tend to point high even with the bags).

I've not had any side lean problems (sway for sure with the airbags), but the CG of that camper is slightly behind my rear axle and thus if I don't front load as much as possible then the steering can get a little squirrely....may not be as much of an issue if you have a true cab/chassis as your CA length should be a couple of inches longer allowing the CG of the TC to be better situated relative to the axle.

If I were you, I'd put something on to raise the rear, If you plan on Airbags, it is an easy install and you can temporarily install the airlines even if you want to route them elsewhere later or add an automated fill.

Cheers & Congrats!
hbski