?Short bed camper...Newbie

Congrats on the new truck Doc, and welcome to the forum. Airbags are not a requirement, just one of the ways you can deal with certain issues. As recommended earlier, try the camper out first and see how it handles and then start addressing any problems from there. You could bring them up on the forum and get steered in the right direction. I think most folks would recommend torklift products for your tie down system as well as a thick rubber bed mat. Also a way to plug into the trucks electric connector and you can go from there.
Happy camper hunting!