Suspension help for our slide in truck camper
We have a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 1/2 ton truck and we just purchased a Real-Lite slide in truck camper. The camper weighs 1498 lbs and my truck is rated for 3750 lbs (GAWR RR). We are unsure what typ...
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I agree with the LT tires. You may get away we D rated - we did - our camper is about the same dry weight as yours, but our truck is probably slightly lighter. We wanted strong tyres, but ones we didn't have to run at really high pressure and could air-down for sand driving - our D rated tires turned out perfect. But make sure they are rated for the load they will be carrying.
Before making any changes use the camper for a while and see how it handles. Obviously if you are sat staring at the sky when you sit in the cab with the camper loaded you need to do something immediately, but if it sits flat and handles acceptably try it out for a while so you can decide what modifications you really need.
One thing I didn't expect was to have to change the from shock absorbers. They were worn and with the camper on (our centre of gravity is further back than I would like) the truck would porpoise annoyingly on certain road surfaces. New front shock-absorbers fixed that.
Obviously bear in mind the extra weight and how it affects handling and braking.
Good luck,
Steve.
Before making any changes use the camper for a while and see how it handles. Obviously if you are sat staring at the sky when you sit in the cab with the camper loaded you need to do something immediately, but if it sits flat and handles acceptably try it out for a while so you can decide what modifications you really need.
One thing I didn't expect was to have to change the from shock absorbers. They were worn and with the camper on (our centre of gravity is further back than I would like) the truck would porpoise annoyingly on certain road surfaces. New front shock-absorbers fixed that.
Obviously bear in mind the extra weight and how it affects handling and braking.
Good luck,
Steve.
