Forum Discussion

Roadlover's avatar
Roadlover
Explorer
Sep 02, 2015

Together For The First Time, Now What?

Today, I finally mated the 2012 AF 1150 with our new 2015 GMC Denali 3500 DRW D/W and took them both on the road for a 45 minute ride. I had already installed the TorkLift StableLoads and really felt the ride was very smooth and handled the curves very well. I also felt the camper is extreamly stable on the truck, with no shifting at all.

My only concern is that I feel the truck is riding lower than I think it should. I took measurements from the ground to the wheelwell, before and after installing the camper.

Before After
DF - 39-1/8" DF - 39-1/8"
DR - 41-7/8" DR - 39-1/8"
PF - 39-1/8" PF - 39"
PR - 41-3/4" PR - 38-7/8"

My question is, what additional modification would you recommend next? My first ideas are either adding to my springs or air bags. My shocks are stock, should they be replaced?

I'm including a couple of pics for you to see how the truck is sitting and I appreciate your help.

Thank You
Ken


Truck Campers
  • CAJW's avatar
    CAJW
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2015
    How are the headlights aim as far as being level? The pic doesn't look too bad, but I agree with Buzz, if you have different loads planned Air Bags might be the best option for flexibility. I hear good things about SuperSprings, but the setup in my signature works well for us as our load changes from a motorcycle carrier on the rear to a 3500# two wheel trailer to a four down tow Jeep. If you plan to add a cargo box to the front, your concerns may be taken care of.
  • blueglide's avatar
    blueglide
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2015
    Hi to fellow Michigander! I agree with trailgranny50. I have the same TC and similar setup as you and I was ready to just start throwing more money at the truck and getting all the 'stuff'. It was suggested to try the rig a few times and it rides fine with just the stableloads and the stock sway bar. I still get tempted to add more things (rancho shocks, Hellwig Big Wig, air bags, the kitchen sink...etc) but if it ain't broke don't fix it! I don't think its unreasonable to put a 5000 lb TC in our truck and see it lower a little. Your measurements don't seem extreme to me. When the time comes my next change might be to 19.5 tires...more for the longevity and durability on these crappy Michigan roads.
  • jason4598's avatar
    jason4598
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2015
    It looks real good to me. My RAM drops 4 1/2" . My campers not level and my mudflaps drag on the ground often.
  • trailgranny50's avatar
    trailgranny50
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2015
    I don't know but the limited amount the truck has lowered would make it more level than when empty. Was the camper loaded with all you gear, passengers and a tank of water? If so and it handled well,no big bounce or porpoising, then you don't seem to have much to worry about? I'm sure there's more you could add to your truck but why go to the expense and hassle if it rides, handles and stops well? Maybe try a trip and see how it feels then think about or ask about what your options are rather than jump in and add equipment you may be just fine without. I'm sure you'll get plenty of suggestions for plenty of adjustments that will help you decide what, if anything, more you need to do. Personally, I don't like spending other people's money.
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Sep 02, 2015
    If you like the ride damping then the shocks are probably ok. Are you going to tow? is the tow wieght going to be consistant? If you are not going to tow or if you are and the weight is consistant I would probably have a shop add a leaf(s) to the spring pack. If like me your load is going to vary all over the place due to the trailer and how many horses I load, plus with just the tc and no trailer my ride is spot on level and comfortable, airbags may be the better choice.

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