Ok, haven't replied because I've been busy getting info. Thanks for replying guys. I have some info for you guys on the trailer and truck. Thing I noticed... the wheel well marks on the camper clearly told me that the camper was being used on a bed slightly shorter than mine in the past. So I got in contact with the guy who sold it to me to see what was going on here. He bought, and stored it in his barn, but never really used it, from his friend who was the only other owner. I called his friend, an older guy.
Told me that he used the camper on a 2500 series ford 6.5 foot box and even on a 2001 Silverado 1500HD crew cab with a very SHORt (5.5ft) box. Says (not sure how true) it was originally made for a 6.5 or an 8ft. Says brackets are diagonal, not in line with the anchors to give it more tension. Again, this is what he was saying, not necessarily true, but he certainly used it like this.
At any rate, trailer tag:
built by West Coast leisure homes limited
model: IM80W, serial 923515.
Camper mass 740kg with standard equipment including 77L of water, 18kg bottled gas, 85L refrigerator.
Center of weight marker is about 3/4 to 1 foot in front of the rear wheel on my truck.
As for the truck, keep in mind guys, i'm new to carrying heavy, but not to pulling heavy. Truck is a higher end 1500, rated to pull 8700lbs, and because of the fact that I used to often pull heavy loads, I installed well rated, taller oversized tires for the job and have a lower gear ratio and crossbars to strengthen the frame. Brake and power I'm not worried about because I pull much much heavier, and could barely feel the thing affect power or braking.
But I am worried about stability and control, so maybe someone can tell me by the model if this thing really is meant for a 6.5 foot box. And, if it is, I'll go and have it weighed, loaded, as you guys suggested to see if it is within reason. If it is, then doesn't it make sense just to upgrade the suspension? Or are you all still against that notion? Selling and re-buying is a very last resort. i like my custom truck. 5.3l engine, Have it upgraded and have a several tunes with hardware, one making it capable of doing 24mpg on the highway. 2500 series won't pull those figures
