We have been going to Lake Roosevelt in Eastern Washington for about 18 years now, 16 years to the same campground.

The first few years was with a 76 Chev 3/4, camper and towing a 17' Glasply boat. Then it was with a 84 Ford 3/4, camper and 19' Bayliner. The last two years was with my 4.5 Dodge, 85 10' Kit camper and 19' Bayliner. I had overload springs installed on both the Chev and the Ford, and I have the Firestone airbag system for my Dodge, but haven't had a chance to install it yet. I haven't had a chance to weigh it going over, but did have a chance to weigh it coming back this year. Past years, we were able to weigh it going over and using those numbers, I kinda guessed that my total weight was around 14,500. I weighed it this year coming home and got the following weights: Steer axle - 4560, drive axle - 6760 and boat trailer - 2600 for a total of 13,920, which I am guessing is real close to my guess weight of 14,500 loaded.

Two days after coming home, we went back over with just the truck and I weighed at the same place and got the following weights: Steer axle - 4740 and drive axle - 3140. I was kinda surprised that my steer axle was 160 lighter when loaded with the camper then without, but that could have been due to the tongue weight of the boat trailer.

I also checked the measurements of the truck with the camper and without. With the camper loaded on the truck, measuring through the center of the rear axle to the top of the wheel well, the truck was three inches lower then when empty. I am thinking that with the airbag system on, that should take care of that, and maybe even move some more weight to the front axle.

Before I get slammed for being overweight, I know that already. But I was extremely pleased with the way that this truck handles the camper, and I think I will be even happier with the airbags on. We traveled about 110 miles after leaving home to our first stop (breakfast) and I always check the tire tempuratures when we first stop, and the tires felt cool to the touch, even with all that weight on them.

That's my story and I sticking to it.
DMH

 

Yes the airbags will bring it back up to the same height. My firestone ride-rite bags are rated for 4,000 pounds extra, so once you have them on you can bring the rear end right back up to the exact same height as you were unloaded. The nice thing about the air bags is you only put in air when you need to haul weight, so no ride is effected when empty, well you are supposed to maintain 5 pounds in them, and that you will not even notice.