Im looking for opinions on how to increase the stability of my truck with a 9.5' truck camper onboard. I am considering replacing the stock overloads with a 6 leaf pack, or adding Timbren overloads. I dont really know enough to have valid opinons on the best setup, but do have a basic gut feeling that the springs, while a little more expensive, would be the better way to go. Anybody have experience with the Timbren overloads?
Thanks in advance for the help....

DuaneW.

 

I had Timbrens on my 2001 1500. They worked very well and did not affect the ride when empty. I think for stabiity though you may want a sway bar unless you already have the factory camper package.

Hondo

 

I'm running a 4 leaf helper spring pack that a commercial truck spring shop installed. They replaced the factory 2 leaf helpers. Works great hauling/handling my 4100 lb camper!

 

Timbrens just aren't by design going to help with sway... All they are doing is holding up the load. On the other hand huge beefy leaf springs should help with sway. What about a huge anti-sway bar and timbrens?

 

Thanks for the responses guys, I do beleive that I am going to go with the 6 leaf overload spring pack. Here local in Columbus Ohio I can get them installed for around $360 vs. $200 for the Timbrens. I just think I'll be more happy with the springs. It seems like the weight will be supported more 'correctly' with the springs than the Timbrens simply because of location, + stiffer overloads will help with axle wrap where the Timbrens wouldn't.
Again, thanks for the responses.

DuaneW.

Edit:

I do have the factory swaybar that comes with the camper package, I think heaver springs and better shocks will control the sway AND improve the truck overall.

 

Roadranger,
An Eagle Cap 950 goes 4100 pounds?? I assume that's wet and loaded for bear?? I was looking at a 95 Coachmen Ranger 11'5" that dries out to about 3200. Another 500+ pounds of gear and I'd still be only 3700, certainly under 4000. the 11'5" is larger than I really want, I am looking to be in the 10' arena.

 

xp8103-
Yeah, I was shocked too when I got onto the truck scale!
That's what made me go with the Rickson 19.5's- rear axle weight is 7250 lbs!

Course, the better half has to pack along EVERYTHING, including a horseshoe pitching set, and I like to travel with the fresh water full up (~400 lbs).

Eagle Cap has changed over to vacuum formed sidewall laminating and a couple of other processes, and claims that the '05 model 950 is 300 lbs lighter than older models.

 

Duanewkkc
the RV.NET web has a big truck camper forum for lots of first hand info. I think the direction your going with bigger spring pack will give better results with the high center of gravity a truck camper puts on a truck[sway]...........JIM