Suspension upgrade for f-150

[JCAMERON]

I just recently purchased a pickup camper that I plan to use with my 1997 f-150 XL. I scored a sweet deal on this camper so I sent a friend to go pick it up with my truck. When he came back my truck was squatting real hard with that camper in the back.

My question is; what would be the most effective way to compensate for this. Would like to keep this under $600-700, but i do want to insure that my truck will be able to haul this thing willout worries. I really wouldn't mind a rough ride if I need to firm up the suspension. Tips? Suggestions? Thanks

[mathews4ever]

look into some helper springs or just add an extra leaf to each side. That should get you what you want and you should have no trouble keeping it under your budget.

[deadeye]

JCAMERON,
Look into air shocks.  For a couple hundred you can get just what you need.  For a little more you can get ones that have a built in inflater.  Just push a button on the dash and up or down she goes.   Probably not needed if you just use the camper occasionally.   Cheap and easy to install.

[rvdoc]

I would use the Timbren overloads. They are like a rubber boot that goes were your exixting one is on the frame only it is thicker and longer. It doesn't effect the ride with no load on, only with a load on. I used them to move 35 ft fith wheels and they really made a difference. I have used overload spring (changes your ride when empty) and air springs (always seems to be isues with air lines breaking in cold). The Timbren seemed to be the best and they have lifetime warranty and were under $200.00. Great and simple product and easy installation. Just an idea.

[thunderpout]

I need to beef up my suspension on my GMC Canyon for occasional heavy loads also, I talked to CTA in Ham Lake about it and they recomended the Timbren SES's or Supersprings, both do not affect the ride when unloaded, unlike your typical helper springs... for my vehicle, timbrens are about $350 installed, Supersprings about $450 inst.  the next step up are Firestone airbags which are used on semis (more heavy duty application) and they go for $700-800.... I was gonna go the air shock route, but a few friends and the guys at CTA said theyre not so hot in cold conditions, and have leakage issues, but they are a bit cheaper....

[thunderpout]

Has anyone used any of these on their vehicle?  I'd be curious to hear what you think of them.

[Randy Kaar]

i have installed a few of the supersprings for people buying
pickup campers. they dont raise the truck any, but really help
when weight is put on the truck. dollar for dollar probably your
best bet.

randy

[thunderpout]

Thanx BH... I think Im gonna go tht route when I can afford to... gotta get it done before the Poutfest when we'll be hauling tons of  up onto the lake.... ummmm would ya like to help a fellow MNO guy put a pair on his truck? Is there a MNO discount?

[Randy Kaar]

i dont work at the RV place anymore... try camperworld.com
you could buy it online and have it shipped. i could give you
a hand with the install, fairly easy.

randy