Should I use heavier leaf springs or air bags?

[f_skinner]

Hello all, this is my first post here and I am glad I found this site. I will be picking up a FWC Grandby and will use it on my 2004 F250 Diesel 4X4 long box truck (regular cab). I think the Grandby with options I am getting comes to about 1300 to 1400 lbs. The camper will stay in the truck most of the time.

Should I look into leaf springs or air bags?

If so what are my options out there?

Thanks for any replies. This is my first RV of any kind so I may have more stupid questions.

Frank

 

[Northern Explorer]

Hello all, this is my first post here and I am glad I found this site. I will be picking up a FWC Grandby and will use it on my 2004 F250 Diesel 4X4 long box truck (regular cab). I think the Grandby with options I am getting comes to about 1300 to 1400 lbs. The camper will stay in the truck most of the time.

Should I look into leaf springs or air bags?

If so what are my options out there?

Thanks for any replies. This is my first RV of any kind so I may have more stupid questions.

Frank

Just my opinion but I choose airbags with my setup. See post #143 and #148 of my build.

It's hard to know how much the back of your truck is going to squat until you have the camper actually in the truck. The adjustability of the air bags is what sold it for me. You can not only adjust the pressure to suit the load but you can also adjust it to suit the road conditions (higher pressure on pavement lower pressure of pavement). You will also be able to adjust the back end back to a normal setting when you do take the camper off.

I have firestone airbags and have been happy with them.

 

[f_skinner]

Thank you. I just researched the air bags you posted and they seem to be pretty good. BTW: I enjoyed your trip report to Colorado.

 

[Marc1]

Hi there,
I have an 07 F350 with a icon leveling kit and stock rear suspension and carry an ATC Cougar full time. So far I have been happy with this set up and have only gone to better rear shocks.

marc

 

[Northern Explorer]

Yeah, I would see how it sits before you buy anything.

 

[Expedition Key]

Airbags without a doubt, Firestone Ride Rites, $295 and you have total control over your load carrying and ride. The only downside is lack of articulation, but you still get enough for pretty intense wheeling. Carli makes some long travel airbags, but I think only for Dodge. If you put heavy prings to match the ride with your camper on, when it's off, it will beat you to death.

http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/77A4899A3581764.aspx?kc=ffsku

Kye

 

[SLO_F-250]

Hey Frank! I got a 99 F-250 I put a skamper in. I put a leveling kit on it, and when I have the camper, and supplies on it the rear end barely moves. My guess is the whole thing weighs in at about 1200-1400lbs pending on the gear load.

As of right now Im not planning on adding airbags. Just going to get new shocks as it drives very nice still. I would say do a trip or two and see how it feels, you have a nice big heavy duty truck for the "lighter" setup. Cheers!

 

[f_skinner]

Wow, thanks for all the information. It looks like I found the right web forum. I am not sure what a "leveling kit" is or what is involved so I will search around a little. My plan was to go to a camper place local today and talk to the people there as well. You all have given me some great ideas to ask more questions. I had jury duty this morning (I did not get picked) and have a hot water heater installation inspection some time today, then I can get out a bit.

I am really looking forward to picking up my camper in June and will take a leisurely route home from WI to Colorado to try out my first RV.

Thanks again all,

Frank

 

[HMR]

I recently bought a camper with a new set of Firestone's already installed. First time I've ever used airbags. I love them! The camper weight changes quite a bit between empty and loaded. The air bags allow for a comfortable, consistent ride regardless of load. I can also use them to level the vehicle if the campisite is uneven.

 

[rynosurf]

I have had Firestones and Airlifts, I prefer the Firestones but they both work well and are pretty similar. I wouldn't worry about the articulation issue, they do alright and I'm sure you are not going to be flexing out a f250 too much. The other nice thing about airbags is that you can adjust them for a trailer load too.

 

[davidv]

The bottom line is if your camper will be mounted to the truck 100% of the time the spring upgrade will be an ok and low budget choice. If you will be using the truck without the camper the upgraded springs will make the ride very harsh. Airbags give you lots of versatility.

If you do the airbags go for an onboard compressor and tank, with cab controls. You'll find that different setting work in different situation. When I'm off-road and am concerned about articulation I soften the bags 20lbs. You also have the benefit of being able you use the tank to air up and down tires.

Leveling lift question: Most stock pickups have more suspension lift in back (usually about a 2" difference)so that when they are loaded or sagging the truck will sit relatively level. A leveling lift, lifts the front to same height as the rear when unloaded, allowing for larger tires and if vanity is a factor (it is for me) a much better look. Bilstien makes a good and affordable one, and Icon makes a more expensive, more performance oriented one (for Fords).

 

[Harp]

Good advice here.

Having had trucks with both the advice in the forum is excellent. I had a Lance camper (very heavy) on a Dodge with air bags and cab controls. It was great. I now have a Flippac on a Tacoma which is full time mounted and do just fine with helper springs because it only weighs 450 lbs loaded. I would go with the bags for a heavier camper, anything over 1000 lbs.