A Question About Truck Campers and Shocks

I recently received the following question about shock absorbers and ride stability when hauling a truck camper:

Hi Mike,

I wanted to contact you on your choice of Shocks. I have been looking at three: KYB, Rancho and Bilstien. I have a Ford F-350 dually with a Lance 980. On our last trip coming back from the desert I had to pull off the freeway because the truck felt as if I was inches from certain disaster. It would not stay on the road. Truck wandered lanes, influenced by wind and passing cars and trucks. It was scary, bottom line. I am planning a trip to the lakes above Bishop, California in August. I am going to replace the shocks before I go. I wanted your feedback on the Bilstien 4600’s. Were they stable with a heavy truck camper? Overall just wanted to ask you what you thought of them. Thanks a lot.

Joe in California

Joe, the three shock absorber brands you mentioned are great. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. I prefer and use the Bilstein 4600s because of their firmness and durability. They are a little stiff without the camper mounted, but they do great keeping the truck camper stable over uneven surfaces and in strong winds on the highway. I highly recommend them. The shocks will probably solve your “wandering” problem too, but if they don’t, try a set of Torklift Stableloads or a Hellwig Big Wig sway bar on the rear axle.