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Thanks to MelloMike’s excellent intro article on suspension upgrade options, I am NOT running out to buy stuff… so here’s the situation and hopefully we can get steered in the right direction on the type of upgrade needed. thx forum!
2017 Ram 2500 Cummins 4×4 shortbed, swapped out with an aluminum EBY flatbed. Otherwise it is still the completely stock (coil springs rear) suspension, wheels & tires. Truck weighs 7,990 with near-empty fuel tank. Camper is a DIY composites build. 6’3″ tall, and 7’square footprint sitting on the flatbed. Fully outfitted (bedding/galley/bathing) but with tanks dry, it weighs 1,050 lbs. Total dry is 9,040. “Wet” will add: 220 for diesel, 240 for water, 40 sewer = 9,540 before food, clothing, 2 adults, 1 labrador, puts us at truck’s door sticker GVWR 10,000. (front axle GAWR = 6,000 & rear = 6,500).
The truck accepts the camper nicely, with about 1.5″ of suspension drop upon install. Weight in the camper is all mounted as low as possible. 30gal water, cassette toilet, battery, diesel heater, grey tank, dometic fridge are all at floor level. It drives predictably and will roll side-to-side a bit from uneven spots in the road. BUT, a recent freeway-speed (60mph for me) drive in a 25+mph cross wind on I-10 uncovered a dangerous sway, feeling like the wind would push us sideways or tip it all over. I’ve driven big campers and some motorhomes, and this feels like an insufficient sway bar to me. The camper is not top-heavy in itself, but with the very high flatbed deck the windage is way above the road. I don’t want to lift the truck any higher, except maybe level up the nose a bit as we get upgraded front shocks.
OK, so given all these factoids, how do I need to beef up the truck?
Thanks from Greg in northern Cal.
Well, what I’d do (and DID!) on my former 2500 LB Ram was to install Tembrens…
Timbrens are essentially cylindrical hollow rubber blocks and are very easy to install atop the axle…Note however that a ‘proper install’ requires about 3/4” of space (when unloaded) between the top of the Timbren and the truck frame rail…
You won’t even notice them when unloaded, but I would avoid their HD model because it’s meant mostly for the most severe loading…
They are available from etrailer and guaranteed for life…
Phil
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