DandE wrote:

Most of those that own Dodges don't have a good experience when adding air bags, they seem to work better on Fords & GM's (Brad, how did you miss this - ). It might be better for you to look into overload springs or Timbrens as was suggested by others and the adjustabe Ranchos do help too.

Rangerz wrote:



I have the factory overloads on it already. Will probably just go with the Ranchos and Stable Loads.

jefe 4x4 wrote:

Chris wrote:
I am looking at getting a SB truck camper (Lance 845 or 825) for my '02 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 with a diesel and towing/camper package.
***(jefe writes: We have the same truck. And it looks like you're going with the same or slightly heavier camper than mine. I would say go for the lightest camper you can find. My Lance Lite 165-S weighs around 1800 lbs. with water. It worked well with the stock camper pkg and towing pkg. you have. )

Chris wrote:
As far as I can tell, here is what I need to get to mount the Camper:

1. Tiedowns, will probably go with Torklifts.

2. Air Bags.
***(jefe: Chris, forget airbags. You don't need or want them. Go with Stable Loads. Mine work great, especially with the addition of one ton secondaries)

3. Considering Rancho Shocks.
***(jefe: You already have a good anti-sway bar, so these are the icing on the cake.)

4. Bed Mat.
***(jefe: Get the thinnest, flattest one you can find. Less squirly sway of the box that way. There will be no vertical cab clearance problem with a Lance and an '02 Dodge)

Here are my questions,
1. I will be towing a boat weighing @ 5,000#. Do I need a another hitch such as a Torklift or Reese to handle the hitch extension?
***(jefe: I'm afraid the answer is yes. Your stock hitch is marginal at that weight. Add an extension and you half the towing capy of the hitch. Mine's a Reese Titan V with a 20" ext. to tow my jeep on trailer - 7000 lb.)

2. Is the Camper wiring plug the same as the rear towing plug and can I just splice into the the existing harness?
***(jefe: The main camper wiring female plug and harness is at the L-Front of the camper. You need to buy a complete male camper harness that mounts in a hole inside the left front wall of the P.U. box. You snake the wires down through to the frame and forward to battery power, lights, etc. Actually, I think i did just go straight down to running light, back up light, stop and turn wires coming from the front of the truck. Spliced, soldered, tool dipped. Consider a power shutoff switch (aka: kill switch. Use a large gage red power feed wire. Like No. 8 or even 6. Less voltage drop. All this needs to be installed before your camper is loaded on. You plug it in at the last foot or two of the TC loading sequence, while you can still get to it.)
Since I've already trod the path you are about to take with the same equipment, give me a PM if you need answers pronto.
regards, as always, jefe