Rangerz
Henderson, NV
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Joined: 07/10/2009
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I have been lurking on this site for a while trying to gain as much info as I can, and would like to thank everyone for the wealth of info on here.
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.
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.
3. Considering Rancho Shocks.
4. Bed Mat.
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?
2. Is the Camper wiring plug the same as the rear towing plug and can I just splice into the the existing harness?
3. Why are fun things so expensive?
Thanks for any input.
Chris
2002 Dodge Quad Cab SB 4x4 Diesel
2005 Ranger Z21
2010 Polaris RZRS
2002 Dodge Quad Cab 2500 4x4 Diesel
2005 Ranger Z21
2010 Polaris RZR S
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Jumbo Jet
Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
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Joined: 04/29/2005
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Rangerz wrote:I have been lurking on this site for a while trying to gain as much info as I can, and would like to thank everyone for the wealth of info on here.
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.
As far as I can tell, here is what I need to get to mount the Camper:
1. Tiedowns, will probably go with Torklifts. Good choice
2. Air Bags. Without overload springs - good choice. With overload springs, I would just use Stableloads.
3. Considering Rancho Shocks. Good choice
4. Bed Mat. Needed, but might still have to raise camper 1/2 to 3/4"
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? I am using OEM receiver on a 2008 and pulling a 5200 lb. trailer - no problems after several thousand miles. There was a recall on one of the Dodge OEM receiver hitch. Don't remember what year
2. Is the Camper wiring plug the same as the rear towing plug and can I just splice into the the existing harness? No - convert from 6 pin to 7 pin needed
3. Why are fun things so expensive? Laws of economics - Needs vs. wants
Thanks for any input.
Chris
2002 Dodge Quad Cab SB 4x4 Diesel
2005 Ranger Z21
2010 Polaris RZRS
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 1999 Lance 1030 - Torklift Tiedowns, Stableloads, Derringers, Pigtail - Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar - Rickson 19.5" Aluminum wheels - Michelin XRV tires
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cewillis
Tucson, az, usa
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Joined: 01/24/2005
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You don't necessarily need air bags, and I for one would try other approaches first. If you have a top overload spring, then stable loads as Jumbo Jet says. If not, I would seriously try to get one. If that is absolutely not an option, I'd probably use Timbrens.
Cal
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TCcruzn
Santa Cruz, CA
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Joined: 04/11/2009
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My Lance 830 requires a 24" extension for towing. I imagine the 845 will be close to that. I would not tow 5000# without an engineered extension. Remember that you will now be putting alot of other gear in the boat (firewood, chairs, coolers) that might have gone in truck before. Your boat might get to 6000# real quick.That will put a lot of torque on the OEM hitch that it is not designed for. Superhitch is an excellent solution and integrates with the holdowns as well.
2005 F250 4x4 CC SB V10
2008 Lance 830
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jwolff
Pasco, Washington
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Joined: 01/28/2008
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Go with the Superhitch for that nice boat. It is not worth the risk of totalling a $30k+ boat and possibly killing somebody if that boat got loose because of some backyard extension. I for one can tell you it is real easy to forget to put a pin in the hitch or some other stupid thing that you have never done before in 1000+ hookups. And when that stupid action does happen you need all the strength possible to keep things under control and be able to get everything stopped on the side of the road.
I believe a Superhitch and extension will run you around $800 but they are worth it.
John
John
2001 Ford F350 dually, crew, 4x4, 7.3
2007 Arctic Fox 990
1995 Champion Bass Boat
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BradW
Flat Rock, Alabama
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Joined: 10/29/2001
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I would do a lot of research before I put that much weight in your SRW truck and then put that much tongue weight on a long extended hitch.
Have you weighed your truck? If so, how much weight did you have on your rear axle and what are the rear axle and tire weight ratings?
How long will your hitch extenion be?
Brad
Internet forums only exist to serve their members; never the other way around.
1996 Lance 500 and 2006 F-350 PSD 4X4 DRW
Our Truck Camper Photos........Visit the RV.net Blogs
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Rangerz
Henderson, NV
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Joined: 07/10/2009
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BradW wrote:I would do a lot of research before I put that much weight in your SRW truck and then put that much tongue weight on a long extended hitch.
Have you weighed your truck? If so, how much weight did you have on your rear axle and what are the rear axle and tire weight ratings?
How long will your hitch extenion be?
Brad
Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate everyones recommendations.
I have not weighed the truck yet. I realize I am looking at a lot of weight. That it is one of the reasons I was thinking about going with the 825 due to its lower weight, @ 800# less.
I have E rated Mich. tires. GVW 8800#. Rear axle 6084#. Hitch Ext,@24".
Chris
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Wasatch Lance
Park City, Utah
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Joined: 02/11/2005
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A few suggestions:
If your truck doesn't have a rear anti-sway bar, I would definitely add one.
I'm a fan of air bags and would recommend them also. You don't have to go "whole hog" with the onboard air system, which cuts the price down considerably.
I also really like the Rancho 9000 shocks. For the last several years they have run a special in April or so for a "buy three-get one free" deal. Sam's Off Road typically has a great price on that package.
2002 F-350 CC 4X4 PSD, Stage II Injectors, Garrett BB Turbo, AFE Air Cleaner, Chip, 4" Exhaust, Gauges, Extra Leaf Springs, Air Lift Bags, Hellwig Sway Bars, Rancho RS9000XL shocks, American Racing Wheels, Toyo M/T Tires (4,300 lb rating),
2003 Lance 1121
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Rangerz
Henderson, NV
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Wasatch Lance wrote:A few suggestions:
If your truck doesn't have a rear anti-sway bar, I would definitely add one.
I'm a fan of air bags and would recommend them also. You don't have to go "whole hog" with the onboard air system, which cuts the price down considerably.
I also really like the Rancho 9000 shocks. For the last several years they have run a special in April or so for a "buy three-get one free" deal. Sam's Off Road typically has a great price on that package.
Truck came with a "camper package" which includes a sway bar so that is at least one thing I don't have to get.
I have heard good things about the Rancho shocks and the Airbags aren't that pricey by themselves. As you mentioned, it drives the price up when you start adding the various controllers.
Thanks for the reply,
Chris
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DandE
WI, but looking for a better place
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Joined: 02/19/2002
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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.
Dale & Ellen
2005 Dodge Quad Cab 3500 5.9 CTD 4X4 Long Bed w/Tonneau cover
2002 Shadow Crusier 862 Short Bed Truck Camper, A/C
2008 Polaris X2 500 ATV
2004 Bayliner 185 BR
2002 Honda VTX1300
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