I'm looking at an older popup truck camper to put on my truck for some camping this summer. It is 1200# so I am thinking I should be able to haul it. I will also be pulling a 20 foot bass boat with a tandem axel trailer, it doesnt have a whole lot of tongue weight (due to the tandem axels), and pulls pretty easy.
So, what do you guys think, can I handle all this on a stock 1500 with 3.93 gears? I dont want to have to add airbags or anything else, the camper is a good deal, and I dont like to pass up good deals...

thanks

 

you shouldn't have too much of a problem, but why are you opposed to adding a set of inexpensive air bags? They'll really level the truck and actually make trailering a lot safer...

 

I guess I've never looked into airbags, I always figured they were expensive... Maybe I will look into 'em
Will I have a lot of sag without them? Or do they just keep the side/side sway down?

 

airbags are definitely inexpensive. i think saw some new for like $200 and they were really good. they should keep your truck from sagging down and the ride should be better when towing

 

between a camper shell and the boat, I'd imagine you'd get a good bit of sag, the bags will keep it level. The kit I have runs around $200 and takes about two hours to install in the driveway, a bit longer if you opt for an on-board compressor and/or auto level kit...

http://www.airliftcompany.com/ride_control.html

 

so how do i fill the bags if i dont have an onboard compressor? with an airhose? where is the fill valve located? is the ride any different with no load?
thanks for your help hammer

 

yep, any air hose. You mount the valve wherever it's convenient. with no load, you run with a minimum of air, you use however much air you need to level as you add weight. The set I have provide 2000# level capacity. So that basically means 2000# in the bed and/or on the tongue. Plenty, although they do make 5000# kits.

 

hammer- i see you mounted your brackets on, is that better than drilling through the frame?

 

I believe he actually welded his brackets on.

 

I just don't like drilling into the frame when I don't have to. I don't plan on ever removing the bags, and if I sell the truck, I can't imagine anyone having a problem with the truck having air bags. If needed, everything can come off easily except the upper brackets...