I recently purchased a camper for my ext cab short box. Looks like the additional weight when towing my boat is a little too much. What would you recommend to lift the back. A number of people have just said air shocks. I'm not convinced. Would the Air lift kit or helper springs be a better choice? Thanks

 

ya either helper springs, controllalbe air bags, or a superduty

 

I would stay away from the air shocks. An air bag setup would be a million times better.

 

If you use your truck off road I would go a helper spring. Air bags limit articulation and air shocks eventually leak when extended and compressed in off roading.

JMC

 

The problem with any helper spring is that although it may reduce the sag, it doesn't reduce the load on the rear axle. The bearings and axle shafts still need to carry the weight of the vehicle, and unless it's a VERY light camper, odds are you're over on the gross axle weight. A truck scale will tell you for sure for about $8 at any truck stop.

Now, with that in mind, if the truck isn't over-weight, to help keep the back end up, air bags are the way to go. They transfer the weight to the frame via a heavy part of the frame. The shock mounts aren't made to support the weight of the vehicle, so air shocks are a bad idea. Helpers or add-a-leafs are nice, but they also affect the empty ride of the vehicle as well.

-Joe

 

Thanks for the advise, springs or air lifts sounds like my to options. I don't go off road much so air might work, although I found one type of spring that looks pretty easy to install. I'm thinking of the Air Lift by Ride Control or the Self Adjusting Suspension Stabilizer by Super Springs. Anyone deal with either of these?

 

like GIjoecam said helper springs will help with the load but will effect your ride when you dont have a load. i think your best option would be airbags than you can air up and down based on what your carrying. air lift is a good setup...

 

Well I put on the Firestone air bags. Wasn't too bad. Ready for the test.
Thanks for all the input.

 

where did u get them? and how much? im thinking about trying them my self does it affect the ride when empty? thanks

 

Bought them from Suspension Connection $209 Free freight. Took 4 days.
Tried a load of 12 6x8 privacy fence sections last night. With 50lb in each, the load barely made a difference. Factory recommends leaving about 10lb in each with no load. Did that and I get a smoother ride than before. I have to say my shocks probably need replacement though.