camper on 4 cly ranger

pidge · 10-07-2009, 11:09 PM

Hi everyone, I'm new here and have a question.I bought a camper to put on my 07 value leader p/u( 4 cly 5sd) that weighs approx 800 lb.I havn't put it on the p/u yet but I know I'll have to do some work to the rear suspention. What will be the most inexpensive way to beef up the rear?.Thanks Rodger

theoldwizard · 10-08-2009, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidge

What will be the most inexpensive way to beef up the rear?.

Add one extra leaf to the springs.

pidge · 10-10-2009, 08:20 PM

Thanks for the advice.The local auto parts store Lordco suggested menro shocks on the rear would do the trick . I asked a couple of different guys and the rest said add a spring.I put the camper on the other day to see how the 4 cyl would perform and it surprised me how well it did. The camper is about 1300 lbs (older style) and the little p/u hauled it with no problem. I will say though that the back end was sagging alot.With one spring any idea how much weight it would hold?.Thanks Rodger

theoldwizard · 10-11-2009, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidge

Thanks for the advice.The local auto parts store Lordco suggested menro shocks on the rear would do the trick.

Shocks, by themselves, never correct a sag.

New shocks are still a good idea as they will help with the swaying you will get from side gust of wind.

Check the maximum load capacity listed on the side of your tires. You may be exceeding that limit with the camper and all of your camping things (and driver and passenger). Find a public scale and get it weighted !

Rick_101 · 10-10-2009, 08:53 PM

Air shocks might help. However adding a leaf is a better bet.

kdr358 · 10-10-2009, 10:27 PM

I wouldn't advise towing a trailer that size Even though its 1300lbs That is still alot of stress on such a small engine especially over long distances, Its a great deal of weight and added stress on the breaks, Transmission,engine, etc.. It just dosent seem to me like there would be alot of control coming from the front end. Granted its not going to destroy the truck if you do so but thats just my take on it. I like pulling the trailer up a hill not the trailer pushing me down the hill.

pidge · 10-12-2009, 11:09 AM

Thanks kdr 358 for the input but here in canada a camper is a slide in unit for the p/u box.It is a lot of weight but the p/u seems to pull it easy and I'm not planning any long trips.I'ts just for my boy and I to camp in the wilderness while dirt bike riding,I'm getting to old for the tent thing. If I knew I was going to get a camper I would have stepped up on the p/u and got something a bit better suited.Being a value leader p/u I don't want to spend too much doe because it is what it is but a couple of leaf springs won't break the budget.

theoldwizard · 10-12-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pidge

Being a value leader p/u I don't want to spend too much doe because it is what it is but a couple of leaf springs won't break the budget.

Keep your speed down probably below 100 kph.

Watch out for wind gusts, especially from trucks going the opposite way.

If you are still getting a lot a sway, replace the shocks with the best HD one you can buy.

wwest · 10-12-2009, 04:05 PM

Adding air shocks(***) at the rear would allow you to adust the ride heigth differently according to the camper being on or not. Handling also improves as you inflate the shocks more and more, something you might want with that much weight on board.

*** A standard shock absorber but with an inflatable air bladder.

theoldwizard · 10-12-2009, 05:00 PM

I'm not a fan of air shocks. I have seen too many fail.

I'm you want to go that way use Air Lift air spring. Nice because if you take the camper off you can remove some air and get back to the original ride.

If your an average shade tree mechanic, these are not too difficult to install (instructions) Don't waste the money on the on board compressor.