I have a 2008 4WD SuperCrew Lariat that I would like to use to carry a pop up camper. I've read through many (all?) related threads here (great site!) and am ready to proceed with an airbag solution along with shocks, struts and a few other things to refresh the suspension. It has about 160K on OEM equipment.

My payload capacity is about 1,800 lbs. The pop up slide in campers I am looking at are in the 1,600 to 1,800 lb range. That, plus people, gear, etc. will obviously put me over the 1,800 payload capacity of the truck, but shouldn't by more than a few hundred pounds.

I'm not looking to make the truck do something it wasn't designed to do but hoping to get some input on how strictly I need to be concerned with the payload limit, and if there is a reasonable margin in the limit.

 

I can't answer you question but can give some advice if you do forward and that is install a rear anti sway bar. I carry my Yamaha 700 Grizzly ATV in the bed of my truck. Installing the Hellwig brand made a huge difference in handling. Both loaded and unloaded.

 

I believe you are miscalculating your payload. Use the tongue weight of the camper and not the total weight. Many of us pull around 26-30 foot campers with slideouts. You should be plenty fine with a popup on stock suspension.

 

^^^

Right.

Typically, a trailer puts (give or take) 12.5% of its weight on the tongue and that is what takes away from your payload. I’m gandering that pop ups aren’t any different than say compared to boat trailers. So, that’s 200 lbs or so in your case.

If you’re looking at a slide-in camper, that’s a totally different story.

Also, a Lariat 4x4 probably doesn’t pack an 1,800 lb payload. It’s probably a few hundred lbs lower. Check that yellow sticker in the door jamb to be sure.

 

Yes, the Hellwig anti sway bar is one of the items on my list.

I should have clarified further - I meant a slide in pop up camper to carry on the truck. Not a pop up trailer.

Yes, I just looked and you are correct. I was trying to calculate the payload by subtracting the posted curb weight from the GVWR but must have had an incorrect curb weight. I completely looked past the obvious (and easy) yellow sticker. I have a payload rating of 1,347 lbs. Seems to me that running 1800-2000 lbs in a slide in pop up camper plus gear would be pushing the limits, even with airbags. Thoughts?

 

It ain't just about springs. It's also about wheels, tires, axle bearings and a whole bunch of other stuff. Could you get away with it for a few miles, probably. Would I try it long term, probably not. It's a good way to have lots of repair bills. I'd look real hard at some sort of towable RVs. They're easier to set up, won't affect the handling of the truck so much, it leaves the bed for cargo and there's a lot more of them available. Your choice.

 

Thanks for posting about the Hellwig RSB. I replaced all the suspension components on my truck and still felt it had too much body roll, hopefully that will help.

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...SABEgKz4_D_BwE