Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: NEW QUESTION, was: Small lightweight TC for '06 2500 megacab

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Topic: NEW QUESTION, was: Small lightweight TC for '06 2500 megacab

Posted By: SidecarFlip on 12/08/17 03:37pm

Right off the bat you need to make sure the fridge has at least one fan in the upper cavity (if it's a 3 way fridge that is). If it's a compressor fridge, no worry.

Kind of surprised the back door has no window.

Looks good btw.

2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB

Posted By: jat4 on 12/13/17 03:51pm

Debated starting a new thread on this question but thought I'd post here first. Drove the truck with the camper in some pretty high winds today (taking my daughter to the Rochester airport), I was a little surprised at how squirrelly it felt on the roads, especially when taking the gusts against the camper side at 90 degrees and to a lesser degree when driving into a headwind. Allowing for the possibility that I probably just need to get more used to driving the rig, thought I'd ask if folks had any ideas about improving the ride.

Truck at this point is entirely stock--tried doing some searches here and elsewhere online, but nothing definitive. The dealer did emphasize switching over the OEM shocks to Ranchos after a couple of thousand miles, so I'll plan to do that. Would a rear sway bar do any good with a 3500 and a fairly light popup? I've read conflicting opinions about that. Also saw someone mention Timbrens helping with sway/roll in windy conditions.

I'm open for suggestions, including if you think I'm overworrying it at this point. Thanks in advance.

2018 Ram 3500 srw crew 3.73 4x4 6.4L Hemi
2018 Northstar 850sc
2008 Jayco 26L, Reese HP DC WD hitch
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 mega 3.73 4x4 5.9L Cummins, Prodigy, MOPAR power tow mirrors (traded)
2000 F-150 V8 5.4L, Reese Brakeman (died)

Posted By: bcbouy on 12/13/17 05:03pm

upgrade the tires if you're running the stock firestones.i run the ridge grapplers in an f rating with my 850 and towed boat.huge difference.

2012 ram 2500 hemi crew cab sb 4x4 2015 northstar 850 sc 14.5 g3 guide custom fly fishing boat

Posted By: GeoBoy on 12/13/17 05:13pm

Jim, the easiest way to tighten up your suspension would be install a set of Timbrens in the rear of your truck.

Posted By: SidecarFlip on 12/13/17 05:15pm

jat4 wrote:

Interesting. I have none of that with my Palomino I don't even know it's back there unless I look in the mirrors.

But then I have air bags and a sway bar from the factory and much larger than stock tires as well.

Sounds to me like yo need to one..Increase the cross section of your tires, two...install a sway bar and three... get used to hauling a TC. Shocks aren't going to make a lot of difference, I run Skyjacker Mono tube Black Max but I had Rancho's before and I see no difference (except price, Skyjackers are about half what the Rancho's cost and you can buy Skyjacker direct and avoid the middleman markup...

You already have plenty of suspension, think you need to fine tune it a bit and get used to the camper back there.

Posted By: SidecarFlip on 12/13/17 05:20pm

I had no idea what a 'Timbren' was until I looked. You don't need that. You already have plenty of suspension. You don't have an F150 and are trying to haul a hardside Lance. You have a 1 ton with a pop up..... Just like I have...lol

Seems to me that all those would do would make it ride like a lumberwagon. I guess if you want a lumberwagon ride...go for it.

Posted By: jat4 on 12/14/17 06:10am

lol. I appreciate all the responses, and agree that it feels a bit silly asking about mods to a one-ton with only a popup. That said, I think the tires may be the first place to start. That and simply getting used to driving it in the wind some more.

The factory tires are Transforce ATs 275/70/R18s, I've had these on the other trucks and they've been fine. I suppose the tread could also use a bit more wearing in as well. Anyway. If anyone has other thoughts I'd still like to hear them, thanks.

Posted By: GeoBoy on 12/14/17 07:33am

Jim, are you running the recommended tire air pressure for the load?

Posted By: jat4 on 12/14/17 08:40am

GeoBoy wrote:

Jim, are you running the recommended tire air pressure for the load?

75 psi all around, filled them cold before leaving the dealer last week

on edit, checked the door sticker, it says to run the front tires at 60 and rear at 80, maybe dropping the front pressure down a bit would help?

* This post was edited 12/14/17 08:58am by jat4 *

Posted By: Grit dog on 12/14/17 09:19am

jat4 wrote:

Yes, super stiff tires will help. You could even put on 19.5s for that real “lumber wagon” experience, but the current tires are fine. I’ve hauled our much heavier camper around on OE Ram/Firestone tires without issue for the last 2 summers.
Definitely run 80 in back. 60 is fine in front any more pressure will stiffen the handling a bit at the expense of riding rough.
Looking at your pic, I see some decent sag in back. Not too much but contributes to the bounce and sway.
I’d go this order.
1. Rear Sway-bar. Biggest bang for the buck
2. Air bags, helpers, timbrens whatever you choose
3. Tires

2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold

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