Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Truck Campers: Air Bags Necessary?
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 > Air Bags Necessary?

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egarant

Mission Viejo CA

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Posted: 04/27/23 11:46am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

My fridge, fresh water (50g), and single slide are all on one side (passenger side) of my Eagle Cap 950 truck camper, and as such it lists about 3/4” to the passenger side.
Is this a concern I need to address with airbags or not enough to worry about?

Thanks so much,
Mr. E


2021 FORD F350 dually 4x4 with 4.30 gears
2013 Eagle Cap 950
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Grit dog

Black Diamond, WA

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Posted: 04/27/23 01:25pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Unless it bothers you, visually, it’s all about how it handles.
I’m guessing it sags enough now to hit the overloads and help with stability.
Consider if you raise it at all it takes load off the overloads and affects body roll negatively.
Which is easily remedied by adding stable loads or shimming the overload. But another thing to add.


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Grit dog

Black Diamond, WA

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Posted: 04/27/23 01:27pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

But I know what you mean and being on the downhill side of the road crown it is a bit more noticeable. I typically ran a little more air in the passenger side.
But again if you like how it handles then you’re really only doing it for looks.

JimK-NY

NY

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Posted: 04/27/23 04:53pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have a similar issue with my TC. The water tank is shifted towards the passenger side so that about 2/3 of the tank is on that side. The refrigerator and generator compartment are also on the passenger side. I have never had an issue with the extra weight on the passenger side but I do try to load any additional items on the driver's side.

The amount of list you measured is pretty small compared with the variation in road surfaces. For example, the standard road has a crowned surface that drops about 1/2" per foot or 4" for the roughly 8' width of your camper. We are so used to this, we don't even notice.

BTW, my experience with airbags was horrible. I got a lot of bounce and had to set my Rancho shocks at the highest setting to tame that somewhat. Unfortunately that high shock setting made for a jarring ride. If you really feel the need to level the camper, I would recommend SuperSprings. They can be easily adjusted to level the ride from left to right.

jimh406

Western MT

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Posted: 04/27/23 05:06pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I don't think it is that bad. Many trucks ride with that much of a lean without anything in them.

It is possible to make airbags ride horribly, but they also can make the ride better if they are adjusted to the right pressure.I like having them, but I've never bothered to adjust left to right lean based by the pressure. I always run the same pressure on both sides. I also use extended bump stops to engage the helper springs instead of just riding on the air bags.


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Geo*Boy

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Posted: 04/27/23 08:30pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Use the double convolute Timbrens not the severe duty kit.

Grit dog

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Posted: 04/28/23 10:35am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Geo*Boy wrote:

Use the double convolute Timbrens not the severe duty kit.


He’s not looking for more overall spring capacity. So it wouldn’t make sense to add Timbrens and make the ride more harsh. I love Timbrens for what they are but not unless he needs to shore up the rear suspension overall.

biggjb

ottawa

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Posted: 05/08/23 03:24pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have question on whether I should get the auto leveling type air bags with onboard compressor or just the normal air bags but have two values so I can adjust the pressure on each side. My only concern is when driving the weight of the camper may shift and the auto leveling system could compensate. The plain air bags which I set the pressure are considerably cheaper...

wnjj

Cornelius, Oregon

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Posted: 05/08/23 10:37pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Did you have someone measure the lean while you were in the driver's seat? That may help offset it some. I know I outweigh my wife enough to help balance our EC950 a bit more.

jimh406

Western MT

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Posted: 05/09/23 06:42am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

biggjb wrote:

I have question on whether I should get the auto leveling type air bags with onboard compressor or just the normal air bags but have two values so I can adjust the pressure on each side. My only concern is when driving the weight of the camper may shift and the auto leveling system could compensate. The plain air bags which I set the pressure are considerably cheaper...


I don't have an onboard compressor, but from what I understand some can control each side independently. Most will suggest separate controls either with/without onboard compressor is very useful.

However, with my setup, I've always run the same psi on each side. I don't find it very hard to adjust the bags with a small pump. My current truck has the connection in the finder wells while my previous truck had the connections inside the fuel door. I find the fender well fill locations a bit better. Either would be accessible with TC on, but I think shorter hoses at the fender wells is probably better.

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