Slide-In Camper for 2.7L 1st Gen

One saved round: You may not mind the unloaded ride of the heavier duty springs, so if keeping the factory ride isn't a big deal for you, adjust fire accordingly.

Cheers!

Dan

 

Hi all! Sorry for the delay. Been a busy couple of weeks. So, i believe i have found a camper that I like. Will fit my bed lengthwise, and it weighs in a 950 pounds. I plan to get that weight down to 700 at the heaviest by removing components i won’t need for this project. Now comes the part where i need to build up the truck so i can go pick this thing up next month.

So, in terms of the air leveling bags, i think I’m going to go with these:

https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4607

my question is this (and sorry that it’s such a beginner question)... do I need to purchase a compressor as well? If so, which would you all suggest?

In terms of the added leaf springs, my plan is to begin by getting the airbags installed and the camper on there, and see how it does for a few 30ish mile drives this winter... test it up and down hills, on highway, all that stuff. At that point, if i want a firmer ride, I’ll add in a more beefed up leaf system, but I plan to try with just airbags first, and then if needed move to leafs as well. Does this make sense, or would any of you advise against this order of operations? For you pro-leaf springers out there, any brand/size you’d recommend for a 700 (dry weight) slide in camper making a 15k mile journey in the back of an 02 taco?

thanks again you guys! I really appreciate you all lending your wisdom!
Ryan

 

$317 Air Lift 59537 RideControl fits 1995 2004 Tacoma 4WD | Eliminates Squat, Trailer Sway, Rough Ride & Bottoming Out | Up to 2000 lb. Load Leveling Capacity

https://www.amazon.com/LIFT-59537-C...37------------&vehicleName=2002+Toyota+Tacoma

I think the firestone bags will work just fine. I have personally installed the airlift bags from the above link in a friend's truck--they worked fine. If you want to get all fancy, you can get the compressor, in-cab control, etc. I'd just route the lines to the terminus you prefer and use a bicycle floor pump. The little 12v compressors from Harbor freight work fine too. Of the two of them, get the bigger one if you'll ever be airing your tires down and then wanting to re-inflate. The little one will overheat after 2.5 tires.

Cheers!

Dan