Shocks for towing camper.

Hello all. I have and 01 extended cab taco and have recently returned to the camping scene. I have traded in the tent for a pop up camper and have a question that I would like some opinions on. I am riding on the original shocks and my camper weighs about 1600 lbs. I was wondering if I should beef those shocks up a bit to accommodate the load of the camper. I'm gonna be upgrading to a camper that weighs 3500 lbs. next summer so, I guess the shocks will be a bigger question at that time. I don't get a bouncy ride with the shocks that are on there now, I just want to be sure to treat my truck right, with it approaching 200,000 miles. Anyway, any thoughts out there on this issue?

 

You can upgrade your leaf spring or get air-bags. Personally i don't think shocks will make a difference unless they are really worn.

 

Another air-bag-like option you could go with are air shocks in the back. This is the route I've gone (mostly for hauling in-bed loads rather than trailers) and I've been very happy. I've run both Monroe (I'm running 820's now with a 2" lift, but for stock height you'll want MA 727's) and Gabriel (I don't recall the exact model) and both have been great. I'd slightly favor the Monroe's as you get a bit more install clearance with them.

I mounted the filler valve behind my fuel door, so it's easily accessible and still "clean" from a look perspective.