Rear Suspension for Added Rear Weight?

[Romp-A-Taco]

Hello, I currently have the Bilstein 5100 Rear Shocks and I'm considering buying a camper shell for my long bed. I do a bit of off-road adventures and want to make sure to maintain rear height for clearance. If anyone with experience on this matter could provide some guidance that would be great.

I'm looking for the lowest cost route while maintaining performance. I would like to retain the shocks I have if possible and just ad a leaf, but I'm not sure if the shocks would be fine or need to be replaced if I add a leaf? Also, are their any other suspension components I should consider to support the weight of a camper?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ShikyoX]

Hello, I currently have the Bilstein 5100 Rear Shocks and I'm considering buying a camper shell for my long bed. I do a bit of off-road adventures and want to make sure to maintain rear height for clearance. If anyone with experience on this matter could provide some guidance that would be great.

I'm looking for the lowest cost route while maintaining performance. I would like to retain the shocks I have if possible and just ad a leaf, but I'm not sure if the shocks would be fine or need to be replaced if I add a leaf? Also, are their any other suspension components I should consider to support the weight of a camper?

Thanks in advance.

• How much would this camper shell weigh ?
• Would this camper shell be on full time ?
• Is the your truck currently lift ?

If the shell will be on most of the time I would replace your leaf pack made for the added weight
https://deaverspring.com
Would be able to make a awesome pack
If you want to keep this on the cheap then I would suggest some airbags

Airlift
https://www.airliftperformance.com/...gAiJWl-5K4gyNvDh0TjnegPnaRImA4esaApLHEALw_wcB


Firestone ride rite
https://riderite.com
That way when the shell is on air up until level, shell off air out

In most case you will not have to replace your shocks

 

[Mr. Nobody]

Camper or shell? Because a camper will likely with a lot more than a shell.

If it's just a shell you will likely be fine with just an add a leaf to keep the truck level. I personally would want to replace the whole leaf pack, but that's not 100% necessary and is was more expensive. Full leaf pack is also good if you do plan to camp with it, you'll likely load the truck up with gear and then the truck will sag on the factory springs or the add a leaf.

Whichever way you go the 5100's will work great until you decide to upgrade some other time.

 

[Romp-A-Taco]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the response. I guess I should have been a bit more specific. Yes, I am considering a shell, like the Leer, ARE, or Snugtop brands. None of those companies have weight information easily accessible on their website, but I found something online that says they range about 300 - 400 pounds.

@Mr. Nobody Thanks for the info good to know I can consider an add a leaf or replacing the whole pack.
@ShikyoX Thanks for your info too. I guess as your build gets heavier and if weight becomes more of a variable on each trip, air suspension would make a lot of sense.