[Payne]

I have been toying with the idea of adding a camper to my toys. I already am hauling a 6,000 boat (sometimes). What should I add to my truck to haul a 10 ft over-cab camper? Air bags, sway bars? I really am just at the idea stage.

 

[BUBBA3M]

I would add some air bags, I did for hauling my 5th wheel. It helped.

 

[BUBBA3M]

BTW, Welcome to the DF!!

 

[Payne]

Thanks! I've been lurking all winter and am ready to join.

 

[Tow Master]

I agree! Id do a set of air bags and you should be good. Maybe a air compressor kit with a incab gauge so you can adjust it when you want :rockin

 

[jc1843]

Air bags will help-- also consider separate fill lines. If they are connected together, they do not help the sway when turning a corner.

 

[GMC4Me]

It depends on how heavy your camper is. Most folks don’t realize how heavy and top-heavy campers are. My last one was 3700 dry and 4300 wet. Setting up a truck to safely tow WITH a camper is not an inexpensive proposition. A good place to start would be the Lance Camper write up on support equipment required for a camper.
LanceCamper.com - Camper Support Equipment

The “tank” side of a camper is always a lot heavier than the other (left or right) so having an auto-leveling airbag system with a “kneel switch” (for when you unload it) is nice.
Air Lift Company - Products - SmartAir

Decent EGT and Oil Temperature gauges should be on your list

You might also want to consider installing sway bars and Sulastic shackles, as well as the highest load rated tires you can get.
YouTube - How Sulastic works
Performance Parts

If you are planning to tow with a camper I would get oversize transmission and differential pans as well as aftermarket transmission and oil coolers. The first long grade that you pull in 100 degree weather you will be glad that you did.

 

[09BLKDUALLY]

Since you are at the idea stage, may I suggest the following: Load range E tires in good condition and a mechanically sound truck: check out the manufacturer's websites for different makes of truck campers (empty and wet weights) before you buy, you will likely need an extension to your truck hitch to clear the overhang of the camper (10'), check out an RV show or your local campsites to see how others are rigged for your intended use. Two other numbers to keep an eye on are GVW, (truck and camper) and GCVW which includes the boat, good luck in your decision.

 

[Payne]

Thanks all. I was considering no more than a 9 ft camper. I am casually looking at a used 8.5 ft Snow River. I should be able to keep the wet weight down to about 3500 with the smaller water and holding tanks. I need a 4-season camper because I plan to use it as a refuge if the power goes out some winter.
I guess I need to plan for air bags and a stabilizer.

Come on refund check!