Just bought a Elkhorn slide-in.

[muskyhunter]

Hello. Thanks for the previous info. We purchased a fleetwood Elkhorn 9K (10.5 ft) truck camper (dry wt is 2800#). We own a 2002 Ford F-250 Diesel 7.3L long bed with a camper package. We plan to tow a 16ft Lund boat or a trailer with a ATV. Does anyone foresee problems in my future? I have read that they have had problems with leaks, maybe in the older models (90's). Is this a problem more related to certain models and makes? Any info is greatly appreciated.

[muskyhunter]

Hello. Thanks for the previous info. We purchased a fleetwood Elkhorn 9K (10.5 ft) truck camper (dry wt is 2800#). We own a 2002 Ford F-250 Diesel 7.3L long bed with a camper package. We plan to tow a 16ft Lund boat or a trailer with a ATV. Does anyone foresee problems in my future? I have read that they have had problems with leaks, maybe in the older models (90's). Is this a problem more related to certain models and makes? Any info is greatly appreciated.

[FishinFools]

We have had an Elkhorn for 4 yrs and no problems yet. I found the Rancho shocks and timbren overloads to work the best. I also installed a heavier rear swaybar. We tow a 19ft Jetcraft wherever we go no problem.

[Harald]

Hi Muskyhunter,

Welcome to the forum. I don't see any problems related to your camper brand. All campers are going to have some issues including the possibility of leaks. The key is to do at least a yearly inspection of the roof. Whether it's aluminum, fiberglass or rubber they all have vents or other attachments that need sealed. I like to do a good scrubbing of my rubber roof a couple times a year and then check all the seals. If any sealant is coming loose I pull it off, clean the area and install new sealant. Regular silicone in a tube doesn't work very well. I have had very good luck with Dicor sealant, which is what the manufacturer of EPDM rubber recommends for their roofing material. This white sealant really sticks and remains flexible.

The other issue you'll probably come across is the weight of your camper. I have a 2900 lb dry weight camper that regularly goes over 4000 lbs when loaded up for a trip. You might find that the back of your truck sags too much with the camper loaded and that the truck sways too much when driving (especially when pulling out of a parking lot at an angle where you drop into a little dip). The high center of gravity of a truck camper can really get a truck rocking side to side and it's scary if your not used to it. I highly suggest Firestone Ride-rite airbags to level the truck and help with the sway. Adjustable shocks like the Rancho RS9000 drastically reduce sway, yet can be set for softer dampening when the camper's off the truck and you want a smooth ride. For safety, be especially diligent about checking tire pressures (especially the rears which is where all the camper weight is going). I would run no less than 80 psi in your rear tires, assuming you have E rated tires. If you don't have the highest available weight rated E tires, you better get some because you'll be near or even over your GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) on the rear.

If you haven't already setup your truck with tie downs and hitch extensions, check out the Torklift gear ( www.torklift.com ) for the ultimate camper setup. I have their superhitch and frame mounted tie downs and am very impressed with the strength and quality.