Community Forums

Jimmytruck · 01-23-2007, 12:44 PM

I'm considering buying a 1999 Fleetwood Elkhorn 8R from my neighbor, but I'm not sure if the lift on the truck will cause sway problems. Does anyone have experience with this?

Jimmytruck · 01-23-2007, 12:44 PM

I'm considering buying a 1999 Fleetwood Elkhorn 8R from my neighbor, but I'm not sure if the lift on the truck will cause sway problems. Does anyone have experience with this?

BradW · 01-23-2007, 04:05 PM

I don't have a heavy truck camper on a truck with an 8" lift, but I will venture a guess that it will increase the sway significantly. It may not be a complete show stopper. You would have a considerable amount of sway with that camper in your truck even with the stock suspension.

You are also going to have some added dificulties loading and unloading because the jacks will be too short for you bed height.

You will probably have set the jack legs on some concrete blocks or something to raise it up enough to back under it.

Good Luck,
BradW

Big D 4X4 · 01-23-2007, 07:54 PM

You are definately going to have some challenges. I cannot get mine into the truck without blocks and you are 2" higher. You can stop the sway with enough mods but you cannot change the center of gravity. At some point it will just be unsafe. Not sure if 8" is the number(if the camper is light enough) but I know at 6" I have to be very carefull. Another thing to consider is tires. Most are not E load rated and cannot safely handle a full load (which is what most TC's hit). The thought of having a blowout that drops one tire 8-12" is a little scary. The only other thing, I can think of, is getting into the camper. I had a hard time finding steps high enough to get into mine. I needed a five step scissor step you will probably need more.

Jimmytruck · 01-24-2007, 03:43 AM

Thanks for the feedback. The dry wieght of the camper is 2500lbs. I have 20" wheels with 38" tires that are E rated, but I'm considering putting my stock wheels and tires back on when traveling with the camper. This will lower the truck significantly, but the down side is that it will also make the stance a little narrower. Just want to make sure that I'm not completely insane trying to put one of these in a truck that is lifted.

Big D 4X4 · 01-25-2007, 08:31 AM

Hey Jimmytruck,
What tires do you have? The selection of E rated 35"+ tires is VERY low. I'd like to know what they are so maybe I can use them next time around. I have Nitto MG and would like something a little less noisy next time.

Jimmytruck · 01-26-2007, 03:44 AM

Big D, They are a fairly new tire, Kumho Roadventure MT 38 X 15.50 X 20. Here is the link to their website and specs: http://www.kumhousa.com/tiresubcateg...entId=2&id=22#

Jimmytruck · 01-26-2007, 03:48 AM

Forgot to tell you that they are very smooth and quiet on the road. Another question for you: how do I ensure that it is safe to put the camper in this truck and travel down the highway? I believe you mentioned Center of Gravity issues, can I do anything to help this?

Big D 4X4 · 01-26-2007, 08:25 AM

unfortunately no E's in the 17" rim size. Well the hunt goes on.
As far as center of gravity. That is a point somewhere on the camper that is where exacly half of the weight is in front of the line and half behind. Theoretically you should be able to balance the camper from that spot. Most campers have it marked somewhere. If not see if the owner has the manual. It should be there as well. As a general rule if you have an 8' bed the center of gravity is in front of the axel. The reason the manufactures put it on there is for people with a 6' bed that try to use a 8' camper. In most of those cases the center of gravity is going to be rear of the rear axel which dangerous.