Anybody use a camper? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kgb · 12-19-2003, 03:43 PM

I just found this site, hello.
I have a 1986 K30 long bed ,crew cab, 4x4. I need some advice.
I want to put 35's on my truck, what lift do you need for 35's?
Has anybody used air bage with a lift of this size (I am thinking 4", hopefully 2")?
Has anybody out a camperr on with a set up like that?
How was it.
I have a 81 4x4, no lift and its great to take the camper, the Firestone bags help alot, but I want to improve the stance of the new truck (lond ones look low), and I am wondering if I am crazy to consider any part of a lift w/ a camper?
Thanks In advance.
Kam

NAPCO ken · 12-19-2003, 05:48 PM

Check out my rig, '88 crewcab dually on 42" Swampers, 10" all spring lift. No trouble with 2800 pounds of Lance condominium on the back!

NAPCO ken · 12-19-2003, 05:51 PM

And here's another shot...

Also, to run a 35" tire I believe you should have a 4" kit, sure a 2" may work, but your front tires may rub. Also, when you put on the camper, it will squat the truck an inch or two. I would recommend all spring lift in the rear, that is, no blocks! I have even removed the front swaybar on my rig (due to the crossover steering) and have suffered no ill effects...been driving this setup for over 3 years this way!

kgb · 12-19-2003, 06:45 PM

Nice, thanks so much. that gives me some confidence.
Do you think new springs is all I need, or do you think new springs w/ air bags woudl be even better?
Thanks again
Anybody else?

**breeh** · 12-19-2003, 08:17 PM

NAPCO ken, that is one bada$$ camper!

bouncytruck · 12-19-2003, 08:22 PM

NAPCO ken, that is wild. I didn't realize it was a dually until the second pic. Are our back tires narrower than your front?

sakohntr · 12-20-2003, 12:36 AM

Napco Ken, you are my hero! Would hauling a 13 foot slide in make you a little worried. I am going to build my longhorn similiar to that. thanks

Coma · 12-20-2003, 12:39 AM

Hey Ken what model Lance is that? Ever had any problems with your truck being top heavy? I am looking at truck campers, but am leaning towards a pop up for weight saveings.

**JIMs70GMC** · 12-20-2003, 01:55 AM

Same here, I thought it was a long step until the second pic! That is awesome, talk about land yacht!

NAPCO ken · 01-05-2004, 02:22 PM

kgb, airbags would be a nice addition, but not necessary, just go with new springs first off, then see if you want airbags.

The tires are all Super Swamper 42"x15"x16.5". The rims in front are 16.5"x12" wide custom dually rims. The rear rims are 16.5"x9.75" custom dually rims with wild offsets (NO spacers) to allow the tires to NOT touch. Yes it's over max width of 102" but I have never been hassled about being too wide...only for needing mud flaps LOL!!!

The camper is a 1994 Lance Squire 4000, 9'4". I chose not to go with longer than 9'4" due to the fact that I did not want an extended hitch setup, as I tow a barge that weighs 8500 lbs. If you don't tow anything heavy then up to a 13' camper would be no problem. As for being top heavy, yes it is, but as long as you realize you're not driving a Porsche and take it easy on the corners, no trouble. The 108" rear tread width helps also!

Check out my webshots page for more pictures of the dually and it's hitch setup.

NAPCO ken · 01-05-2004, 02:26 PM

Whoops, here's my webshots address...

http://community.webshots.com/user/toroflow

kgb · 01-05-2004, 03:01 PM

Thanks alot Ken.
I am going to go with a 3.5" lift, by superlift, new springs, air bags, and 33" tires, well 295's.
I will post some pics, as I am going to get a new 11' Lance.
Thanks ALOT!

12-19-2003, 03:43 PM	#1
kgb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 3	Anybody use a camper? I just found this site, hello. I have a 1986 K30 long bed ,crew cab, 4x4. I need some advice. I want to put 35's on my truck, what lift do you need for 35's? Has anybody used air bage with a lift of this size (I am thinking 4", hopefully 2")? Has anybody out a camperr on with a set up like that? How was it. I have a 81 4x4, no lift and its great to take the camper, the Firestone bags help alot, but I want to improve the stance of the new truck (lond ones look low), and I am wondering if I am crazy to consider any part of a lift w/ a camper? Thanks In advance. Kam __________________ 1981 K20 4x4 std cab 1986 K30 4x4 Crew

12-19-2003, 05:48 PM	#2
NAPCO ken Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: anaheim, ca Posts: 187	Check out my rig, '88 crewcab dually on 42" Swampers, 10" all spring lift. No trouble with 2800 pounds of Lance condominium on the back! Attached Images __________________ ken '58 Chev NAPCO 4x4 short '60 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '60 GMC 3/4T stepside 4x4 '64 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '90 Chev Suburban 4x4, dually, ZZ502 '77 GMC Suburban 4x4, one ton axles, 12" lift, 39.5"s '88 Chevy crewcab dually 4x4, 10" lift, 42"s (x6!) '03 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon '79 Chev 3/4 Suburban 4x4, 400-400-203

12-19-2003, 05:51 PM	#3
NAPCO ken Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: anaheim, ca Posts: 187	And here's another shot... Also, to run a 35" tire I believe you should have a 4" kit, sure a 2" may work, but your front tires may rub. Also, when you put on the camper, it will squat the truck an inch or two. I would recommend all spring lift in the rear, that is, no blocks! I have even removed the front swaybar on my rig (due to the crossover steering) and have suffered no ill effects...been driving this setup for over 3 years this way! Attached Images __________________ ken '58 Chev NAPCO 4x4 short '60 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '60 GMC 3/4T stepside 4x4 '64 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '90 Chev Suburban 4x4, dually, ZZ502 '77 GMC Suburban 4x4, one ton axles, 12" lift, 39.5"s '88 Chevy crewcab dually 4x4, 10" lift, 42"s (x6!) '03 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon '79 Chev 3/4 Suburban 4x4, 400-400-203

12-19-2003, 06:45 PM	#4
kgb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 3	Nice, thanks so much. that gives me some confidence. Do you think new springs is all I need, or do you think new springs w/ air bags woudl be even better? Thanks again Anybody else? __________________ 1981 K20 4x4 std cab 1986 K30 4x4 Crew

12-19-2003, 08:17 PM	#5
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	NAPCO ken, that is one bada$$ camper! __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

12-19-2003, 08:22 PM	#6
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	NAPCO ken, that is wild. I didn't realize it was a dually until the second pic. Are our back tires narrower than your front? __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

12-20-2003, 12:36 AM	#7
sakohntr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Floodwood Minnesota Posts: 1,057	hero Napco Ken, you are my hero! Would hauling a 13 foot slide in make you a little worried. I am going to build my longhorn similiar to that. thanks __________________ 1967 K30 Napco 292/SM420 original paint 30k miles 1968 K60 Napco 396/5spd. dbl frame 52" michelins 1969 K10 SWB GMC 454/4spd 6" 35's posi,hooks 1972 C30 longhorn,BB/AT,A/C,Tilt,Toolbox,lokr 1987 K20 Chevrolet Suburban. 6" lift. 5.7L/TH400 1979 K60 GMC Coleman 4x4, 427/Allison.

12-20-2003, 12:39 AM	#8
Coma Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: u.s. Posts: 82	Hey Ken what model Lance is that? Ever had any problems with your truck being top heavy? I am looking at truck campers, but am leaning towards a pop up for weight saveings.

12-20-2003, 01:55 AM	#9
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	Same here, I thought it was a long step until the second pic! That is awesome, talk about land yacht! __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

01-05-2004, 02:22 PM	#10
NAPCO ken Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: anaheim, ca Posts: 187	kgb, airbags would be a nice addition, but not necessary, just go with new springs first off, then see if you want airbags. The tires are all Super Swamper 42"x15"x16.5". The rims in front are 16.5"x12" wide custom dually rims. The rear rims are 16.5"x9.75" custom dually rims with wild offsets (NO spacers) to allow the tires to NOT touch. Yes it's over max width of 102" but I have never been hassled about being too wide...only for needing mud flaps LOL!!! The camper is a 1994 Lance Squire 4000, 9'4". I chose not to go with longer than 9'4" due to the fact that I did not want an extended hitch setup, as I tow a barge that weighs 8500 lbs. If you don't tow anything heavy then up to a 13' camper would be no problem. As for being top heavy, yes it is, but as long as you realize you're not driving a Porsche and take it easy on the corners, no trouble. The 108" rear tread width helps also! Check out my webshots page for more pictures of the dually and it's hitch setup. __________________ ken '58 Chev NAPCO 4x4 short '60 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '60 GMC 3/4T stepside 4x4 '64 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '90 Chev Suburban 4x4, dually, ZZ502 '77 GMC Suburban 4x4, one ton axles, 12" lift, 39.5"s '88 Chevy crewcab dually 4x4, 10" lift, 42"s (x6!) '03 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon '79 Chev 3/4 Suburban 4x4, 400-400-203

01-05-2004, 02:26 PM	#11
NAPCO ken Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: anaheim, ca Posts: 187	Whoops, here's my webshots address... http://community.webshots.com/user/toroflow __________________ ken '58 Chev NAPCO 4x4 short '60 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '60 GMC 3/4T stepside 4x4 '64 GMC Suburban 4x4, restored '90 Chev Suburban 4x4, dually, ZZ502 '77 GMC Suburban 4x4, one ton axles, 12" lift, 39.5"s '88 Chevy crewcab dually 4x4, 10" lift, 42"s (x6!) '03 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon '79 Chev 3/4 Suburban 4x4, 400-400-203

01-05-2004, 03:01 PM	#12
kgb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 3	Thanks alot Ken. I am going to go with a 3.5" lift, by superlift, new springs, air bags, and 33" tires, well 295's. I will post some pics, as I am going to get a new 11' Lance. Thanks ALOT! __________________ 1981 K20 4x4 std cab 1986 K30 4x4 Crew



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