23 replies to this topic

[Hodakaguy]

Just ordered a Swift Shell model with some extras. I’m planning on installing a ARB fridge and making some custom storage areas. The camper will be going on a Tacoma DCSB truck. Thinking about going with OME Dakar rear springs and (?) shocks at this point, I’ll also be adding air bags with Daystar cradles.

I’ll post up pics as the setup starts coming together....going to be a long wait until the camper is finished :-)

Hodakaguy

[drewdown]

Sounds like we are in the same boat. I ordered mine last week for my DCSB Tacoma. I currently have a OME 3" lift with add-a-leaf. Planning on the Dakar leaf pack, Firestone Ride-Rite bags and the Daystar cradles. At my friends suggestion I may just do the leaf pack for now and see how bad it is, then address any further mods. Before the lift I drove a few hundred miles with a 1000lb gun safe in the bed and it rode just fine. That was completely stock.

 

Just curious, how long did they tell you the wait would be? I was told 8-10 weeks but am bracing for worse due to the rush of orders. Waiting sucks

[nikonron]

In my opinion, you will not need the air bags. I have an Eagle shell and run Dakars with the extra leaf and it is fine. Air bags will limit your suspension off road. My truck has ARB front bumper with winch and CBI rear bumper w/ swing away and 10 gal. of fuel.  Ron

[Hodakaguy]

I’m planning on running the Dakar springs, the air bags with cradles shouldn’t limit travel like standard bags. I’ll eventually do bumpers and carriers as well.

Not sure on time frame...up to 12 weeks :-(

[nikonron]

Like I said, you won't need the air bags. Just run it without them and you'll see what I mean, can always add later.  Ron

[drewdown]

Like I said, you won't need the air bags. Just run it without them and you'll see what I mean, can always add later.  Ron

 

do you run the camper full time? I'm worried about the ride and truck looking like a stink bug when the camper if off.

[nikonron]

Yes,I keep my camper on full time but I had the same suspension before and there was really no change.  Ron

[ETAV8R]

As far as suspension goes I will reference the following thread:

https://www.tacomawo...entures.362772/

 

More specifically:

https://www.tacomawo...7#post-11409628

https://www.tacomawo...4#post-13950437

 

Crom is a good friend and very knowledgeable. I too switched from the OME springs/struts to Bilsteins after reading his write ups.

 

Even having switched to the Billys and adding an AAL to my OME leaf pack plus Wheelers bumps I think the leaf pack w/o AAL and airbags would be the way to go if you plan to remove your camper from time to time. Fully loaded mine sits about 2" above the bumps but the leaf pack is somewhat flattened out. Not as bad as when the TRD Billy's were shot and the TSB leaf pack was overloaded. Those were the days of the Flippac. With the camper you definitely need to do something other than stock.

Edited by ETAV8R, 14 December 2017 - 04:11 AM.

[drewdown]

As far as suspension goes I will reference the following thread:

https://www.tacomawo...entures.362772/

 

More specifically:

https://www.tacomawo...7#post-11409628

https://www.tacomawo...4#post-13950437

 

Crom is a good friend and very knowledgeable. I too switched from the OME springs/struts to Bilsteins after reading his write ups.

 

Even having switched to the Billys and adding an AAL to my OME leaf pack plus Wheelers bumps I think the leaf pack w/o AAL and airbags would be the way to go if you plan to remove your camper from time to time. Fully loaded mine sits about 2" above the bumps but the leaf pack is somewhat flattened out. Not as bad as when the TRD Billy's were shot and the TSB leaf pack was overloaded. Those were the days of the Flippac. With the camper you definitely need to do something other than stock.

 

Good info but seems like he's over thinking it IMO. I've never once had a wheel come off the ground. That's just not the type of driving I do. His truck also sits like a stink bug even with a plate rear bumper. I don't need more clearance or travel. Just a level truck.

 

Sorry OP if I'm hijacking this thread. Can post elsewhere if needed

[ETAV8R]

My truck sits in a similar fashion w/o a load. His truck is actually more level than mine when the camper is off.

It all depends on where you might find yourself off road. I have had my truck in situations where one wheel was off the ground on multiple occasions with the camper. Peace of mind is knowing that you have contact as much as possible.

 

More information is better. You know the "had I known then what I know now" saying.

Edited by ETAV8R, 14 December 2017 - 07:50 AM.