How to Reduce Sway in 2016 Ram 2500 Diesel Laramie Crew Cab with a Truck Bed Slide-On Camper

Question:

I just bought a slide in truck camper. On the way home, I couldnt go over 50mph due to severe swaying. I am looking for something to control this. The truck looked level with it on and it was completely centered in the bed. I used a tape measure. Does the rear sway bar need upgraded, rear airbags? Any info would help. Thanks.

asked by: Joe D

Expert Reply:

Congratulations on your new truck bed camper! I'm sure you will enjoy it for many years. Sway is a common issue with truck bed campers which can be reduced, but not eliminated. The campers are not particularly aerodynamic and the sway will increase with your speed and high winds.

Even though your truck sits level with the camper installed, you could still benefit from a Suspension Enhancement System (SES). I recommend a jounce-style spring system like the Timbren # TDR2500D. These install easily, require no maintenance and don't affect your ride when the camper is not loaded. How will this help with sway? Well, each of the rubber springs works independently to support the driver's or passenger's side of your Ram 2500. Each spring is activated when needed, so body roll is greatly reduced. This independent action really helps with truck campers because often one side of the camper will weigh more (the side with the refrigerator usually) and cause an off-center load. I've provided a link with more information on the Timbren SES.

I would recommend starting with the Timbren SES and, if you still are experiencing significant sway, I would recommend adding the Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1129-135. This will reduce the side-to-side movement and improve the overall stability of your 2016 Ram 250.

Since you just purchased your camper, you may want to consider an extra battery with an under-vehicle battery mount like Torklift's # TLA7740 to ensure that your camper doesn't run out of power. Another popular accessory for truck bed campers is a rubber bed mat like Westin's # 50-6305 which can keep your camper from sliding while it is mounted.

expert reply by: Amy W