Background:
I have a pickup truck that I am installing a tilt over communications tower system on. This is for rapid deployment for emergency/disaster response, etc.
The tower is a 26 foot aluminum structure, that pivots off of a 'ladder rack' type of support. The tower will be un-guyed. For safety and stability, I would like to eliminate the movement of the rear suspension, and level the bed before the tower is raised into action. This will keep the tower pointed vertical, and prevent it from moving as people or equipment is moved in the cab or bed of the truck.

My Thoughts:
I was thinking either a set of leveling jacks, like those used on RVs, could be installed under the bed, attached to the frame.

Alternatively, maybe air bags for the rear suspension could be used. If these are filled to max pressure could this be enough to minimize motion of the bed.

I am not as concerned about stabilizing the front of the truck.

My question:
What are your thoughts on stabilizing my bed? This must be something that is rapidly deployable (allready in place, but maybe needs to be folded into position.) Does not reduce the ground clearance of the vehicle. and is relatively inexpensive.

 

I think the idea for the leveling jacks would be the easiest and least expensive. Air bags are still going to let the suspension flex a bit, but some sort of jack connected right to the frame would make it solid. You could even connect the jack to the bumper or hitch. If your not pulling anything a simple trailer jack connected to a square piece of square tubing could be slid into the trailer hitch and cranked down. One of the fold away ones would even be more convenient - it could be left in all the time and simply pivoted down and with a few turns the truck would be solid. Depending on how heavy the rig is you may need one on each side of the truck to keep it sturdy though. Just a few ideas. Good Luck!

 

depending on the wieght a cheap way could be a set of large jack stands. just make sure they reach the frame under the bed.