ib516
Up here!
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Joined: 04/18/2003
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You can google the term "helper springs" and get dozens of ideas. There are many options. Just depends on what you want, and how much you are willing to spend.
Airbags all decked out with in cab controller is about the top of the line and will run upwards of $500. Advantage here is they are adjustable so they may not effect the ride much when unloaded, and can be "aired up" to handle the load when needed. Downside is price.
Bolt on helper springs (such as SuperSprings from Hellwig or others) are cheap to buy $160, and can be bolted on in your driveway in 30 minutes. Upside here? They're cheap and will do what you need them to do, and they are very easy to install. Downside is they effect the ride (maybe a bit "harsher") when unloaded.
2004 Cougar 301 BHS - 6580# dry, ~9000# loaded, 9580# GVWR
2007 Dodge/5.9L Cummins 3500 SRW Megacab 4x4/3.73
Hypertech Max Energy
"MEGACASPER" 10100# GVWR, 21000# GCWR, 5200# FGAWR, 6200# RGAWR
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Lots of arguments on this subject. First off if the "dry" or what ever you want to call it is 12000, then the trailers GVWR will be close to 16000. That indicates to me that your pin weight is in the range of 3000-3200 pounds. Sagging rear end? Does that remotely make you wonder if you might just not have enough truck for the load? This on a 12 year old 3/4 ton truck that probably had in its heyday a 8800 pound GVWR rating according to Ford. Think maybe it might be time to consider a newer truck with more load carrying capacity?
Donn
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fishinrgv
In between Houston&Lumberton TX for the time being
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Joined: 08/31/2008
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HamRad I am not sure anyone has specific question or concern about a Montana though I appreciate your link. Everything here being disscussed is relative to my orginal question. Thanks anyway
Geaux Tigers...1958,2003,2007 National Champions
1996 F-250 7.3 Stroker 4x4 271,000+ miles
2008 Montana 3400 RL 10th Anniversary Edition-
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bdougt
Now Louisiana, Eventually Michigan
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Joined: 04/05/2007
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Firestone Air Bags - no compressor (although I carry a 12 volt unit for tires)- 35 lbs. Provides a great ride and great control.
I carry a bike pump for the air bags and find it works very well.
Brian, Donna, and Ted the dog.
2006 Dodge MegaCab 2500 Laramie 4x2 CTD 48RE 3.73 gears
Firestone AirBags - 16K Reese with Slider
2006 River Canyon 34KSTSO - TrailAir Pin - XPS RIBS 245/75/16
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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Joined: 09/25/2007
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Firestone Ride Rite Air Bags, far superior ride to extra leaf spring. Have them on our F250 to pull our 5er.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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GENERAL rule: If the truck sags too much you are PROBABLY overloaded. Time to go to the scales. About half the 250/2500 trucks towing large 5th wheels are over their GAWR and/or GVWR. both of which are safety issues. If you're over weight propping up the back end will make it LOOKbetter.
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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LarryJM
NoVa
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Joined: 11/09/2007
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fishinrgv wrote:Hey guys I have a 96 F-250 4x4 4 door short bed Diesel. I have a 08 Montana 5ver that weighs just under 12K lbs empty. When pulling, the rear end of the truck sags way to much for my liking. The truck could take some more weight but not much more and it makes for a rough ride. I am looking to pick the rear end up. I have been told to add a leave spring, add air bags etc...Just wondering what you guys experience was with lifting the rear end. What did you do and why? If you put airbags would you tell me the brand and price and satisfaction? I need to do something somewhat soon. Thanks for you're time!
Jon
IMHO if the tail is dragging especially on an actual truck something is overloaded. I would get weights first and compare before I did anything. A 12K 5er for an F250 non SD CC with the diesel is quite a load and you're probably over your GVWR by 1,000lbs. or more and maybe even your RAWR from everything I've read especially for a 5er that weighs 12K empty and probably north of 14K loaded and ready to go.
Larry
2001 standard box 7.3L E-350 PSD Van with 4.10 rear and 2007 Holiday Rambler Aluma-Lite 8306S Been RV'ing since 1974. TRAILER MODS
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grampachet
West Coast
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Joined: 12/14/2006
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I use Timbrens on my 08 F250. Works very well.
2004 F-250 KR,CC,SB,SRW,4x4,V-10,3.73
2008 Montana 3000RK
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ib516
Up here!
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Joined: 04/18/2003
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You might want to inspect the rear leaf spring packs and ensure that none are broken too. Those things do break occasionally.
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jim87vette
Arizona
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Joined: 07/25/2008
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I would go with the air bags for now and a larger truck when you can swing it.You will be able to most likely take the bags with you as well when you change trucks (your call).
08 GMC 3500 Dually Duramax
96 Chevy 2500 6.5
05 Yamaha Rhino
04 Gearbox 335FS 5er 14k wet
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