I don't want to hijack Patrick45's thread about the Timbrens, so I figured I'd start a new one.
I'd like to improve the ride quality UNDER LOAD on the tow vehicle / TT combo in my signature. I don't squat but about 1" in the rear when properly weight-adjusted, so don't really need the "help."
However, I would like to improve the ride quality when towing. Specifically, I'd like to eliminate the "bounce" that you get from expansion joints on concrete highways and bridges, as well as from just general highway disrepair.
What does the forum knowledge recommend? Are Hellwig helper springs the "gold standard," or is one brand just as good as another? What about Firestone / Ride Right air bags? (I really don't want to spend a lot of money, but if I can easily / quickly / cheaply improve the ride, am willing to spend SOME money.
My guess is you have a lot of TT for the truck. At 33' long and around 74-7500lbs loaded your TT is controlling the truck on those bumps. A heavier truck would off set the TT's length and weight. I suppose you could try Timbrens or maybe even some SuperSprings. IMO I think the truck is being asked a lot to controll the up and down movements of the long of a TT.
However, I would like to improve the ride quality when towing. Specifically, I'd like to eliminate the "bounce" that you get from expansion joints on concrete highways and bridges, as well as from just general highway disrepair.
Airbags will "Firm up" the ride. Not sure that's what you are looking for.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside by 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!"
IMHO if you have a tow trailer (not sure from signature), first try adjusting the WDH, weighing everything fully loaded, and being sure tongue weight is correct. Just a few hours getting things set up right may be all you need.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Australian Shepherd
2010 Ford Expedition TV
2010 Outback 230RS Toybox, 5390# UVW, 6800# Loaded Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
That's exactly what a properly sized and properly adjusted weight distributing hitch is designed to do. Size your spring bars for 15% of your trailers GVWR and adjust it to transfer the correct weight and it should ride nearly as good towing as empty. If you're bouncing a lot you PROBABLY have either too light spring weights or not transferring enough weight.
My OPINION is that air bags or helper springs really have no place in towing a travel trailer. Just fine for truck campers or 5th wheels though.
Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR - 2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles) 2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
Didn't take long for the "you don't have enough truck to handle that trailer" crowd. I appreciate their input as well.
I honestly believe that the weight distribution is extremely well-adjusted, because as I said, there is only 1" of squat in the rear. I did not say it, but the front is at unloaded height as well. No, I have not "scaled it," and maybe I should to be sure... but again, it is set-up properly.
I don't have overweight problems, and don't have sway problems. I simply wanted a "little" better ability to handle rougher roads.
Springs (and air bags) are designed to hold the load up. Shocks are designed to help with bounce. In my experience, GM's OEM shocks suck when brand new. That is where I would invest ~$300.
A & A parents of DD 2005, DS1 2007, DS2 2009 2011 Suburban 2500 6.0L 3.73 pulling 2011 Heartland North Trail 28BRS 2012 VW Passat TDI
APT wrote: Springs (and air bags) are designed to hold the load up. Shocks are designed to help with bounce. In my experience, GM's OEM shocks suck when brand new. That is where I would invest ~$300.
^^^This^^^
2007 Dodge 2500 QCLB, 5.9 Cummins---Roadmaster sway bar, Rancho RS9000's, Firestone air bags, Rickson 19.5 wheels, Michelin XDS2 225/70's.
2007 Arctic Fox 811
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