Quote: I dont see the wheels being the same accross 1/2-ton through 1-ton trucks. They don't all have the same number of lug holes and different hub center diameters,...
This make sense to me, too. Why in the devil would any vehicle manufacturer equip a lower payload-rated vehicle with parts from a higher rated vehicle (especially the higher volume selling F150/1500 lines of trucks!)? It's downright counterintuitive, and would make absolutely no business sense at all. Could you imagine Volkswagen sedans with SUV wheels and tires? (a bit extreme, but I'm making a point here)
With today's extremely tight costing in all manufacturing realms (from beanie hats to subway cars), I believe that specifications (here we are talking light trucks) are very, very tight and directly in line with the design/cost directive; a part that costs $3~$10 more than it should on a production run of millions of vehicles would mean someone getting canned in any organization!
Initially you said your suspension was bottoming out as well as you doubted your tires were up to the task. Adding air bags will bring your rear end up, but IMHO you should have heavier springs to prevent the bottoming out.
I think you should add a SuperSpring to help prevent the load from bottoming, then add the air bag if you need to bring up the rear end to make the camper ride level while on the road.
Mike and Carole
2000 Ford F350 SC PSD "Newman"
1994 Snowbird 8'10" "Rosietoo"
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
Sportsman Matt wrote: The steel rim will handle 80 PSI no problem.....
Using a wheel (steel or otherwise) that isn't rated for the load/tire pressure to carry a heavy load is a BAD idea. I have seen these conditions literally split the wheel. Not something you would want to happen at 70mph with your family on board.
ALWAYS check to ensure the selected wheel and/or tire is rated for the loads you anticipate.
2007 F350,SC,LB,4x4,6.0/Auto,35" tires,16.5 Warn,Buckstop bumpers
2007 Outfitter Apex9.5,270W solar,SolarBoost2000e,2 H2K's,2KW inverter,2 20lb LP on slide out tray,4 Lifeline AGM bats,Tundra fridge
95 Bounder 28' ClassA sold
91 Jamboree 21' ClassC sold
Sportsman matt,
I see what you are talking about. I looked at my rims and did not see any max tire pressure rating on the rim, unless I saw it and did not know what I was looking at. I spoke with the dealer that is installing my air bags about this, and he told me that my steel rims should be capable of holding the load range E tires with no problem. I realize that there is always the possibility that something such as a split rim could happen. I guess that could happen with a rim rated for 200# psi also. The rims are in excellent shape with no rust. They still have the oem paint on them. The truck has not been abused in the slightest, unless you count not washing and waxing on a regular basis.
When I make a public post, I take the answers under consideration as most on here have more experience than I do. We all have to live with our decisions in all walks of life.
Wheelholder wrote: Sportsman matt,
I see what you are talking about. I looked at my rims and did not see any max tire pressure rating on the rim, unless I saw it and did not know what I was looking at. I spoke with the dealer that is installing my air bags about this, and he told me that my steel rims should be capable of holding the load range E tires with no problem. ....
Do not just assume they are good, ALWAYS verify the rating. Your dealership's parts dept can pull up the specs on those rims if they are OEMs.
I bet the dealer you talked to about your wheels wouldn't be willing to put his statement in writing. There's a reason for that, think about it.
Ignorance is NOT bliss in this case. It is a simple thing to verify the rating, unless of course your family's well being just isn't worth the effort to you.
* This post was
edited 08/01/08 10:15pm by Steve_in_29 *
you need larger springs the air bags will be a lost cause because with such weak springs the bags will hold all the weight and counteract the springs and cause more bounce
get larger springs maybe off a 2500 or go to stanley springs with your rear axle weight with camper on it
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