CharlyG

West HIlls, Ca.

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Joined: 04/12/2006

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I have been thinking of putting some weight in the rear of the bed to help handling when empty, which is most of the time. The rear end seems a bit squirrelly when empty, which is most of the time. I was thinking bags of sand, maybe 500 lbs.,but I was wondering if there were better ideas.
1998 Chevy C2500HD Silverado ECLB 75,000 miles 5.7L Vortec 4L80E 3.73 Posi 8600# GVWR
2004 Fleetwood Caravan 25S 6000# GVWR
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pronstar

The LBC

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Joined: 11/20/2007

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I've used a few sheets of 4x8 plywood. That way you still have use of the entire load floor (but watch for splinters).
2007 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD 4x4/QC/LB
2008 Stellar 23' Toy Hauler
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George H

Washington

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Joined: 06/27/2006

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Try reducing the tire psi 10 or 15 lbs, assuming that you are running near max inflation. Better on mpg than added weight.
George, Juanita and Mandie (boss Shar-Pei)
01 F350, PSD, DRW
05 Carri-Lite 32RS3
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SKnight

Georgia

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Joined: 07/11/2008

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What helps a lot is to simply let the air out of your tires when unloaded. An empty pickup doesn't need anymore than 50 PSI at most. If it's still feeling funny, check your shocks. If all is up to snuff, go by a tire store and see if they'll let you have used wheel weights. Put them in five gallon buckets with snap on lids. Each bucket full will push 100 pounds or better easily. Cheaper, and easy to trim the weight.
I don't get lost, I investigate alternative destinations.
See a guy in the campground with a telescope, that may be me.
2001 Dodge 2500 Cummins HO six speed.
2002 Springdale 286 RLDS TT
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SoCalDesertRider

SanDiego, CA, USA

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Joined: 12/14/2003

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We used to put a load of cinder rocks in the bed of the truck in the winter time to help with traction in the snow when I lived in northern Arizona. The cinder pitts were just a few miles down the road so it was easy to get them.
92F350 CrewCab 4x4 351/C6
LoadNGo service body
69Bronco ATC250R CR500
20' BigTex flatbed carhauler
B&W TurnoverBall g-neck Curt Magnum rr DrawTite ft
HD springs Rancho9000s Bilsteins poly sway bushings
285/75-16E BFG AT on 16x8 Stocktons
4.56's & Lock-Rite rear
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tvman44

Southwest Louisiana

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Joined: 09/25/2007

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I run 80 psi when loaded per manufacturer. When empty which is most of the time I drop the rear to 60 psi. Rides much better
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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kaydeejay

SE Michigan, USA

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Joined: 07/26/2004

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My rears run at 45psi when I'm not towing. Makes a big difference in the ride and is STILL more than the tires need for a 2750# load.
Keith J, Retired from GM Engineering
2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE 2WD/CC/SB/DA.
1999 Sunnybrook 27RKFS Fiver
Bilsteins, Line-X, Westin steps, Prodigy, Retrax, 16K Superglide, 5th-Airborne pin-box, Multi-vex mirrors.
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JimInMA

Littleton, MA

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Joined: 07/27/2008

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Because I also use my TV for work (hauling quite a bit of floor tile at times) I prefer not to air down the tires. I replaced rear the shocks with air shocks and reduce the pressure in them instead (much easier to air up when needed).
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CHV_FRK

Black Jack, MO

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Joined: 10/28/2007

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Sulastic rubber spring shackles will eliminate that...excellent ride when empty and that spring rate is bypassed when you have a load. Google them. I think they are about $300, but I have not heard one dissatisfied customer. I'm going to buy a set for a winter mod.
Dana and Natalie
2008 Chevy Silverado 3500HD LT DRW CC LB 4x4
2008 Jayco 35RLSA 38'9"
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