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Open Roads Forum  >  Tow Vehicles

 > Driving empty with 3/4 ton or better

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CharlyG

West HIlls, Ca.

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Posted: 08/05/08 02:30pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.


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pronstar

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Posted: 08/05/08 02:40pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I've used a few sheets of 4x8 plywood. That way you still have use of the entire load floor (but watch for splinters).


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George H

Washington

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Posted: 08/05/08 02:42pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Try reducing the tire psi 10 or 15 lbs, assuming that you are running near max inflation. Better on mpg than added weight.


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SKnight

Georgia

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Posted: 08/05/08 02:45pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.


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SoCalDesertRider

SanDiego, CA, USA

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Posted: 08/05/08 03:11pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.


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tvman44

Southwest Louisiana

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Posted: 08/05/08 03:31pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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


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kaydeejay

SE Michigan, USA

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Posted: 08/05/08 08:09pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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
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JimInMA

Littleton, MA

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Posted: 08/05/08 09:50pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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).

CHV_FRK

Black Jack, MO

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Posted: 08/06/08 05:58am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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

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