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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Joined: 05/06/2013
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Gary
Just for the record the higher tire pressures is just a test.
For suspension the most economical springs look like maybe the Hellwig 1500 springs.
Back to your original post yes airbags will also do the same thing and be easily adjustable where the helper spring will just make it feel more like the 3/4 ton you drove, all the time.
I wouldn’t expect it to be 100% as nice/effortless as an actual 3/4 ton if you add springs and tires but I’d expect a good improvement.
It’s always hard to explain this as how one “feels” about ride and handling is, expectedly, subjective. And my perception of comfortable may be different than yours.
But your numbers look good.
What you’re feeling is using a 1/2 ton to the upper end of its real world capabilities vs a bigger truck that would be at a lesser % of capacity.
Good luck, hope this helps you.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold
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JRscooby
Indepmo
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GaryS1953 wrote:Ok for those still following this thread and offering advice - I went back to the Cat scale, hope I've got this right.
1st ticket -Steer Axle only 5,780 The truck on only one pad.
2nd ticket Steer Axle 3,260
Drive Axle 3,460
Trailer Axle 5,940
Combination 12,660
Well still can't tell how much lighter the front end is with trailer than without.
And when you where airing tires did you up the pressure in front tires too? Less weight means less traction. More air means less traction plus harsher ride. That harshness could make front end feel, or even act, lighter.
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GaryS1953
Michigan
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Joined: 05/26/2009
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wnjj wrote:GaryS1953 wrote:Ok for those still following this thread and offering advice - I went back to the Cat scale, hope I've got this right.
1st ticket -Steer Axle only 5,780 The truck on only one pad.
2nd ticket Steer Axle 3,260
Drive Axle 3,460
Trailer Axle 5,940
Combination 12,660
So I added the two truck axle weights, then subtracted the truck weight, and I get a difference of 940, divide by the truck actual weight of 5780, and I get 16.26% Am I doing that right?
If you are trying to calculate the percentage of tongue weight, you should divide by the trailer's total weight. So 940/(12660-5780) is about 13.7%. Still good though.
That helps, thanks very much!
Gary in Michigan
2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 Double Cab 5.3 Liter V8
1996 Coachmen Catalina RB210 21' Fifth Wheel
495 Watts Solar, 40 AMP Renogy Tracer MPPT Controller,2 GC2 6V Batts.
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GaryS1953
Michigan
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Joined: 05/26/2009
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Grit dog wrote:Gary
Just for the record the higher tire pressures is just a test.
For suspension the most economical springs look like maybe the Hellwig 1500 springs.
Back to your original post yes airbags will also do the same thing and be easily adjustable where the helper spring will just make it feel more like the 3/4 ton you drove, all the time.
I wouldn’t expect it to be 100% as nice/effortless as an actual 3/4 ton if you add springs and tires but I’d expect a good improvement.
It’s always hard to explain this as how one “feels” about ride and handling is, expectedly, subjective. And my perception of comfortable may be different than yours.
But your numbers look good.
What you’re feeling is using a 1/2 ton to the upper end of its real world capabilities vs a bigger truck that would be at a lesser % of capacity.
Good luck, hope this helps you.
You've been SO helpful. I think we'll start with the Airlift Air bags. I think they ware well within my capabilities, and not terribly expensive. The tires are new within the last 6 months, so I'll keep them inflated to the max, 44 psi, and perhaps up to 50 or so if you think that is wise. Any other last suggestions appreciated before I order the air bags.
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opnspaces
San Diego Ca
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Joined: 12/22/2004
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Only other suggestion is to only run at 44psi when towing. For around town daily commuting drop the pressure back to what is on the label on the drivers door jamb.
2001 Suburban 4x4. 6.0L, 4.10 3/4 ton
2005 Jayco Jay Flight 27BH
1986 Coleman Columbia Popup.
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GaryS1953
Michigan
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opnspaces wrote:Only other suggestion is to only run at 44psi when towing. For around town daily commuting drop the pressure back to what is on the label on the drivers door jamb. I had noted earlier that I was mistaken, and the MAX PSI is stated on the tires as 44 PSI, not 35. Not sure where I got that. Thanks!
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