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pg_rider's avatar
pg_rider
Explorer
Aug 11, 2015

Device (other than airbags) to help rear suspension

I just started towing a 14,000lb fifth-wheel toyhauler with my 2010 F350. To my pleasant surprise, when I lowered the trailer onto the hitch the rear didn't squat a whole lot and the truck is essentially level:




However, over some of the larger bumps it feels like I may be bottoming out the rear suspension. I can't be sure if I'm actually hitting the stops, or if I'm only getting close.

Regardless, I've seen several devices (TorkLift Stable Load, Timbren, Hellwig Pro Series, etc) that are meant to assist the rear end with heavy loads. Are any of them effective at giving me back some suspension? I don't think I want to go with airbags because I don't need any ride height in the rear.

I may be way off base, and maybe airbags are exactly what I'm looking for, so please help educate me. :)

29 Replies

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  • lawnspecialties's avatar
    lawnspecialties
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    Those 2008-2010 Super Duties were just beefier in the suspension department. Here's my former '09 back when we had the Cyclone.



    It sagged far less than the 2011 F450 that replaced it.

    I bought a 2013 F350 two years ago for my business. It sagged so much with a landscape trailer, I couldn't drive it at night without blinding everybody. I took it to a local heavy truck repair business: Fleet Pride

    They did some measurements of the rear suspension with and without loads and made me some custom leaves for the rear leaf spring pack. Not only does the truck ride better, it handles heavy loads with ease. I will definitely do that again if needed.
  • pg_rider's avatar
    pg_rider
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    VoodooMedicineMan wrote:
    I use Timbrens

    Thoughts, good or bad? What do you tow?
  • pg_rider's avatar
    pg_rider
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    Typically 100-150 miles one way, ~10 trips per year. We always do one trip that's closer to 350 miles one way.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 11, 2015
    Lotta hits on search keyword=sumo in Class A, C, but not so much tow vehicles.

    Being right at the limit is a factor. Are you planning on taking this on long trips?
  • pg_rider's avatar
    pg_rider
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    My truck's payload rating is 3300lbs and my tongue weight is ~2900lbs, so with hitch and everything I'm right around the limit.

    mkirsch -- you may be right, and for all I know I'm not bottoming out. I've just never towed a heavy fifth-wheel before so I'm hyper-sensitive about everything I feel. On the bigger bumps I get a notably stiff "hit", but it's not violent like what I'd expect if I was hitting the jounce bumpers. I then get a bit of up-and-down while the suspension settles. I'm just looking to optimize the suspension response for towing heavy without affecting ride height or unloaded performance, and with a relatively simple solution (i.e. not airbags).

    I certainly like the concept of the Sumo Springs -- any real-world testimonials?
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Aug 11, 2015
    From that picture it sure seems like you are a long way from bottoming out. I've seen worse on the road, far closer to bottoming out, happily going from point A to point B without a care in the world.

    Frankly if you are hitting bumps hard enough to bottom it out from there, you really should slow down. It can't be doing the trailer any good.
  • silverfz's avatar
    silverfz
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2015
    I recently read about sumo springs.i like the concept of a progressive spring.as.i have used progressive springs on motorcycles I thing that is the way I will go.

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