Dodge 3500 smoother ride???
DW has developed a back issue. While riding in the 1997 3500 Dodge diesel while pulling our 11-12,000# 5th wheel trailer, it really takes it's toll on her back. What are the best investments to make...
Forum Discussion
I would agree with most of the above. Nothing is going to really appreciably fix it. Improvements yes but just to a degree. The trucks are meant to haul weight and you can't do much of that with a soft suspension.
Air bags are going to keep it level they aren't going to soften the ride much and empty quite probably make it worse.
Shocks may help a very small amount but they are only going to help how much rebound there is not really soften the blow so to speak.
I put softer rate leaf springs on my truck from Carli years ago and while they did help it still rode rough just not as rough and in exchange I got less load capacity.
You might possibly be able to find a solution for loaded or empty but seriously doubt one that will accommodate both ends of the spectrum.
One thing that comes to mind is what about a Class A or C instead of a fifth wheel or trailer. One other option that comes to mind as well is what about a different seat in the truck. Some have put in air ride seats and while not cheap they are a whole lot cheaper than a new truck or RV and probably not much if any more than a bunch of suspension upgrades that probably aren't going to be enough anyway. You could try searching around on turbodieselregister.com among others for info you will find some threads about the conversion.
Air bags are going to keep it level they aren't going to soften the ride much and empty quite probably make it worse.
Shocks may help a very small amount but they are only going to help how much rebound there is not really soften the blow so to speak.
I put softer rate leaf springs on my truck from Carli years ago and while they did help it still rode rough just not as rough and in exchange I got less load capacity.
You might possibly be able to find a solution for loaded or empty but seriously doubt one that will accommodate both ends of the spectrum.
One thing that comes to mind is what about a Class A or C instead of a fifth wheel or trailer. One other option that comes to mind as well is what about a different seat in the truck. Some have put in air ride seats and while not cheap they are a whole lot cheaper than a new truck or RV and probably not much if any more than a bunch of suspension upgrades that probably aren't going to be enough anyway. You could try searching around on turbodieselregister.com among others for info you will find some threads about the conversion.
