The never ending debate..SRW vs DRW
So I've been reading for days about this and have read mixed reviews on the topic all of which don't directly relate to my situation so I thought'd I'd ask someone with some experience towing. I j...
Forum Discussion
I didn't really see a good description of what handling characteristics the OP was having difficulties with in the wind, so it's hard to say what if any improvement he could expect, and what would result in the improvements sought.
For wind, it's not likely your rocking enough to be picking up the upwind wheel, so the wider axle/tire combination won't make any difference. It's not like an independent setup where you'll lengthen suspension component angles. The spring packs stay connected to the frame and axle in the same place, you just get more stiffness, bigger sway bars, and of course a different tire setup. Based on the description of your vehicle, you'll also get a longer wheelbase, all of which have different effects on handling.
Once your reach a certain point, a stiffer beefier suspension can significantly improve handling while towing, but too stiff has a negative effect so unloaded handling suffers, and even loaded handling might not be optimal.
With my Factory air rear suspension SRW shortbead Ram, 40 footers at 18k handle fine in wind, even on 600 plus mile days. My smaller lighter 38 footer handles like a charm in the wind running at a normal weight just under 15k, and I don't post the speeds I travel, or distances in a single day as you get beat up on this forum for that if it's not pretty conservative. That said, it's not necessarily a relaxing drive. At some point you are dodging lots of debris, visibility often is reduced by the dust, and you have to keep an eye on the 5er to see if it looks like you might be reaching a point where it might end up on it's side. You'll obviously feel the wind, even running empty. If things get unpredictable, wallow, or wander to where you have to work to stay in your lane, you need to figure out what's going wrong.
For wind, it's not likely your rocking enough to be picking up the upwind wheel, so the wider axle/tire combination won't make any difference. It's not like an independent setup where you'll lengthen suspension component angles. The spring packs stay connected to the frame and axle in the same place, you just get more stiffness, bigger sway bars, and of course a different tire setup. Based on the description of your vehicle, you'll also get a longer wheelbase, all of which have different effects on handling.
Once your reach a certain point, a stiffer beefier suspension can significantly improve handling while towing, but too stiff has a negative effect so unloaded handling suffers, and even loaded handling might not be optimal.
With my Factory air rear suspension SRW shortbead Ram, 40 footers at 18k handle fine in wind, even on 600 plus mile days. My smaller lighter 38 footer handles like a charm in the wind running at a normal weight just under 15k, and I don't post the speeds I travel, or distances in a single day as you get beat up on this forum for that if it's not pretty conservative. That said, it's not necessarily a relaxing drive. At some point you are dodging lots of debris, visibility often is reduced by the dust, and you have to keep an eye on the 5er to see if it looks like you might be reaching a point where it might end up on it's side. You'll obviously feel the wind, even running empty. If things get unpredictable, wallow, or wander to where you have to work to stay in your lane, you need to figure out what's going wrong.
