WD dilemma. Cat scale weights.

BTW, I had to modify ( void the warranty ! ) on the sumo springs by literally sawing "one bubble" off the top of them. They were simply too tall the way they were. They are now correct for this truck and actually I prefer the way it rides and handles even empty with them under there.

LOL man!!! I was thinking the same think. just one donut off them may be better, but Im not sure how the progressive works with them.I really need to tow more with it to see.

I know on the 8th chain was too tight because when I hit bumps it hit hard ( The truck ).Like too much force on it.I managed to get one more washer in there. 1/8 inch maybe.The trouble why I cant fit more washers is the head only tilts back so far. One bolt hole is non adjustable, the other is slotted. I think the issue with the GM trucks are to torsion bar suspension. I dont think you can really get the nose down without great force.

I think Ill try the 9th link again with the new washer, take it for a spin, then remove the sumo springs ( they only unscrew) and take it down the same road.Ill let you all know in a few days.

As a side not that I already stated I think is I ran to florida fully loaded. we were 3 weeks on the road 4 days disney and a leisurly drive home.The truck did well and was a very smooth. I assume because the leafs were doing thier job at the compressed state they were in. I never bottomed out, or hit the facyory bump stops.

I am beginning to think the whole add a leaf, sumo springs, timberlin advertisements are a farce. I say this becuase I thing now the sumos are not allowing the leafs to compress. This I think ( I dont know yet) is making the truck ping pong off the sumos.My theory is if the sumos are removde the spring pack can do what it was intended to do.

Truck payload full tank and me in the truck 1470 per cat scale

I have to remember too I had my wife a 17 yr old and a nine year old in the truck. 400
34 gallons of fuel ( included above)
a generator at the tail gate end. 70 lbs
a residential solar panel 40 lbs
4 milk crates sewer hose,car fluids,water hoses, jack-stands, 150lbs
air compressor 40 lbs
two scooters ( kids kickers) 20 lbs
2 gallons gas 15 lbs


Add that to a 740 lbs TW. ( probably more with camper loaded for travel)

720 + 740 = 1460

My saving grace may be the 6 gallon water heater at rear and my 3 cases of water in rear trailer under bunks maybe lightened the TW.
Also as we traveled the black tank is dead rear of trailer. As it filled im sure my TW got lighter.FW tanks is is right on first tandem wheel on trailer. maybe a tad forward. only keep 10 gallons in there.Also 34 gallons fuel goes quick. 5 hours I was looking for gas @ 9 MPG


Moral of story?

I bought a travel trailer thinking ill keep the weight low and get something not too big. This coachmen off the lot was 4700 lbs with a TW of 600lbs

As it sits now with my **** in it and another battery its 5300 lbs per cat scale and TW 740. ( I cant believe there is 600 lbs of stuff in the camper...)The only thing we add to the trailer for camping is 3 bins of clothes under the bed.
Food in the fridge and cabinets. Fridge behind axles and food storage on axles.

OK ill stop rambling but people with 1500s or 150's thinking they will tow to what the book says are in for a rude awakening. I stayed way under and look at me.And the SUVs are even worse I would think...

Next trailer will be a small couples one and even those are heavy. If the kids want to come they can sleep on the floor....lol.
I wish I could of afforded a 2500 or 250. Ill let you know how it goes.

Oh the P tires did well. No heat build up to Florida. Derated they are 2300 lbs at 35 psi. I kept 42 psi in them.When these wear out im going LT tires. Probably the uniroyal Laredo tour as they are cheap and thats what I can afford.