F250 upgrades

PA12DRVR wrote:
… Wonder how many of the folks asserting those opinions have been involved in a fatality or serious injury case where there was a colorable argument that the vehicle at fault was over GVWR? Not asking about tickets, warnings, pulling off the road for being unsafe: asking about a fatal or serious crash where GVWR may have been in play.

Never, as in never been an issue.

Grit dog wrote:
^Well assuming you got the camper package or something on yours.
OP is complaining about too much squat. So regardless he’s looking to shore that up…I think.

The regular old F250 company trucks I had, a 2012 and then a 2015 had a compliant initial spring rate. They’d stiffen up pretty good with real weight on them, but that first couple inches of suspension travel was built for comfort.

Yup, camper package was available, but I chose the heavy duty service suspension package.

For the sticker readers...nothing changes with either package. The GVWR stays at 10,000, payload is GVWR, minus the curb wt, and RAWR remains at 6,200, even though I have similar capability as F350.

For softer ride, when wanted, I lower the tire pressure, mostly on the rear, although front coils are HD as well.

Jerry

My 2011 RAM has 4,500# pin weight in pic #1. Rides nice and "LEVEL". I added bags and Bilstien's for ride QUALITY!!! I ran 30psi LOADED in second pic. Notice it sets about the same??? This is what I wanted as the bags were only to control the suspension on the ROUGH California Highways.

It rode on the overloads as it should for a nice ride. Some may call this "Squat" and want to raise it to unloaded ride level. NO WAY!!!

I would add airbags, as they are easily adjustable for differing weights.

With that said. If you added a truck there are 2 different ratios you can order. Those being the only 2 differences can net you an increase for in towing ability by 5k lbs. sometimes more, sometimes less.

Thanks to all who contributed.

All our trucks squat a bit. As you apply weight on the hitch, the truck compresses the comfy area of the springs and as you add more weight, you reach the load carrying of the springs. The next time you hookup, check the fender well openings on the truck front to rear. 2” down on the rear would be common on your F250 with your Rockwood.

Again, interesting to see the strongly held opinions on the GVWR issue. Wonder how many of the folks asserting those opinions have been involved in a fatality or serious injury case where there was a colorable argument that the vehicle at fault was over GVWR? Not asking about tickets, warnings, pulling off the road for being unsafe: asking about a fatal or serious crash where GVWR may have been in play.

Groover wrote:
I am going to through in a totally different consideration if you decide to add airbags.

You can choose between having both bags on the same air line or separate air lines. Separate air lines add stability for high center of gravity loads like some 5th wheels. They can also facilitate hitching up to a 5th wheel on uneven ground by twisting the truck to match the alignment of the camper. On the other hand, when riding empty or with a low CG load a single line allows for more articulation of the rear axle which gives a smoother ride helps avoid getting stuck on uneven ground.

Correct, although generally no air is needed where articulation would be needed.
Never really a better reason to plumb both bags together although there are some scenarios where it is not worse.
OP is in a diffenrt frame of thought though. Not this level of detail.

I am going to through in a totally different consideration if you decide to add airbags.

You can choose between having both bags on the same air line or separate air lines. Separate air lines add stability for high center of gravity loads like some 5th wheels. They can also facilitate hitching up to a 5th wheel on uneven ground by twisting the truck to match the alignment of the camper. On the other hand, when riding empty or with a low CG load a single line allows for more articulation of the rear axle which gives a smoother ride helps avoid getting stuck on uneven ground.

^Well assuming you got the camper package or something on yours.
OP is complaining about too much squat. So regardless he’s looking to shore that up…I think.

The regular old F250 company trucks I had, a 2012 and then a 2015 had a compliant initial spring rate. They’d stiffen up pretty good with real weight on them, but that first couple inches of suspension travel was built for comfort.