Going without air bags

Grit dog wrote:

Wow, nothing, no extra leafs, timbrens, etc?
This would be the first 2 ton load I've seen that appears to induce virtually no suspension sag in a stock truck like that.
Or the camper doesn't weigh 4000lbs.

I was as surprised as you are if not more.

I weighed the truck on my way to get the camper, 6220 lbs.

I hit the same scales on my way home with the camper, 9980 lbs.

The trucks GVW is 9500 so I'm a few pounds over.

I think with the truck being a regular cab the weight is distributed more evenly front and rear too.

I was even more surprised at how well it did on the HWY coming home, even with some cross winds (not bad cross winds but you could feel them for sure). I only got flashed a few times too.

I think I picked the right truck when I bought it. Buying a camper was the plan.

mkirsch wrote:

starcraft69 wrote:
What about green slime tire repair????? hmmm what could it hurt to try?

Won't work. Slime doesn't stick where the leak is, it gradually slumps to the bottom. You need the rotation of the tire to sling the slime around and seal up the holes. Since an airbag doesn't spin around to constantly redistribute the slime, it probably won't cover up the hole.

You are so right I forgot about the rotation aspect. Oh well sometimes need to stay in the box.

dpgerson wrote:
Thanks Wayne that's what I was asking. What it would be like without them.


Thanks for all your replies guys, but I don't need to know about replacements, what your experiences are with them, etc. I ask a simple question. What would it be like with them deflated. Anyone else like to reply to THAT question? No offense intended to all who replied with other info.

The only way you will know what it will be like without them is to load up the camper and take a ride. Anyone here can only truthfully say that it will be different. Maybe slightly different. Maybe a lot different. Maybe better. Maybe worse. Maybe tolerable. Maybe dangerous. Maybe you'll like it. Maybe you will turn around and head home after 1/2 mile.

A short ride around the neighborhood won't kill you and should tell you if you can tolerate it on the trip, or if you'll have to leave the camper home, or if you'll have to suck it up and repair the airbag.

Also, please don't bag on people who don't answer the exact question you asked. Sometimes they bring to light aspects of your situation that you may not have thought about. They are only trying to be helpful.

starcraft69 wrote:
What about green slime tire repair????? hmmm what could it hurt to try?

Won't work. Slime doesn't stick where the leak is, it gradually slumps to the bottom. You need the rotation of the tire to sling the slime around and seal up the holes. Since an airbag doesn't spin around to constantly redistribute the slime, it probably won't cover up the hole.

Rubiranch wrote:


no stableloads or air bags - my truck handles my 4000 lb camper just fine

Wow, nothing, no extra leafs, timbrens, etc?
This would be the first 2 ton load I've seen that appears to induce virtually no suspension sag in a stock truck like that.
Or the camper doesn't weigh 4000lbs.

How level does your camper sit?

Air bags have two advantages:

1) they level out side-to-side sag,
2) adjustable ride quality and sway.

Without air bags, if you camper is level side-to-side, there is no change.

I think Wayne nailed it: no bags make for a slightly stiffer, slightly less sway kind of ride.

DOITHARD, you did not say if you were going to upgrade your overload spring pack or springs. If you are happy with the rode of your truck without the TC, my suggestion is to leave the springs as they are, and modify the overloads only.

After modifying the main springs on three different trucks, I finally l accepted that the ride was so much rougher without the TC. I modified with what was called progressive springs. Each time, I went through the expense to change them back. I also finally realized it was the overloads I should have been modifying.

Wayne

dpgerson, can you post a photo like DOITHARD has? It would make it easier to relate to what you have.

Wayne

You also have to realize that you asked a rather rhetorical question. As most people who have a TC understand the concepts or what the air bags do and how their vehicle responds to the weight.

dpgerson wrote:
Thanks Wayne that's what I was asking. What it would be like without them.


Thanks for all your replies guys, but I don't need to know about replacements, what your experiences are with them, etc. I ask a simple question. What would it be like with them deflated. Anyone else like to reply to THAT question? No offense intended to all who replied with other info.

Load it up and see. Pretty sure a camper that size/weight/length will bottom out the truck or close to it.
What pressure did you run to level the truck prior?
I'd estimate, if it took more than about 40psi then you'll be banging the bump stops without air.