Forum Discussion

Grodyman's avatar
Grodyman
Explorer
Oct 07, 2015

I Can't Do It! (Aftermarket Suspension Products)

My 2011 F250 is in serious need of suspension enhancement with the Lance 830. I have Firestone Work Rite bumpers installed and even with that the camper rocks enough to make you seasick just moving around inside. Very soft.

I considered the Firestone Ride Rites, in my opinion a good product, but I'm moving the support points inward, not good for sway, and just one more thing to do before getting on the road, which is challenging enough already.

I considered Supersprings, lots of good reports. But some reports of a harsher empty ride and rattling when not under tension turn me off. Also, the price. Almost $400 for the SSA13 (dual springs) and then they hit you for the $60 mounting kit. So $400-$450. No way.


I think I am going to bite the bullet and take the truck to a spring shop and for about $700 have proper custom overload springs installed.

I have never had success with aftermarket suspension enhancements (including airbags, Timbrens, Work Rites, and Hellwigs), and Supersprings cost too much to take the gamble.

Thanks to all of the recent suspension threads to help settle the matter.

Gman
Truck Campers
  • Chopperbob's avatar
    Chopperbob
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2015
    I added Super Springs on my E450 Class C.
    Cant remember the cost but no where near that much.
  • SugarHillCTD's avatar
    SugarHillCTD
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2015
    We have:

    Ride Rite airbags

    Rear BigWig anti-swaybar

    F&R Bilstein shocks

    4000# capacity tires F&R

    Handling is very good while carrying a HEAVY TC. Much heavier than an 830.

    But you are concerned with stability while stopped and moving around inside the camper, right? Your quote- "the camper rocks enough to make you seasick just moving around inside."

    Put the jacks down.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Oct 07, 2015
    My short bed F250 handled an Arctic Fox 811 well and I know it is heavier than your Lance 830. You need that upper overload spring and stabilizer bar that is provided in the camper package. With just the upper and lower StableLoads, the truck did not need anything else to carry my camper. Only because I tow a heavy enclosed trailer behind the camper, I had to make additional changes.

    You need to decide whether you upgrade the main spring pack and suffer with a worse unloaded ride or add overloads that will engage once you have a little sag in your mains.

    If your truck did not come with front and rear stabilizer bars, look at Hellwig Big Wig. I found when camping with the TC on the truck, I would drop the tongue jack on my trailer while still hitched and crank it up enough to take some weight off the suspension. If I didn't have the trailer with me, I would lower the rear jacks on the camper to just slightly unload the rear truck suspension to get the same stability. Dropping either of these jacks, will reduce the movement of camper while it is on the truck.
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2015
    SuperSprings can rattle. And if you call them about it they will will send you a small clamp-on bump stop that will take out the rattle - it's not an advertised device - and it's no charge.

    The truck shocks should have been upgraded to something like the Rancho 9000's or handling will feel spongy with the camper on.
  • _DJ_1's avatar
    _DJ_1
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2015
    You're on the right track Grodyman. I had a local spring shop add these 3000# frame mounted overloads for $450. They do not affect the empty ride. They do not rattle. They do not leak.

  • narcodog's avatar
    narcodog
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2015
    I'll second what Kerry said, 80K miles with SS and no rattles or harsh ride. I travel some very ruff roads. I do surmise you have a anti-roll bar?
  • kerry4951's avatar
    kerry4951
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2015
    My Supersprings dont rattle, dont effect the empty ride (if adjusted properly), and best of all they don't leak.
  • billtex's avatar
    billtex
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2015
    Sounds like psi is too high in bags.
    Not sure I understand how $400 SS (adjustable) are too expensive but $700 at the spring shop (not adjustable) is not?
    Must be new math...
  • H2oSprt's avatar
    H2oSprt
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2015
    I put on super springs and stable loads, after that my truck sway went way down with my 830. That being said when I buy a new truck it will be a 3500.

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