Forum Discussion

Orcusomega's avatar
Orcusomega
Explorer
Oct 30, 2013

Improving ride quality - suggestions?

So I just moved from a F150 to a 350 PSD SRW, and while it tows like a dream, I have received some complaints from the matrimonial unit that the ride is a bit harsh.

Yes, **I** know its a truck! not a car, but when momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy :)

The TV has what I believe to be the stock rear springs as well as air assist bags, and Rancho shocks on all four corners. The ride improves with the air out of the bags in the rear, but I get a lot more occilation...

Suggestions?

Thanks!
bob
Tow Vehicles

18 Replies

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  • transamz9's avatar
    transamz9
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2013
    mkirsch wrote:
    No matter what you do it's never going to ride like a car. It's always going to be harsher.

    Trucks can either carry the load, or have a smooth ride. You can't have both.

    Sounds to me like we have a bit of a "Princess and the Pea" complex going on there. Anything harsher than her daily driver is too harsh for her.

    In that case there are only two choices:

    1. Get rid of the RV.
    2. Get rid of the wife.


    I beg to differ with you. My 2500 rides as good as any 1500.
  • hone_eagle's avatar
    hone_eagle
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2013
    Air down the rears,50 psi or less will help ,unloaded the rear suspension only moves a fraction or a inch anyway.
    or
    Load the truck bed ,there are many methods ,I like the water bag system easy to load and unload.
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Oct 30, 2013
    No matter what you do it's never going to ride like a car. It's always going to be harsher.

    Trucks can either carry the load, or have a smooth ride. You can't have both.

    Sounds to me like we have a bit of a "Princess and the Pea" complex going on there. Anything harsher than her daily driver is too harsh for her.

    In that case there are only two choices:

    1. Get rid of the RV.
    2. Get rid of the wife.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2013
    Harsh ride towing or driving solo? If it is towing you could look into one of the air cushioned hitches.
  • sljkansas's avatar
    sljkansas
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2013
    I notice if my tires are at 80lbs the truck rides rougher that if I run 75lbs. also as others have posted, New shocks may be in order.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Oct 30, 2013
    If you reduce the bags and get more osculations on bumps, the Rancho's are shot. I would replace them with Bilstien 5100's. That is what I have on my truck and yes the ride is firm, but no osculations, I don't run or need bags.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2013
    I went with this solution:
    http://www.sulastic.com/

    They are great for removing harshness. They won't make the side softer, just remove the harshness of bad road surfaces, expansion joints, etc.

    Also, be sure you aren't running too much tire pressure for the load you actually carry. If you aren't fully loaded to max GAWR, you don't need the full amounts listed on the tire inflation placard.
  • mark5w's avatar
    mark5w
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2013
    Try the Roadmaster Active Suspension. It does not give a harsh ride, helps with side to side motion. Check out website. RAS
    I like mine( and so the the DW)

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