Softer Ride for one ton Dually

I haven't tried that but I find my Bilstein 4600s to be a really plush ride.

Not a direct answer to your question, but perhaps a consideration before messing with your suspension.

My one ton dually rides like a lumber wagon when empty too.

But on my rig is permanently mounted a ladder rack and pair of toolboxes for the tools of my trade. This setup roughly emulates a TC, at about 2000 pounds last time I scaled it.

I found that with my rack and boxes vs without, that the difference in ride is like night and day. It smoothed the ride right out for far greater comfort. Far from a Cadillac of course but it certainly is not bad. Still has the firmness of a one ton but not like that empty lumber wagon bone jarring teeth rattling ride.

IIRC, the Dodge has a bit firmer ride over GM. (Correct me if I'm wrong), but a ton of weight in the back might help.

Just a thought to try, but perhaps maybe get about a ton of weight in the back, sand bags, concrete blocks, whatever to weigh it down a bit.
Perhaps it would smooth the ride out enough to be tolerable without altering suspension.

I would imagine that when your TC is on the truck it rides ok.

If I missed the boat on your question, oops and oh well!

Sulastic springs are used for one tons and larger to soften the ride. You might check into acquiring them. They seem to have a good reputation.

Big Truck Big RV did a review of Sulastic Springs not too long ago. It's worth watching.

How much air pressure are you running in your tires? When empty I bet 50 psi would be plenty. When loaded, check the tire manufacturer's load inflation table. You may only need 70 or so for that camper. Tcs are heavy and push the limits of a truck's suspension. The last thing I would do is remove springs. I'd go to a full air ride set uo before I did that.

Something new you learn on the net every day.
Sulastic springs do look good, but torsion bars sag over the time.
Sulastic gives it "lifetime warranty" but when you read small print it is only 3 years on rubber. Go figure.
Still $400 beats converting to air suspension.

I have a stack of leaves on the back of my F350 thick enough to choke a horse and it rides like a lumber wagon as well, but I'm hauling a seriously overloaded gooseneck beaver tail when it's not doing camper duty and it needs serious suspension.

Been know to put 20 2000 pound round bales on the deck, 40 grand of hay at a shot...and yes, the trailer is strapped on the lower flange. Makes my 350 Ford blow some smoke.

IMO, no 1 ton will ever ride like your neighbor's Buick, and, ride has a lot to do with wheelbase. My truck is as long as you can get. 8 foot box, crew cab and old body style which means the engine is farther out front than a new truck.

My wife just wears a sports bra.

OP........

Correct me if wrong BUT you are looking for means of softening ride WHEN loaded with camper ----is that what your question is :H

billy1davis wrote:
...
• My wife's back will not tolerate riding in it when empty and we don't need help with that part of the issue.
• So had anyone tried this remedy and found it not to be the answer to softening the ride when loaded?

Other than asking if anyone has tried removing springs and the results, thats what I read- how to soften ride when loaded. Unloaded part no assistance needed.

Off hand I haven't removed any springs and have a Ford so cant really address directly either...
But... ping tank/to increase air volume IF air bag PSI run fairly high can help soften that part of reaction when loaded.
I cant see softening leaf spring, making more compliant while still carrying load doable without introducing wallowing etc. But a lot I don't know.

Completely different direction and I know less about, but better suspension seats? Dont imagine many options for pickup trucks, or if available cost being practical-

billy1davis wrote:
My wife's back will not tolerate riding in it when empty and we don't need help with that part of the issue.

That sure brings big ?