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billy1davis's avatar
billy1davis
Explorer
Jul 01, 2017

Softer Ride for one ton Dually

I have posted questions in the past on this subject of getting a softer ride for a 2001 Dodge Dually one Ton. From many many responses I have about decided that the best approach is to remove the bottom leaf which is the overload. I have been told by many that this provides great results in better comfort. I already have the air bags to use if necessary in carrying my Lance 10 footer camper which 3700 lbs. I am mostly interested in the ride when loaded. 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?
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • I haven't tried that but I find my Bilstein 4600s to be a really plush ride.