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Ric_Flair's avatar
Ric_Flair
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015

Suspension help

So I have a 2013 GMC 1 ton doolie pulling a very heavy 44 ft Road Warrior toy hauler.

I added the Firestone air bag system a while back to compensate. Without it, my truck will sit on the overload springs when hooked up.

Everything has worked as designed, except I've blow 2 bags.

So now I'm looking for something better.

Maybe a super spring, but I don't like the idea of a harsher rear end when empty. The truck is also my daily driver.

Maybe a Timbren Load Booster or similar product. Would love to hear feedback from those that use them in similar applications as I have.

Any other ideas you guys might have as well. Thanks
Tow Vehicles

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  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Aug 19, 2015
    I'm also wondering how much air you're putting in those bags, and whether you're adding before or after you've hooked up. My initial reaction is that you're putting too much pressure in the bags when empty and they are over pressurized when you hook up. Either that, or that toyhauler is waaaay heavy.

    FWIW I put air bags on my 2001 Dodge dually because it rides like a lumber wagon when on the overloads. Too rough of a ride for my taste. But with 3,000 lbs. on the hitch, and 52 psi. in the bags, it rides very nicely.
  • NWKomfort350's avatar
    NWKomfort350
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    When I am loaded for camping, the truck sets right on the overloads. I have one of those half ton towables. Tows very well!!
    1,960 pound pin weight last check.
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2015
    Your truck is designed to activate the overload springs when loaded. I am mis-understanding the problem here.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    My chevy 3500 crewcab dually longbed worked great with just the overload springs. The pin weight of my 5th wheel is 3200 lbs plus about 300 lbs of gear in the pickup bed. The ride is smooth when towing. I do get a clunk once in awhile from the overloads on bumps.

    The ride empty isn't bad.

    If money is no object, my 2008 chevy crewcab 4500 dually came equipped with a LINKS rear suspension. It works great and comes with large air bags like the semi's have.
    http://www.linkmfg.com/products/ultraride/
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Aug 19, 2015
    It doesn't matter how many springs you add. Your truck axles are rated for a certain max load, as are the tires and brakes. Running with a greater load than that is asking for trouble.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 19, 2015
    What is wrong with sitting on overloads when hooked up :H

    That is what overloads are for


    Timbrens are install and forget. They come into play when loaded and out of play when not loaded. They are also 'progressive'....more load/higher 'spring' rate
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2015
    Blown two bags? What pressure are you using?
    BTW your truck is working as designed. The main springs are only good for light loads. When loaded to capacity it should ride on the overloads.

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