Bedlam has it right. I am trying lo level with less psi in bags (and firm up the ride). The bags were great on our last camper; firmed up the ride and got us level. I am 500# heavier with the new camper and find I have to run the bags at 70/95 to get where I want to be. At this pressure the overloads (bottom only on this truck) are lightly engaged but I find the ride to be a bit bouncy compared to the last camper. I have tried pressure from 10 psi all the way to where I am now over the last several weeks. Supersprings (or any mods to spring pack) place the load at 4 points on the chassis (where the designers intended), airbags concentrate the load on 2 points directly above the axle (at least on our truck). This is fine for levelling-not so good when you start loading your spring pack to the point of being in full contact with the bottom overload. Can’t seem to get the ride where I want it to be…so the search for additional support began…and has led to Supersprings. Having just bottom overloads is quite different than having both upper and lower. In fact there are so many variations on suspension setups (even within the same Mfr) that there is no one size fits all answer to suspension upgrades. And then, everyone has different expectations. This is why we come on public forums and ask what others have experienced!
FWIW; I have run airbags for 8 yrs now with the last camper and never had an issue. In fact I am a fan of airbags as they worked so well for us. The bags are not cutting it with the new camper.
The overwhelming response on Supersprings has been that they do firm up the ride, help in leveling the truck, and minimize sway. I could not find a single negative response on Supersprings over 3 different forums. No one reported much effect on unladed ride either (there are several options on setting the pre-load to determine this). While I was not against adding to the spring pack, this option was MUCH more expensive, and there is no way to avoid effecting the ride quality (at least that I could see?).
I have not ruled out sway bar…that may be my thread for next week! But hopefully the progressive nature of the Supersprings will accomplish my goals.
Tires on the truck were upgraded prior to our last x-country trip, we will be due for new tires again before next winter…so there is likely another upgrade in store there as well. Axles have been weighed three times over the last month while adjusting various components. (AAM axle is rated at 10k# +, tires are within 10% of max rating). Will weigh again after installing the SS and loading the camper. As bedlam noted…one step at a time until I my requirements are fulfilled.
Thanks again for all the feedback,
Bill
