5th Wheel bounce

[zell66]

OK new to towing with a 5th wheel. been towing a pull behind for 20+ years. Recently pulling our new to us 2012 sandpiper 365saq 5th wheel with a 2008 F-350 crew cab. (not getting into debate about the 08) I noticed sever bottoming out at highway speed at bridges. These little dips caused my truck to bottom out. Now when hitching up 5th wheel my truck had little to no sag from weight. What can I add to truck to help with this highway dip nightmare?

[rhagfo]

We have put Bil’s on the TV 5100’s and shocks on the 5er, really makes a big difference when the 5er rides smooth and controlled.

[Super_Dave]

I vote bump stop extensions. It will smooth out your ride in all conditions. If you have air bags, only inflate until bump stop is just engaged with overload spring.

I made my bump stop by adding a piece of tube steel between mount and OEM stop.

Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum width.

[ford_truck_guy]

My approach to bridges is smoot has glass now... It all went away once I added the MORryde IS on the trailer... The folks at MORryde told me it was called bridge rebound..They were right on the money.

[Cummins12V98]

Dump your shocks for a set of Bilstein 4600's. Try that, I guarantee they will help. If you want more shock absorption add bags and start out with 30psi loaded or just enough to keep truck at current ride height.

I did both on my 11 HO RAM Dually and the difference was AMAZING!!!

[allen8106]

Bridge transitions are the worst. I complain about them every time we go.

[lakeside013104]

Air ride hitch should help with the bumping sensation. Expensive, but a wonderful addition to the 5th wheel towing experience. I towed a 39' 5er with a 2011 F-350 all across this country two times and it was a pleasure and problem free with a Hensley TS3 air ride hitch.

LINK to Hensley hitches


Lakeside

[Halmfamily]

We added Torklift Stableloads to our 08 GMC 3500 DRW and it made a huge difference in the bounce on bridge abutments and expansion joints. Before the Stableloads we would brace for impact now just a smooth transition.

[lawrosa]

zell66 wrote:
OK new to towing with a 5th wheel. been towing a pull behind for 20+ years. Recently pulling our new to us 2012 sandpiper 365saq 5th wheel with a 2008 F-350 crew cab. (not getting into debate about the 08) I noticed sever bottoming out at highway speed at bridges. These little dips caused my truck to bottom out. Now when hitching up 5th wheel my truck had little to no sag from weight. What can I add to truck to help with this highway dip nightmare?

Specs say 2060 lb pin on the 5th wheel.

Payload on the truck varies from engine and wheel and bed size.. I think a non issue as weights range from 3440 lbs to 5670 lbs

I would say sumo springs but it shows on their site " NO 5th WHEEL" He would have to call.. I prefer these and have them on my truck.

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&inc_subcat=1&categories_id=...

Tibrens say nothing about 5th wheel..

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3561


Maybe your just hitting the overload spring... Possibly an overload bump stop to replace the factory ones would be good to try..

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Maybe think about adding some Sumo Springs. They'll set you back under $150 and you can install them in under 20 minutes.

[Mike_LeClair]

Not too sure what your debate comment refers to. Can you post back with your pin weight and a couple of weights from the truck and fiver? You know - GVW of truck, GVW of RV, max. GCVW and whatever else you can add. How much does the F350 sag after the weight of the RV is fully on it?

It seems to me that a 2008 F350 is a pretty stout towing vehicle. Maybe not as highly rated as the new breed of trucks yet still a pretty darn competent tow vehicle. How old are the shocks on your truck? What kind of shocks are they? Perhaps just upgrading the shocks will bring about a big improvement in ride quality. Can you post up a picture of the the TV and fiver hitched up? It would be good to be able to see the overall "look" of the setup. Also, do you carry a lot of "stuff" in the box of the F350 in addition to the hitch and RV pin when hitched up?

A lot of questions without much help from me. I guess that personally I need more information about your setup.

Cheers and Best Wishes!

Mike