2500HD ride

[Les_Steward]

I have a 2012 2500 HD Cummins Diesel GMC and tow a 10,000 lb bumper pull. I have added two leaf springs on each side of truck. What can I do to improve the bumpy ride while towing the trailer?

[Grit_dog]

Les Steward wrote:
Thanks guys! This will really help...Obviously I need some serious help ! Thanks again!

Les, you’ve obviously taken a bit of ribbing for your post. And some( me included) thought it was maybe a spam post.
So, yes, you don’t really explain much in your post/question, but in general, a 10klb TT will not need any suspension enhancements on the truck. Maybe a bit if you’re towing it weight carrying on the hitch and no weight distribution.
If you’re using a wdh even remotely correctly, you have too stiff of a rear suspension for the load. (Other things like weight in the truck bed notwithstanding)
Analyze why you added the helper springs and decide if they are needed.
Likely answer is they are not and removing them and letting the trucks suspension do the work like it should will result in a better more compliant ride.

[campigloo]

My trailer and truck are almost identical to yours. Get rid of the extra leaf springs. I assume you already have a wd hitch.

I added 4 good shocks, absolutely the first step. I then added some things called stable loads. They basically engage the overload springs. And the biggest improvement was a gen-y hitch coupler. I separates the truck and trailer by inserting a vertical pivot point. They are incredibly heavy but they work. A road near my house that I had to slow to 40 I can now run at 60. My neck no longer aches after driving 30 minutes.
It’s well worth the money and weight, IMO!

[Les_Steward]

Thanks guys! This will really help...Obviously I need some serious help ! Thanks again!

[deltabravo]

Les Steward wrote:
I have a 2012 2500 HD Cummins Diesel GMC and tow a 10,000 lb bumper pull. I have added two leaf springs on each side of truck. What can I do to improve the bumpy ride while towing the trailer?

Switch back to a Duramax, remove the extra leaf springs.

[kellem]

Sounds as if you were trying to mitigate sag by adding an extra set of leafs and created a stiffer ride.

With only a 1200# tounge "roughly", a properly setup WDH with properly rated trunnion bars would transfer some weight to the front axle and take the sag out of the rear.

I'd remove the added leafs and put my money on a reputable WDH before any other alterations.

[JIMNLIN]

Les Steward wrote:
I have a 2012 2500 HD Cummins Diesel GMC and tow a 10,000 lb bumper pull. I have added two leaf springs on each side of truck. What can I do to improve the bumpy ride while towing the trailer?

Hmmm...... my older '03 2500 Dodge/Cummins quad cab has LT265/70-17" E tires.
I've found this trucks front tire work best with 65 psi in the front regardless of weight on the rear axle such as my 11200lb 5th wheel trailer....a 14k and 16k GN trailer.... 10k bumper pull trailer.

With a empty truck I run 45 psi in the rear tires. My 5th wheel trailer adds 2200-2400 lbs on the rear tire and 70-75 psi works best for these tires.
The 16k GN triaxle trailer hitch load is close to max rear axle/wheel/rear spring pack loads so I use 80 psi in the rears.

My 10k car hauler can have different equipment on it so hitch loads can be 1800 lbs or sometimes 1000 lbs depending on how everything is placed on the deck.

Why the extra springs with just a 10k bumper pull trailer ??

If the truck is pogo sticking in the rear then new shocks would be a good idea.
Extra Springs/bags can be a butz kicker with certain sizes of trailers.

[opnspaces]

Do you currently use a weight distribution hitch? If so I agree with the others to remove the added springs and spend some time adjusting the weight distribution hitch. I would look into adjustments before putting down any money on new anything.

[goducks10]

Never had that issue with our 12 Cummings Powermax. Try KYB Monomax shocks. I put some on our 12 Dodge Ram and they worked great and are cheaper than Bilstiens.
Like others have said drop the springs and add or adjust the weight distribution hitch.

[Cummins12V98]

Les Steward wrote:
I have a 2012 2500 HD Cummins Diesel GMC and tow a 10,000 lb bumper pull. I have added two leaf springs on each side of truck. What can I do to improve the bumpy ride while towing the trailer?

Get rid of the leaf springs, install Bilstein's on 4 corners and add air bags. Trick is to set with just enough air to have a level ride.

Also air your tires based on actual loaded weights. Use tire weight/inflation chart for your tires. add 5psi to rears and 10 to fronts to what the chart says.

[valhalla360]

rhagfo wrote:
Well if you have a Cummins engine you have a Ram, if it is a GMC it should be a Duramax. Springs don’t fix bounce a good set of shocks should fix excessive bounce. Bilstein is a great towing shocks.

Stiffer springs make for a rougher ride unless the load increases proportionally. Since a 2500 should have no issues with the hitch weight of a 10k trailer, you made it more stiff.

[nickthehunter]

Take the two springs you added off, buy a weight distribution hitch, install it and get it adjusted properly, and you’ll improve your ride by leaps and bounds.

[edatlanta]

rhagfo wrote:
Well if you have a Cummins engine you have a Ram, if it is a GMC it should be a Duramax. Springs don’t fix bounce a good set of shocks should fix excessive bounce. Bilstein is a great towing shocks.

I just replaced a set of shocks on my truck. Bilstein is the brand for me and has been since truck was new.

[KD4UPL]

Why did you add leaf springs? A 10,000 pound trailer probably has a 1,200 to 1,500 pound tongue weight. That should be well withing the payload capacity of a 2500. Are you using a WDH? Is it adjusted right? I agree, put some good shocks on it, Bilstein or KYB Mono Max.
How much air are you running in your tires? If you have them inflated to 80 psi it is likely too much. Weigh the axles and consult a tire load inflation chart and inflate accordingly. I would be 65 or 70 psi would be about right.

[CA_Traveler]

9 year old shocks may need replacing. Koni is also a good shock.