Device (other than airbags) to help rear suspension

[pg_rider]

I just started towing a 14,000lb fifth-wheel toyhauler with my 2010 F350. To my pleasant surprise, when I lowered the trailer onto the hitch the rear didn't squat a whole lot and the truck is essentially level:




However, over some of the larger bumps it feels like I may be bottoming out the rear suspension. I can't be sure if I'm actually hitting the stops, or if I'm only getting close.

Regardless, I've seen several devices (TorkLift Stable Load, Timbren, Hellwig Pro Series, etc) that are meant to assist the rear end with heavy loads. Are any of them effective at giving me back some suspension? I don't think I want to go with airbags because I don't need any ride height in the rear.

I may be way off base, and maybe airbags are exactly what I'm looking for, so please help educate me. 🙂

[rhagfo]

Get better shocks! Bil's are nice!

[carringb]

Looking at the pic, I strongly suspect you are simply smacking the overload spring over bumps. They are really stiff, so you'll feel it contact. I really like the TorkLift stable-laods, as they keep the overloads engaged, eliminating the "whack" while also giving you more stability form the stiffer spring rate.

[BenK]

SilveradoHelperCoil HelperCoil rearaxlecoil coilspring

Been on my Silverado since the mid 80's...about 30 years...

1 ton helper coils and IIRC...about $59 bucks for the pair...added the stainless
straps 'cuz the first set tossed one coil while going over RR-cross with about
2.4K lbs of wood pellets.

Now load about 3K lbs of wood pellets...learned that they will discount broken
open bags and they save them for me...about 40% off per bag

Does NOT touch until about 1 inch of travel

My Silverado is the HD version of half tons in 1980...6,200 GVWR

Total drop with approx 3K lbs is about 2 inches

[VoodooMedicineM]

There you go

[2112]

Timbrens work great on my little F150.

[VoodooMedicineM]

I tow a Cedar Creek 38fl with a 2005 f350 dually. The timbrens are exactly what you need.
They provide added springing only when your loaded. They replace the rubber stop with a rubber spring that rides about an inch above the axle shaft when not loaded.

[lawnspecialties]

Those 2008-2010 Super Duties were just beefier in the suspension department. Here's my former '09 back when we had the Cyclone.



It sagged far less than the 2011 F450 that replaced it.

I bought a 2013 F350 two years ago for my business. It sagged so much with a landscape trailer, I couldn't drive it at night without blinding everybody. I took it to a local heavy truck repair business: Fleet Pride

They did some measurements of the rear suspension with and without loads and made me some custom leaves for the rear leaf spring pack. Not only does the truck ride better, it handles heavy loads with ease. I will definitely do that again if needed.

[pg_rider]

VoodooMedicineMan wrote:
I use Timbrens

Thoughts, good or bad? What do you tow?

[pg_rider]

Typically 100-150 miles one way, ~10 trips per year. We always do one trip that's closer to 350 miles one way.

[VoodooMedicineM]

I use Timbrens

[2oldman]

Lotta hits on search keyword=sumo in Class A, C, but not so much tow vehicles.

Being right at the limit is a factor. Are you planning on taking this on long trips?

[pg_rider]

My truck's payload rating is 3300lbs and my tongue weight is ~2900lbs, so with hitch and everything I'm right around the limit.

mkirsch -- you may be right, and for all I know I'm not bottoming out. I've just never towed a heavy fifth-wheel before so I'm hyper-sensitive about everything I feel. On the bigger bumps I get a notably stiff "hit", but it's not violent like what I'd expect if I was hitting the jounce bumpers. I then get a bit of up-and-down while the suspension settles. I'm just looking to optimize the suspension response for towing heavy without affecting ride height or unloaded performance, and with a relatively simple solution (i.e. not airbags).

I certainly like the concept of the Sumo Springs -- any real-world testimonials?

[mkirsch]

From that picture it sure seems like you are a long way from bottoming out. I've seen worse on the road, far closer to bottoming out, happily going from point A to point B without a care in the world.

Frankly if you are hitting bumps hard enough to bottom it out from there, you really should slow down. It can't be doing the trailer any good.

[2oldman]

First, is your truck within weight limits of that 5er?

[silverfz]

I recently read about sumo springs.i like the concept of a progressive spring.as.i have used progressive springs on motorcycles I thing that is the way I will go.