Improving ride quality - suggestions?

[Orcusomega]

So I just moved from a F150 to a 350 PSD SRW, and while it tows like a dream, I have received some complaints from the matrimonial unit that the ride is a bit harsh.

Yes, **I** know its a truck! not a car, but when momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy 🙂

The TV has what I believe to be the stock rear springs as well as air assist bags, and Rancho shocks on all four corners. The ride improves with the air out of the bags in the rear, but I get a lot more occilation...

Suggestions?

Thanks!
bob

[noteven]

A 350/3500 series truck has stiff tires and heavy tire/wheel/brake/axle assemblies compare to 150/1500's - this "unsprung weight" and stiff tires leads to a harsher ride quality.

Our 3500 SRW - from factory - shares all components of 3500 DRW except wheels and tires -

The best empty ride quality improvement we have found is to consult a load and inflation table for our tires and run the minimum air pressure for the empty weight.

The best all around and especially loaded ride quality improvement is our AutoFlex rear suspension.

[dodge_guy]

Orcusomega wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Ditch the factory rear suspension and go with a Kelderman Air Suspension System.

Wow, put a cap on that truck, and it's the twin to mine... That's a steep price tag though... Are you running it? What are your thoughts?

No I have Air Lift air bags to assist the factory springs. And yes the Kelderman system is expensive, but anyone that has it says it`s a great system and are very happy with it!

[transamz9]

This is what I run on my 2500 Dodge. I don't have my front done (yet)but just the rear done it is unreal the difference in ride. The on-board air is also great to have and I use it A LOT.

Airbagit

[Orcusomega]

dodge guy wrote:
Ditch the factory rear suspension and go with a Kelderman Air Suspension System.

Wow, put a cap on that truck, and it's the twin to mine... That's a steep price tag though... Are you running it? What are your thoughts?

[Orcusomega]

mkirsch wrote:
No matter what you do it's never going to ride like a car. It's always going to be harsher.

Trucks can either carry the load, or have a smooth ride. You can't have both.

Sounds to me like we have a bit of a "Princess and the Pea" complex going on there. Anything harsher than her daily driver is too harsh for her.

In that case there are only two choices:

1. Get rid of the RV.
2. Get rid of the wife.

Oh I know, and so does she - but it never hurts to ask - especially when my last "I should have asked first" proved to be an expensive lesson :). I guess my intended humor came off more serious than intended... Frankly, she's my wife, so yeah, I'm going to try to make it more comfortable for her if I can - and if I can't, she can follow in the car (that was sarcasm) 🙂

Bob

[MARK_VANDERBENT]

Buy a chevy !!

[dodge_guy]

Ditch the factory rear suspension and go with a Kelderman Air Suspension System.

[45Ricochet]

carringb wrote:


Also, be sure you aren't running too much tire pressure for the load you actually carry. If you aren't fully loaded to max GAWR, you don't need the full amounts listed on the tire inflation placard.

X2

[bmanning]

mkirsch wrote:
No matter what you do it's never going to ride like a car. It's always going to be harsher.

Trucks can either carry the load, or have a smooth ride. You can't have both.

Sounds to me like we have a bit of a "Princess and the Pea" complex going on there. Anything harsher than her daily driver is too harsh for her.

In that case there are only two choices:

1. Get rid of the RV.
2. Get rid of the wife.

LOL

Maybe keep whichever is in better condition?

In all seriousness, give her time; when I bought my F250 about a year ago my GF absolutely hated it but in no time she was used to it and now even doesn't mind driving it on occasion if need be.

[hone_eagle]

truck weight

I used one of these for years ,still might stuffed up in the garage.
Saves the back and you can still use the bed ,just put a piece of plywood over it .Fill with a hose just pull the plug to empty , no 'stuff' sliding around back there.

[transamz9]

mkirsch wrote:
No matter what you do it's never going to ride like a car. It's always going to be harsher.

Trucks can either carry the load, or have a smooth ride. You can't have both.

Sounds to me like we have a bit of a "Princess and the Pea" complex going on there. Anything harsher than her daily driver is too harsh for her.

In that case there are only two choices:

1. Get rid of the RV.
2. Get rid of the wife.

I beg to differ with you. My 2500 rides as good as any 1500.

[hone_eagle]

Air down the rears,50 psi or less will help ,unloaded the rear suspension only moves a fraction or a inch anyway.
or
Load the truck bed ,there are many methods ,I like the water bag system easy to load and unload.

[mkirsch]

No matter what you do it's never going to ride like a car. It's always going to be harsher.

Trucks can either carry the load, or have a smooth ride. You can't have both.

Sounds to me like we have a bit of a "Princess and the Pea" complex going on there. Anything harsher than her daily driver is too harsh for her.

In that case there are only two choices:

1. Get rid of the RV.
2. Get rid of the wife.

[Bionic_Man]

Harsh ride towing or driving solo? If it is towing you could look into one of the air cushioned hitches.