suspension modifications

[sxfd29]

new to trailering, pulling 32 ft tt with 1500 ram looking to upgrade suspension on truck better to go with air bags or joust bumpers.

[sxfd29]

sxfd29 wrote:
new to trailering, pulling 32 ft tt with 1500 ram looking to upgrade suspension on truck better to go with air bags or joust bumpers.

I should have stated that i was trying to reduce the porpoising effect when traveling down bumpy roads. my truck sits level when hitched to the trailer a tows ok.

[tunkcurt1]

I went with the firestone ride-rite air bags, and it made a substantial difference. Without them, the rear end felt like mush (yes, even with the weight distributing hitch properly installed). It really doesn't take much air in the bags to level out the truck and make it feel much more stable over big bumps. I have a GMC Sierra 1500 and am pulling a 35' travel trailer.

[Gdetrailer]

silverfz wrote:
Sorry for thread hijack.i have a 3 inch level kit installed by the previous owner.the rear sits 1inch lower. I am thinking of going airbag as even a 1 inch drop is sending me 2 inch down causing some weirdness. As I got thus used,non of the place around me will touch the level spacer to take out.

Find another "garage/mechanic" and have the "leveling kit" removed.

Doing so is better than masking one bad idea with another.

Trucks are trucks and the INTENTIONAL design is the bed when unloaded is HIGHER than the front. When loaded the bed will sit level with the front.

[silverfz]

Sorry for thread hijack.i have a 3 inch level kit installed by the previous owner.the rear sits 1inch lower. I am thinking of going airbag as even a 1 inch drop is sending me 2 inch down causing some weirdness. As I got thus used,non of the place around me will touch the level spacer to take out.

[TomG2]

Get some real weights on your combination and then come back for some real advice. Everybody is guessing until then. With your money.

[Tequila]

My advice is Torklift stableloads. Look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrUNlLdWMl0

I just put them on my 1 ton Dodge. Big improvement.

I would also advise going at least 3/4 ton. 32 feet is really way too much trailer for a 1/2 ton.

[campigloo]

That's a lot of trailer. Think about getting a bigger truck. You won't regret it.

[SoundGuy]

We Cant Wait wrote:
If it's a case of the truck not setting level and sagging too much in the rear then you're equalizer hitch is probably not properly adjusted.

I'll bet the OP is asking about air bags because he's not even using or planning to use a properly sized and adjusted weight distribution system. :E If so, he obviously needs to do more research on the proper equipment required to tow a trailer of this size with his truck, otherwise he'd be asking about WD and not air bags. 😉

[ChooChooMan74]

I was (and still) in the market for a Ram 1500 ED to replace the Liberty, and I found that it is easy to overload a 1500. That is why I am waiting to see what Nissan has to offer. I would get you unit weighed 3 times. 1) Truck Alone 2) Truck with the Weight Distribution disconnected 3) Truck with the weight distribution all set up. After doing that, see if you're overloading the hitch (tongue weight), axles, payload etc.

[Gdetrailer]

sxfd29 wrote:
new to trailering, pulling 32 ft tt with 1500 ram looking to upgrade suspension on truck better to go with air bags or joust bumpers.

Is it overloaded?

Before sinking a bunch of money into mods perhaps you should find all the weight specifications for your truck AND get you trailer weighed. Then report back with that info.

My personal take on this is don't waist money and time on suspension mods and move up to a more capable vehicle. Yes there are folks who mod and are happy but at the end of the day you still have a overloaded vehicle..

[We_Cant_Wait]

Why do you feel you need to upgrade the suspension? If you're trying to increase your towing capacity because you're trailer is to heavy for your truck, then you need to do more then increase the suspension things like brakes etc. come into play in towing ratings. If it's a case of the truck not setting level and sagging too much in the rear then you're equalizer hitch is probably not properly adjusted.