SOhappy

Thanks for the advice. I do raise it back up until the rear end is level, or even an inch higher (slightly lifting the truck's rear suspension with the trailer jack). Then I'll put it on the tightest link that'll fit over the hook (the 6th one in my case). That's why it blows me away that it sinks down so far, never had that happen before.

CASMOKIN

I just went through the same thing last week. I was moving from Ca. to Pa. pulling a 22' Haulmark. Loaded, it weighed in at 14,500 lbs. Not including the bed and ladder rack being fully loaded. Rear end was squating real bad. I bought a set of Firestone airbags (AWSOME!!) With the bags @ 80 lbs, I only dropped about 1.5" to 2", very acceptable and the ride improved ten fold. I highley recomend the bags. Just my 0.02

Tom

sinton

I don't run air bags. My tongue weight is around 1000 lbs and I use a Reese Dual Cam HP hitch.




When I'm all hooked up and ready to tow:




I'm using the 1200 lb bars, Reese makes a set of 1700 lb bars here.

SOhappy

Wow, no squat there! Of course my axles are 2/3 of the way back on the trailer (adding to my tongue weight), yours are kinda' centered. Good looking outfit you got.

sinton

Thanks. I like the Reese DC HP hitch. As you can see in the first picture, I have 7 links of chain on the hitch, Reese recommends a minimum of 5 so the cams clear the trailer. This gives me 2 more links to use to adjust in case I need to transfer more weight to the front wheels.

Also, as you can see by using this setup, I don't need any sway device. I do notice some sway at 76-78 mph (had to test it out) but I normally keep it under 70 since I am going on vacation and don't want the dishes to fall and break.

XLR8R

I've modded both of my 2500 Rams to carry/pull heavy, went the extra & stronger spring route on the '98, installed 5K # bags and a swaybar on the '05.

They both do the job; while the '05 setup rides much better loaded or empty, both trucks are very stable and handle well (but I don't like attempting panic stops in the '98 ... just say no to drum brakes!)

Anyway - bags are better any way you slice it, IMO

cromulius

I haul alot of heavy construction materials and debris so I put those cheap helwig helpers that took me about 30 - 45 minutes to install and they worked great. I have a 1 ton now so I left them on the old truck.

jht

Ive got a 28ft toyhauler thats like yours ...the tongue weight is up there, never measured it though.. I switched to a class 5 hitch so i can have abit more safety margin...And the firestone 5000lb bags are the best towing mod ive made yet...70lbs of air and she goes back to level...Gotta have it level for towing at night...Worth every penny, Youll be happy you did it...

jka

I like Timbrens......had them on the 2500 and took them off when I sold it and put them on this truck. I have them installed with about a 1/2" gap, the truck settles a total of 1" now with the 1950 lb. pin of our FW.

There's no air lines to worry about and they are simple to install.....the only time I feel them running empty is on speed bumps in a parking lot. When the truck is loaded they're smooth as silk. The extra support they give should extend the life of the rear leaf springs.

bad black truck

never add springs to the main only to the overloads it will stay smoth but will hold more weight

MR. GADGET

I got the same thing with out the sway on my trailer and it works good.
Looking at your pictures it looks like your bars should be a little flatter and maybe not pointing so far down? Does it make a difference? When I got mine and set it up the picture showed the ball and bars flat, also took it to the trailer place to see if it got the ok with them and he said the flatter the better as long as things clear. Anyone think of anything wrong or that would change if the bars are like his or flat like mine.
Jon

sinton

Followed the Reese DC HP directions to the letter. Measured twice, drilled once. Even studied the RV Net Formus and Trailer Life Forums before buying and installing. Lots of good info there and helped me make an informed decision.

All I can say is that this system works for me. I don't have airbags and like I posted above, don't feel sway until I'm in the upper 70's. That gives me the confidence when towing or passing when necessary.

~ Sinton

biglar

I'll go ahead and publish the link to my spring blocks again, since they cost little and work so well. I've since replaced one by using a logger's falling wedge, but that cost about $10.00. :-) Take a look at: www.biglar.homestead.com/springsupport.html . I've just turned 100,000 miles while on vacation a few weeks ago, and have had a 9'10" Lance Squire on board for probably 80,000 of those miles and a heavy 16' boat behind for maybe 60,000 or more. I pump up the air bags - higher than others here, cause I like the extra support - to 100 psi. It all works extremely well, and the truck rides slightly tail high, just as it does without the camper. I also went to 19.5" load range H tires, rated at 4940 lb each to safely carry the extra weight.


Lar.

garretch

i have a set of air bags with the on-board compresor and guages. it's nice to be able to 'dial in' the rear suspension while driving down the road. if the road gets a little bumpy i just add a bit more air. smooth pavement, take some out.
i pull everything from 19' to 40+ travel trailers and fifth wheels. different air for different rides makes it very nice. jmho.