neversatisfied

Need some help folks. When towing my boat (12,500lbs. with aprox.1,200lbs. tongue weight)the truck squats about 1 1/2" which doesn't seem to bad, but while rolling down the highway the truck wants to porpise in the rear. Considering an upgrade but not sure which one. Don't want to alter empty ride qualityof the truck.

jrsmokestacks

I had timbrens in 2 different trucks, I prefer air bags. More adjustibility.

rustyshakelford

i really like my ride rite 2299 air bags. easy install too

brett

Clayten

Air bags all the way, Adjust to any load.

neversatisfied

Some say air bags limit suspension travel and stiffen up the ride, did anyone notice either of these traits?

rustyshakelford

they stiffen the ride alot if you leave enough pressure in them. if i unhook from my boat for a few days, ill leave the 50psi in them and i can definately tell when i go over speed bumps and what not, but when im load free for a few days ill take to back down to about 10-15. i cant tell they are there usually. as for suspension travel...i dont go in situations where i need alot of articulation so for me that hasnt been a very big problem.

brett

neversatisfied

Thanks for the reply. Don't need much articulation, just didn't want to loose any of the stock ride.But want to get rid of the pogo effect when towing at freeway speed.

rustyshakelford

i know the tires i have are terrible and really make towing zero fun. they take away the positive qualities of the airbags.

for those looking for tires, stay away from PRO COMP MTs of you do any towing. my size is 33/12.5/17 load range D

when going down the road the truck sways back and forth and its driving me nuts. i only have 12k on the tires and they wear good but they have got to go.

brett

cowboy133

Airbags are the way to go and get the in cab gauge and adjuster. Ride is harsh when unloaded and empty but if you empty the air out of the bags when unloaded the ride returns to stock. They really helped in the corner lean when towing the 5er. have pics in my gallery

jrussell

I guess I'm one of the rare few who hate my air bags. They make the unloaded ride much harsher. Even with 0-5psi in the bags I can still tell a big difference in the ride quality.

When loaded they work great though.

neversatisfied

JRUSSEL
Have you tried any thing else or do you have any other ideas?

jrussell

One option is to increase the reservoir capacity of the air bags. That way the pressure doesn't spike every time you hit a little bump and the suspension tries to compress. I plan to give this a try, but I'll be using a separate reservoir for each bag and haven't had the time to mess with it yet.

The other option is the new long-travel bags that Carli is getting ready to release, but they'll only work with a lift AFAIK.

Smokeman

I put a reservoir in my air bag system. It definitely reduces the harshness people complain about.

jrsmokestacks

They didnt limit my articulation much. Had 60psi in them and backed over that mound with no problem. Was hooked to that 10k lb. enclosed too.

jrussell

The extra weight from your trailer is probably the only reason you saw the articulation in that spot. When the truck is empty it will still have a couple inches of travel in the rear with bags, but they do limit the overall travel significantly.