Community Forums

jaybe · 03-03-2015, 06:55 PM

We have a Chev 2500HD to pull our 34' fiver. Our first long trip was last fall and I had several cars flash their lights at me when driving at night, making me think my front end is being tipped up with the trailer on. Am thinking about putting either air bags (probably Firestone Ride Rites) or Roadmaster Active suspension springs on.
Any advice - pro's and con's about either system?

Bamaman · 03-03-2015, 07:32 PM

You'd be served well by an air ride suspension on the rear. It'll level your lights, and improve braking and handling. And the price is right at around $250, not including any compressor (if needed.)

I recently put AirRide rear air bags on my F250 myself. They were easily installed in my driveway.

jaybe · 03-03-2015, 07:57 PM

Bamaman - Did you mean Air Lift (not Air Ride)?

Thanks

caissiel · 03-03-2015, 11:57 PM

I pulled a similar trailer with a 98 2500 GM and it carried it very well. Your spring must be weak. One more ply added at a spring shop would fix my truck. Maybe your light are actually high.
But I had a heavy diesel.

wingnut60 · 03-04-2015, 08:17 AM

I am having the Roadmaster Active Suspension installed on my 450 tomorrow--in place of the Timbrens I've used for over 150k miles. Little pricey, but the Tiimbrens are just TOO stiff on most bumps. After using it for some miles, will report if I think it was worth it.
Joe

Cummins12V98 · 03-04-2015, 08:59 AM

Air bags are great for ride improvement but IMHO if your rear is lower than your front you need more truck not a bandaid!

jaybe · 03-10-2015, 01:04 PM

I've been thinking about this for a while, and I am not looking to increase the load capacity of my truck, but to help keep it level while towing. It seems reasonable to me that if the truck is level when empty, it would "squat" a little when a load is put on it. If the load were placed midway between axles, I imagine it would stay level, but with all the load on the rear axle, isn't it normal for the nose to tip up?

Thanks for your comments.

Cummins12V98 · 03-10-2015, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaybe

I've been thinking about this for a while, and I am not looking to increase the load capacity of my truck, but to help keep it level while towing. It seems reasonable to me that if the truck is level when empty, it would "squat" a little when a load is put on it. If the load were placed midway between axles, I imagine it would stay level, but with all the load on the rear axle, isn't it normal for the nose to tip up?

Thanks for your comments.

Pickup trucks Don't sit "LEVEL" unloaded! Properly loaded they should sit level. If rear is lower when towing you need more truck!

dayle1 · 03-10-2015, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Pickup trucks Don't sit "LEVEL" unloaded! Properly loaded they should sit level. If rear is lower when towing you need more truck!

You are right, they don't sit level. But the headlights are aimed with the truck empty, so any load will affect them. And if the headlights are a problem for other drivers, then they can be adjusted for the added loading. More info is needed to determine if the truck is overloaded.

I prefer air bags, more adjustability.

keymastr · 03-10-2015, 06:23 PM

You don't mention which year or configuration your 2500 is and there can be quite a difference in weight carrying capacity depending on how it is configured and optioned. Assuming you have enough capacity to carry your passengers, cargo, fuel and the 2000 pound pin weight of your trailer then you may have worn out springs or simply need to adjust your headlights. Without more details and a pic of how it sits when hooked up it is impossible to give a solid answer.

Rickeoni · 03-10-2015, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

I am having the Roadmaster Active Suspension installed on my 450 tomorrow--in place of the Timbrens I've used for over 150k miles. Little pricey, but the Tiimbrens are just TOO stiff on most bumps. After using it for some miles, will report if I think it was worth it.
Joe

I looked the website and it does not list anything for a F450. What kit are you using?

mo5er · 03-10-2015, 06:26 PM

Get the Ride Rites and ride level

wingnut60 · 03-10-2015, 07:15 PM

Rickeoni,
There is a long story on this--I asked Roadmaster if they could fit a 450 and was told it would, "as they have installed them before on 450s" The shop I was using was a regular installer of the units, and they advertise them in the office--this is where I picked up on them and made the decision to try them, after being assured by Roadmaster that it would work. Well, after 2 separate tries, it would not fit my truck. The spring eye is too large for the hook bracket to securely fit around--difficulty in getting the bracket on and then it would pop off at the least movement. Long story short--no, they cannot fit an '08-'10 F450. I was out only about 6 hours time, but the shop was out about 4 hours of their labor--don't know how that will be settled.
It sounds good, looks good, but just won't work on one of the 'real' 450s. Don't consider it.
Well, on to AirLift or RideRite, maybe Tofklift even.
Joe

JIMNLIN · 03-10-2015, 07:25 PM

I used air bags on some of my one ton DRW trucks that were in commercial hauling service to level the load. Some didn't need any suspension help.
Some of my one ton 4wd trucks sit level and sag with a load so bags were a great way to level the truck and not blind oncoming drivers.