wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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johnthecamper wrote:It is obvious that some are not reading or understanding what is happening. Anyone that thinks there is something wrong when your truck squats a couple of inches when loaded obviously doesn't know that is normal. Even the family car will sit a few inches lower when the family gets in. It is normal for a truck to set lower when loaded.
As for your question I would go with the airbags then you can adjust your truck height to the load.
If you are referring to C Schomer post, his reply appears to be offering more than just a response to the basic question to apply a patch.
I posted just ahead responding directly to the question of airbags or Timbrens. I suspect by reading Craigs post that he was looking a little deeper into the problem and probably knows what he is talking about - go read some of his 1500 other very helpful posts.
After revisiting the original posts, a Sundance should not drop a 3/4 ton truck that much what Craig is suggesting (2010# pinweight highest by their website). Perhaps the numbers are a bit of a stretch by the OP just looking at how he 'thought' his truck was sitting before hitching. Stating 2 1/2 - 3 suggest he didnt measure. Maybe it was really 2", maybe it was 4".
Regardless, I wouldnt discount a post by Craig.
* This post was
edited 08/26/08 04:54am by wittmeba *
Bruce & Carolyn Wittmeier
Viet Nam Vet 1968-69
I was born in Great Falls, Mt. My parents moved when I was 5.
I found them when I was 10 - they were in California.
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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Maybe it was 6" too...
A 2-1/2" to 3" squat barely levels most pickup trucks out. Normally they sit 2" high in the rear to begin with. If that's all it was, most people wouldn't even notice or be concerned.
I have one word for the original poster: Measure.
2000# dry pin plus 250# hitch plus God knows how much for the other stuff in the front of the trailer and in the truck's bed... 2250# in and of itself is a pretty good load for a 3/4 ton pickup. Diesel 4x4 extended cab lariat, and it's probably over the GVWR...
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Dave H M
IL
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So much for all trucks beign butt high. For some reason my antique 99 f250 rides level when empty.
obviously they squat a little when loaded. I had wierd drive line problems, which I really thin should have not beer there.
Anyway, the air bags by firestone cured my problems.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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BarneyS wrote:Donn,
Keep in mind that he is towing a 5th wheel trailer.
Barney
Thanks!
I was very aware of his post and my comments are/were aimed at getting him to get some accurate weights before he goes out and spends money, maybe unnecessairly on a band aid that may or may not be necessary to cure a preceived problem. It is very possible that he is overloaded with his rig fully loaded. The only way to know for sure is to get accurate weights and then digest the information and make informed decisions, not simply shoot from the hip.
Donn
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C Schomer
Buckeye, Az.
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I drive 2wds and they're right at touching the rubber stops if they squash 3". Craig
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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C Schomer wrote:I drive 2wds and they're right at touching the rubber stops if they squash 3". Craig
Same here with a 4X4 - 3" from the overload leaf to the rubber bumper.
Part of the reason I added airbags is I didnt want any droop when towing. It affects your headlights and people start flipping theirs at you to signal that you may have your brights on.
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C Schomer
Buckeye, Az.
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I mean my axle tubes are hitting the rubber stops at about 3". The top OLs hit the frame stops at about 2". Craig
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wilber1
Abbotsford B.C. Canada
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Pro's and con's to both. I've been happy with my Timbrens. Others say they give a harsher ride and they probably do in some situations but I don't really notice. It probably depends on how they are used. Air bags give more flexibility but the pressures have to be adjusted according to the load which can be a pain especially if you don't have a ready source of compressed air.
"Never trust a man who has not a single redeeming vice" WSC
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surveyorjp
Missouri
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Joined: 09/05/2005
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As the previous poster said, there are indeed pros and cons to both.
I have used Timbrens in the past, and was very pleased with them. I am thinking of getting some for my current truck. The benefits of Timbrens are the fact that they do not affect unloaded ride characteristics because they are not engaged. They only engage when the suspension drops about an inch when a load is placed upon them. Also another benefit is the lack of maintenance when compared to air bags. Air bags can leak, and the air pressures have to be adjusted each time the load changes. Also, Timbrens are not just a bigger bump stop, they are a progressive rate rubber support that gets stiffer the more they compress.
The air bags have benefits as well, but I haven't ever used them so I can't comment on that. Good luck with whatever you decide!
2005 Surveyor SV-291 Tows smooth as silk!
1995 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 4x4 5.9L V8 low miles, It ain't pretty, but it's paid for!
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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Hi Craig,
My reference was the overload spring that sits by itself outside the main leafspring set. It is about 3" from the bracket on the truck frame. Didnt really notice the bumper between the axle and truck frame - likely because it sits behind the airbags.
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