5th towing question

RedHorse1 · 03-31-2015, 08:44 PM

You can see the 5th and TV in the sig. I go back and forth about bags. I'm within the weight limits for the TV and the rear squats about 2" under load. The ride is good (not much to compare it to tho). So, the big question for the learned group is: do you think I need bags? Right now I'm of the "no bag" opinion.

jimandcarol · 03-31-2015, 08:57 PM

I have bags and don't use them, I keep the minimum 10 psi in them. My truck squats maybe 2'' inches when loaded and the 5th sits close to level and tows great. I think I wasted my money when I had them installed before I picked up my 5th wheel.

b1mmuo27 · 03-31-2015, 09:20 PM

My dually has a helper spring that reacts only when a weight is placed on them, ie the pin weight of my 5th wheel. It drops a little but keeps the trailer above level for towing. All my trucks have had helper springs like this which carried the load. PS My 1 ton dually rides like a Cadillac, beacause it's a Dodge.

cariboocreek · 03-31-2015, 09:45 PM

I have the Firestone Airbags and after some experimenting I tow with them set at 18psi. Great ride when hooked up, a little harsh unhooked. When not towing I reduce them to 5 psi. I like everything to be nice and level.

clutch · 03-31-2015, 10:32 PM

Hook it up and see how it looks and tows. Then make your decision.

Twistzz · 03-31-2015, 11:42 PM

Hi get timbrens perfect for my setup and they work. Reasonable and you can install yourself in literally minutes. Hope whatever you do works out!

Ont Pete · 04-01-2015, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1mmuo27

My dually has a helper spring that reacts only when a weight is placed on them, ie the pin weight of my 5th wheel. It drops a little but keeps the trailer above level for towing. All my trucks have had helper springs like this which carried the load. PS My 1 ton dually rides like a Cadillac, beacause it's a Dodge.

Hmmmm.......... If it's a Dodge I would think it rides like a Dodge, I would be afraid if I had a 1 ton dually that rode like a car!

lol

RedHorse1 · 04-01-2015, 07:09 AM

We've towed about 7000mi with no suspension add-ons and I guess I'm jus a little obsessive. The 2" of squat doesn't bother me and the truck looks a little tail-high with no load. The overload springs engage and the suspension never bottoms. The ride is good (Blue Oval guy so I can't comment on a Caddy ride - better than the bride's Explorer tho).
B1mm, if you'd said your Caddy rode like a 1 ton Dodge I think we'd be onto something.

cariboocreek · 04-01-2015, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

We've towed about 7000mi with no suspension add-ons and I guess I'm jus a little obsessive. The 2" of squat doesn't bother me and the truck looks a little tail-high with no load. The overload springs engage and the suspension never bottoms. The ride is good (Blue Oval guy so I can't comment on a Caddy ride - better than the bride's Explorer tho).
B1mm, if you'd said your Caddy rode like a 1 ton Dodge I think we'd be onto something.

When I drove over a Caddy with my one ton dually a couple of years ago the ride was surprisingly smooth....

goducks · 04-01-2015, 09:24 AM

Most trucks are rear high to begin with. 2" sag is good. If your headlights aren't point towards tree tops and the ride is nice I'd stay the course. Naturally anything you add back there will help cornering. If you did run bags I doubt you would put much air in them if you're only sagging 2". But they may stabilize the ride more. While the ride may be good, it could be better. But how much better?

You could also give these a try. I've heard good things about them.
http://www.torklift.com/index.php/pr...ion/stableload

Stingray75 · 04-01-2015, 11:29 AM

A 2" drop is reasonable and if everything feels solid (no excess body roll), you're likely OK as is. I get about the same drop on mine but oncoming traffic seemed to have problems with my headlights so I added air bags to make 'em happier. After I added them, i realized improvement in body roll.

Higgy · 04-01-2015, 02:45 PM

I put a levelling kit on my truck when i got it so when i towed, it looked like the front was high. Put on the firestone air bags and it fixed that problem. If i hadnt done the levelling kit then it would have sat level without the bags. Also, i find that the air bags set at 5 psi seem to take a bit of the harsh judder out of the suspension when the truck is empty.

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