Leaf spring assist for more payload capacity?

[Gryphon]

I searched for an answer to my question in this forum, but couldn't find the answer so perhaps someone can help me out.

We have a 2004 Nissan Titan and just purchased a Flight SLX 267. Based on my estimate we'll be within the available payload, but not by all that much.

During a trip to the auto parts store last week I noticed a product described as a leaf spring assist set. It looked like a bolt-on product and supposedly it can increase your payload capacity. Is this a legitimate way to build in some safety factor? Is there a better way?

I don't have any experience with towing a trailer this size so I'd appreciate some input. I'm going to follow the advice I've read here and use a scale to get more precise weight data. In the meantime, I'd like to learn more about my options.
Thanks!

[Marcm157]

No add on device will increase payload. I installed the Roadmaster Active Suspension to my truck and it helped quite a bit with the ride as well as the sag under a load. Payload can not be increased.

[Coldfusion]

No you can not increase payload capacity in any way by adding anything. All add on stuff does is help with the ride and squat


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[spoon059]

I think you need to better define what you mean by "payload" increase.

You can research your local jurisdictions registration requirements and figure out how to register your Titan for a higher GVWR and make it LEGAL to increase your payload.

There are ways that you can increase your trucks ability to handle higher weights. You just need to determine what the limiting factor is and replace that. Maybe the springs are the limiting factor, maybe the brakes, maybe the tires, maybe the lugs, maybe the frame. That will make it SAFE to increase your payload.

But there is no way to add anything to your vehicle to increase the manufacturers posted payload sticker, the sticker by which the manufacture warrantee's their parts.

[Gryphon]

Thank you for confirming what I thought was the case.

I don't have the exact numbers handy, but there is about 1600 lbs between the curb weight and GVWR for the old Titan. Between my passengers, two huge dogs, topper, hitch and the TT tongue weight I'm using up about 1400 lbs. I was assuming that the rear suspension was the limiting factor. The truck has all new brakes and it should have enough motor as well.

I appreciate the quick responses.

[Rustysocket]

The critical component is the axles.

[eldermike]

Light duty trucks that are not for hire don't have pay loads. There are add ons that will improve the handling and safety of any truck. I do not know of the kit you mentioned here but if your truck is sitting on the bump stops then you have zero rear suspension travel and that is a safety issue that can be improved with new springs, air bags or Timbren springs.

[Donedroolin]

I have the Timbrens on my Ford F250, they helped with rear end sag. Here are some pics of OEM bump stops and new Timbrens

[DownTheHighway]

not to high-jack the thread, I was looking into this as well. I have access to a rear suspension from a 2016 3500 CC and I have a 2016 2500 CC, if I add that rear leaf pack to my 2500, will that increase may payload?

[JFlightRisk]

Payload capacity also takes into consideration frame size and strength, and most importantly brakes. Your 2500 front brakes may be smaller, and less effective than a 3500's, and by the sounds of it you're only changing the rears. just something to consider.

[PMC]

Originally Posted by RollingDownTheHighway

not to high-jack the thread, I was looking into this as well. I have access to a rear suspension from a 2016 3500 CC and I have a 2016 2500 CC, if I add that rear leaf pack to my 2500, will that increase may payload?

If you have a Ram the 2500 and 3500 have the same axles, brakes, etc. The only difference is the rear springs where your 2500 has coil and the 3500 doesn't. I've never checked if you can change them out but if you have and you can you'd be effectively giving yourself more capacity.
For myself I know we'll need the payload of a 3500 with our next rig so when I replaced my F150 I went with a 3500 diesel.

[DownTheHighway]

Originally Posted by PMC

If you have a Ram the 2500 and 3500 have the same axles, brakes, etc. The only difference is the rear springs where your 2500 has coil and the 3500 doesn't. I've never checked if you can change them out but if you have and you can you'd be effectively giving yourself more capacity.
For myself I know we'll need the payload of a 3500 with our next rig so when I replaced my F150 I went with a 3500 diesel.

I have a GMC 2500, the 2500 and 3500 have the same axles, engine, tranny, etc. The 3500 leaf bundle is "beafier" then the 2500. I'll have to go to a dually for our next rig, due to we're getting a 5'er, it's down to the Pinnacle FL or the Montana FL. We're looking at both side by side this weekend and going from there

[ctbailey]

Originally Posted by RollingDownTheHighway

not to high-jack the thread, I was looking into this as well. I have access to a rear suspension from a 2016 3500 CC and I have a 2016 2500 CC, if I add that rear leaf pack to my 2500, will that increase may payload?

Just curious...
You just picked up a brand new 3/4 ton. What kept you from choosing the 1 ton originally?

Was it psychological?


Craig Bailey
New England
2007 Chevy 2500HD crew
2015 Jayco Jayflight 32BHDS

[DownTheHighway]

Originally Posted by ctbailey

Just curious...
You just picked up a brand new 3/4 ton. What kept you from choosing the 1 ton originally?

Was it psychological?


Craig Bailey
New England
2007 Chevy 2500HD crew
2015 Jayco Jayflight 32BHDS

The lack of inventory where I live and at the time of the 2500 purchase and I got the 2500 less then a fully loaded 1500. Now, with some changes, happening now I'm looking to get a 3500. I may keep the 2500 but I'd like to get a 1 ton as well

[eldermike]

F250 anf F350 are Same truck with different rear springs

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by eldermike

F250 anf F350 are Same truck with different rear springs

The same with the GM 2500HD & 3500HD SRW...., and if I should ever need a little extra payload capacity with my '16' 2500HD I'll have the the extra leaf added.

In my case I would have purchased the '16' 3500HD SRW gasser for the extra payload, but it didn't come in the Double Cab body style (CC won't fit in garage).

Bob

[Gryphon]

So, we picked up our new Flight SLX 267 today with our 2004 Nissan Titan. I have installed a Tekonsha P3 brake controller and at the pick-up appointment we installed an Equalizer model 10k WDH. The Titan sits almost level with this combination and does not have any trouble pulling the unloaded trailer. Jayco specs indicate the empty trailer weight at 5425 lbs with a tongue weight of 635 lbs. The boost is set to level B2 and the max power is set to 11.5 on the brake controller.

I had them pre-load the hitch set-up slightly in anticipation of the topper being installed tomorrow and the 250 lbs of dog that will be riding in the truck bed.
So far so good, but we'll see what happens when we load our baseline gear into the trailer.
Thanks

[nevermind]

Originally Posted by Gryphon

I had them pre-load the hitch set-up slightly in anticipation of the topper being installed tomorrow and the 250 lbs of dog that will be riding in the truck bed.

Any pics of the 250lb dog?

[Gryphon]

Yeah, that should have read dogS... 2 x 125 lbs.