Lifting the back of my truck

[ccsest]

I am towing my Jayco 377RLBH with a Ford 2013 F250 2 x 4 diesel with a 6-3/4 bed. As usual for a Ford, the back sags when a load is put on it, even with a failey light travel trailer. The 5th wheel is near the max for this truck.

My original air bags worked very for a long time with the TT and for a while withe the 5th wheel. Unfortunately, the installer left the emergency brake cable rubbing against a bag, so it eventually burst. I had a pair of heavy duty bags installed, which only lasted a couple of hundred miles before one of the lower mounting bracket bolts popped, shifting the bag and tearing it. I am thinking about going a different way to lift the back of my truck.

What is your experience, and what is your preference?

Thanks

[Duke4857]

You could try adding helper springs.

https://www.truckspring.com/helper-springs.aspx

[Justlkn]

I have had excellent results with the Timbren SES. I have them currently installed on my truck and love them.

FR250SDG - Rear Axle SES Suspension Upgrade - Timbren Industries Inc. Suspension Products

[Duke4857]

I had these on my 1977 Chevy Blazer. We put them on all for corners for a higher lift kit. The Blazer rode like a lumber wagon, but with the 38.5 tires you could jump a curb at 35 miles an hour and not even notice it. Not for me any more, not a kid any more.

https://www.truckspring.com/suspensi...-leaf-kit.aspx

[rkymntsno]

X2 on the Timbrens. I just ordered a set for my 2018 Ram 3500 CC SRW. Read good things about them over the airbags. Also easy to install. Four bolts on my truck.

[TCNashville]

Unfortunately your F-250 is quite over matched by your camper. The pin weight alone will exceed the trucks payload capacity with nothing else in the truck including you. The 377RLBH is dual rear wheel territory.

[ccsest]

TCNashville - I worked the numbers carefully and thought I was right at my max. The truck has a payload of 3150, and the hitch weight of the 5th wheel dry is 2855, leaving me 295 pounds to add. I do travel fairley light, and my water tank is slightly rear of the axel. Do you still think this is a problem?

[ccsest]

That hitch weight was for a 2019. I remembered my 2016 was around 2300 and change. I will go look at it tomorrow.

[ccsest]

2nd Update on Capacities - I checked my door plate - My Maximum Payload is actually 3250.

[cariboocreek]

Originally Posted by ccsest

TCNashville - I worked the numbers carefully and thought I was right at my max. The truck has a payload of 3150, and the hitch weight of the 5th wheel dry is 2855, leaving me 295 pounds to add. I do travel fairley light, and my water tank is slightly rear of the axel. Do you still think this is a problem?

What about the weight of your hitch and actual operating pin weight? I have a 351rsts and on the scales loaded up, my pin weight is 4K. I was at the max with my SRW Ram 3500.

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by ccsest

TCNashville - I worked the numbers carefully and thought I was right at my max. The truck has a payload of 3150, and the hitch weight of the 5th wheel dry is 2855, leaving me 295 pounds to add. I do travel fairley light, and my water tank is slightly rear of the axel. Do you still think this is a problem?

If the 2855 is the published pin weight the actual pin weight from the factory will be higher. The best way to find out if you're in spec is to load the trailer and tow vehicle as you would if you're going camping and get to a CAT scale.

[citgodan]

Originally Posted by ccsest

2nd Update on Capacities - I checked my door plate - My Maximum Payload is actually 3250.

Dang - Is your 250 a single cab style (if they made that)? I have a 2015 F250, crew cab, GAS and I only get 2808 lbs of payload? you have 400+more pounds of payload with a DIESEL ?!?

[RedHorse1]

I agree that you are probably over weight, probably the Rear GAWR. That said lots of folks do it. Our 5th tips in at 13k with a touch over 3k on the pin. We are under the axle ratings but much heavier and we’d be in dually country ( it’s an F350).
But, back to your original question, I also recommend Timbrens. I had a bit of squat and the Timb’s took most of that out. Reasonable cost, easy install and should last many years. What’s not to like?

[ccsest]

Thanks RedHorse1 - I will be meeting with my suspension guy soon. I am thinking about installing the springs and repairing the air bags. Both will help with the lift and the air bags will help with the ride. I also put Sumo Springs on the front, which really helped keep the I5 from knocking my teeth out.

To be honest, the I5 in california was a lot better for my trip in January. It still sucks in and near all the major cities from So Cal to Seattle.

[ccsest]

I want to thank all whom I did not thank directly. I am getting my truck repaired and will be out for a big trip in a month or so. I will let you know how the new stuff works.

[TCNashville]

Best of luck to you and let us know how everything goes.

[ccsest]

Good News - Just got back from the suspension shop. The mounting bolt did not break. It just came loose. They are going to replace both bags and fix the bolt problem.

I still plan on getting helper springs, in case I ever loose the bags again.

Thanks everyone.

[bearkeller]

Had both air bags and Timbrens. Timbrens ran rough when empty will never use them again. Stick with the air bags

[Phil Saran]

From your numbers (377) I assume your 5th wheel is 40 foot or so long.
Are you familiar with the term "white knuckle driving"? That is or will be
you.

You need more truck, not just helper springs.

I tow a 34 foot 5th wheel that weights about 12000 pounds loaded with a
Dodge Ram 3500 diesel with a tow rate of over 16000 pounds.

Besides being able to tow what you have you need to be able to control it
and STOP it safely. Just my $00.02

[Calderd]

I installed the Timbren SES on my 2002 Chevy suburban. I’m pulling the Octane 260 at about 8000 lbs. these things are great..!! No more sag.