Spring helpers

[cnack72]

I have a new 2014 Ram 1500 reg cab short bed 4x4. I am not liking how much sag I have with my camper hitch up to it. Looking for some info on how to make it more level somewhat.


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[TURBS]

Do you have a weight distribution hitch?

[camper1999]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Do you have a weight distribution hitch?

X2 and if you do check out adjustable air bags and timbrens. I have timbrens which work for me.

[Shinny]

Another vote for air bags

Just realized it's a 1500: WD hitch would be my first step

[acadianbob]

Just remember that air bags do nothing to increase the payload capacity of your truck. Are you pushing the limits of your payload capacity? That might be part of your issue.

[camper1999]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Just remember that air bags do nothing to increase the payload capacity of your truck. Are you pushing the limits of your payload capacity? That might be part of your issue.

Air bags, timbrens, adding a leaf spring can increase your payload. But you need to know what drive train you have. For example: my 2500hd has the same frame, transmission, and engine as a 3500hd adding suspension enhancements will increase the payload. I have verified this through many resources including the dealer. On a 1/2 ton you may not get much more especially if you have p rated tires etc.

[MeepMeep]

I'm with Acadianbob on the airbag thing - they just make it more level and ride nicer but don't increase capacity....

[donanddona]

X2 on the tires! I traded to "LT". Loss the soft ride but gave up the sidewall cracks in the P-255's.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by cnack72

I have a new 2014 Ram 1500 reg cab short bed 4x4. I am not liking how much sag I have with my camper hitch up to it. Looking for some info on how to make it more level somewhat.


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Need a bunch more information.

There is no vehicle or trailer information in the post, no information in a signature, and no information in the profile.

Truck stats including GVWR, GCWR, and tow rating are needed.

Looking back through the posts, the OP posted a picture of a Dakota pulling a Surveyor Sport 220. Looks like some serious sag on the Dakota, even though a WDH was being used. I don't see any bend in the spring bars. I think the OP 1st needs to properly set up the WDH, then consider helper springs or air bags only if the truck still sags when the WDH is setup properly.

[cnack72]

Thanks for the info guys. I am pulling a 2013 Surveyor sport 220 and I do have a WDH. What is the best way to setup the hitch. I started pulling this camper with a 2003 Dakota but had to upgrade to a v8 truck.


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[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by cnack72

Thanks for the info guys. I am pulling a 2013 Surveyor sport 220 and I do have a WDH. What is the best way to setup the hitch. I started pulling this camper with a 2003 Dakota but had to upgrade to a v8 truck.


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The best way to set up the WDH properly is get out the setup instructions on that hitch. If you don't have a hard copy, then you can probably find the info on the net. The instructions will include suggested chain lengths, recommended spring bar position, head tilt instructions, bolt torque values, etc. The instructions will also probably include how to do fender measurements, to make sure you are getting the recommended weight back on the front axle.

Not that my system is the only way to accurately do fender measurements, but this is how I do it: I use a 4' level that has a ruler on 1 side. I will get the level perfectly plume (vertically) as close to the axle axis as possible. I will take a piece of duct tape and mark the pavement directly behind (or front of) the level. That permits me to use the exact same spot with every measurement. I then use a short level under the fender well, against the 4' level to read the measurements. You need truck without the trailer, and then without moving the truck measurements, as well as the measurements with the trailer hooked up for comparison.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by camper1999

Air bags, timbrens, adding a leaf spring can increase your payload. But you need to know what drive train you have. For example: my 2500hd has the same frame, transmission, and engine as a 3500hd adding suspension enhancements will increase the payload. I have verified this through many resources including the dealer. On a 1/2 ton you may not get much more especially if you have p rated tires etc.

Kinda difficult to add timbrens or leaf springs to a coil spring rear suspension on the 2014 Ram 1/2T.

[donanddona]

Old Coot are you not up for the challenge?

[donanddona]

I remember when they said traction bars were only for leafs...

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Kinda difficult to add timbrens or leaf springs to a coil spring rear suspension on the 2014 Ram 1/2T.

That's what I was thinking…..

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

Just remember that air bags do nothing to increase the payload capacity of your truck. Are you pushing the limits of your payload capacity? That might be part of your issue.

I respectfully disagree. I contend that you might not be able to change what the sticker says, but you can make upgrades that allow your truck to haul a heavier load just as "safely". I come to this conclusion after much THOROUGH research, but I digress.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

I respectfully disagree. I contend that you might not be able to change what the sticker says, but you can make upgrades that allow your truck to haul a heavier load just as "safely". I come to this conclusion after much THOROUGH research, but I digress.

I respectfully disagree. Adding airbags does nothing to add to the rear axle structure, brakes, drive train, or the frame structure. Those items are engineered to carry the particular weights stated.

[dustman_stx]

Originally Posted by MtnGuy

I respectfully disagree. Adding airbags does nothing to add to the rear axle structure, brakes, drive train, or the frame structure. Those items are engineered to carry the particular weights stated.

Then please enlighten us as to why the Ford F150 with MaxTow has a GVWR of 7650-7700 whereas the non MaxTow is 7200 when the rear axle structure, brakes, drive train components (even though these AREN'T load bearing and have NOTHING to do with payload) and frame are IDENTICAL. What I'm stating is factual per Ford literature for the 2013 year model. Others have also pointed out and proven that MANY year models of 3/4 ton and 1 ton SRW trucks are IDENTICAL except for an additional leaf spring. You aren't going to convince me to ignore the facts and I won't be able to convince you to ignore the sticker, so I really don't see this argument going anywhere.

[MtnGuy]

Disclosure: I am not an engineer for the Ford Motor Company, or any other manufacturer. It is not my decision on what GVWR, GCWR, or GAWR are to be used on any vehicle. I will not encourage anyone to exceed those weights, regardless if a similar truck has more weight carrying capacity.

[goduc]

Originally Posted by dustman_stx

Then please enlighten us as to why the Ford F150 with MaxTow has a GVWR of 7650-7700 whereas the non MaxTow is 7200 when the rear axle structure, brakes, drive train components (even though these AREN'T load bearing and have NOTHING to do with payload) and frame are IDENTICAL. What I'm stating is factual per Ford literature for the 2013 year model. Others have also pointed out and proven that MANY year models of 3/4 ton and 1 ton SRW trucks are IDENTICAL except for an additional leaf spring. You aren't going to convince me to ignore the facts and I won't be able to convince you to ignore the sticker, so I really don't see this argument going anywhere.

You can't use that logic for the Ram. It only has one GVW, but different payload ratings.
Max GVW is 6800lbs. The more you load the truck with higher trim levels the lower the payload goes.
Ford on the other hand has 4 GVW ratings. 7200,7650,7700 and 8200 thru 2014. 2015 is a different animal.
You can get a Lariat in the 7200 -8200 GVW. So say you have 7200 GVW Lariat and want more payload. Adding bags would give you the same rating per say as a 7650-7700 maxtow.

You can't do that with ram because they don't have a max/HD tow option. The max is the lowest reg cab 2wd 8' bed V6 version. The more you add the more you lose. Theirs no upside in Ram configurations.


Rams RAWR is maxed at 3900lbs. That's the only one listed.
Ford goes from IIRC 3750-4050-4800(HD)