? Helper springs

Running_Bear

I have a 2006 F-350 and when the Cameo is hitched up the rear of the Ford goes down several inches. There is no problem towing or as a matter of fact with anything else mating the two. Perhaps it is just me, but is the Ford supposed to sag several inches when the weight of the RV is applied. Has anyone added anything to their Ford to reduce the sag and is it worth it? I also want to know if any addition would affect the Ford’s ride when not hitched.

The truck only has about 61K miles on it.

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Posted: 2:23 PM – Jun 26, 2013

JohnD222

Running Bear,

You should gets lots of info if you use the search button.

Everything will sag with extra weight – it sags more as you approach the max rating of the springs. That sagging makes for headlights in the trees, and a rough ride as you lose the free travel and end up bottoming out on the bumper stops between the frame and the axle.

Yes everything helps – a lot depends upon what you are pulling and how much the pin weight is.

Adding a spring or two at a spring shop, or do it yourself/shop additions of an overload spring or two, Timbrens, or airbags are your options – none change the weight rating of your truck or tires, but will certainly help it handle the weight and curves better.

I can tell you that I had a 08 450 with a GVWR of 14,500 and GCWR of 33,500 and replaced it with an 2011 450 (really a 350 dually 4×4 with wider front axle and shorter turning radius) with a GVWR 13,000 and GCWR of 27,000. The 08 sagged about 1 inch, the 11 sagged 4.5 inches and was just above the axle bumper stops. The 08 needed no air bags, road hard like a truck when empty, was incredibly stable when loaded. The 2011 rides like a Cadillac when empty, and is quite a bit looser than the 08 when loaded. I was/am just under both the GVWR and GCWR of the 2011. I upgraded brakes to discs in 5er, and added air bags to the 2011 right after my first trip in the 2011- runs level now with 40-45 psi loaded, and stops like it did with the 08. When running the minimum 5 psi empty, I don’t even know the air bags are there. I replace shocks all around with the yellow/blue (2600? series) Bilsteins at 20k miles. Vast improvement empty and loaded. If doing it over again I would get the chrome 5100 series for the rear- they make one model for zero lift.

I have Firestone airbags, and like all others of that vintage, they require a minimum amount of air to avoid pinching and popping the air bag. Some manufacturer has since come up with an airbag that has a mini bumper (like a Timbren) built inside so it can run with zero air when empty. I would go that route today. On board gauge(s) – yes; on board compressor – yes unless you have one in your 5er. FYI, the compressors for the air bags work fine for the bags, but will take forever to fill a low tire unless you have many, many air tanks mounted to that on board compressor.

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Posted: 5:09 PM – Jun 26, 2013

Jere&Laur

JohnD222, why the 5100 over the 4600 Bilsteins?

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