- This topic has 2 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 2 months, 2 weeks ago by
.
- Posts
Thanks to MelloMike’s excellent intro article on suspension upgrade options, I am NOT running out to buy stuff… so here’s the situation and hopefully we can get steered in the right direction on the type of upgrade needed. thx forum!
2017 Ram 2500 Cummins 4×4 shortbed, swapped out with an aluminum EBY flatbed. Otherwise it is still the completely stock (coil springs rear) suspension, wheels & tires. Truck weighs 7,990 with near-empty fuel tank. Camper is a DIY composites build. 6’3″ tall, and 7’square footprint sitting on the flatbed. Fully outfitted (bedding/galley/bathing) but with tanks dry, it weighs 1,050 lbs. Total dry is 9,040. “Wet” will add: 220 for diesel, 240 for water, 40 sewer = 9,540 before food, clothing, 2 adults, 1 labrador, puts us at truck’s door sticker GVWR 10,000. (front axle GAWR = 6,000 & rear = 6,500).
The truck accepts the camper nicely, with about 1.5″ of suspension drop upon install. Weight in the camper is all mounted as low as possible. 30gal water, cassette toilet, battery, diesel heater, grey tank, dometic fridge are all at floor level. It drives predictably and will roll side-to-side a bit from uneven spots in the road. BUT, a recent freeway-speed (60mph for me) drive in a 25+mph cross wind on I-10 uncovered a dangerous sway, feeling like the wind would push us sideways or tip it all over. I’ve driven big campers and some motorhomes, and this feels like an insufficient sway bar to me. The camper is not top-heavy in itself, but with the very high flatbed deck the windage is way above the road. I don’t want to lift the truck any higher, except maybe level up the nose a bit as we get upgraded front shocks.
OK, so given all these factoids, how do I need to beef up the truck?
Thanks from Greg in northern Cal.
Well, what I’d do (and DID!) on my former 2500 LB Ram was to install Tembrens…
Timbrens are essentially cylindrical hollow rubber blocks and are very easy to install atop the axle…Note however that a ‘proper install’ requires about 3/4” of space (when unloaded) between the top of the Timbren and the truck frame rail…
You won’t even notice them when unloaded, but I would avoid their HD model because it’s meant mostly for the most severe loading…
They are available from etrailer and guaranteed for life…
Phil
Just my personal experience. Timbren is a great company to work with – but, I have had their products on 3 different trucks now, and I can say with certainty that I did, and do not like the way these vehicles handle when bearing weight on the timbren springs. REAL overloads are better by about a factor of 10!
Im sure compared to leafs, coil springs are great for ride quality, but are a weird deal on a truck meant for hauling.
I’d think the first thing you’d want is the largest sway bar you can find to fit your truck, like a Big Wig. My next move would be to source some type of (adjustable?) coil over shock for the rear( if you can’t find any for your application, I’m sure King would build you some)or there’s also a possibility that a spring shop might be able to source a higher rated (rear) spring for your truck.
On the front, I’d want an adjustable shock, such as a Rancho-which you could experiment with turning up the damping when loaded.
Not super familiar with this Trucks suspension, but I’m assuming that you have some kind of front bump stops, what about replacing these front bumpstops with a Sumo Spring (reviewed here on TCA)? I don’t have experience with Sumo, and although they are similar in appearance to Timbrens, I believe them to be a wholly different product in design and function. I’d want the softer ones they offer – on the front. – And I’m assuming all the hardware mounting your front sway bar is in good shape – if not replace ALL with stiffer poly hardware.
I don’t think airbags, of any kind, are your go to for stability issues on a coil spring truck
This is all just my opinion, my only qualification being, which I cannot confirm or deny, is that I may occasionally overload my trucks.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
