Beefing up rear suspension?

pulpwood007 · 04-10-2009, 06:16 AM

In a few weeks I'll be picking up a 29RK. I pull with a '05 2500 Dodge CTD. I'm really wondering if I'll get that much sag in the rear end of my truck considering the pin weight of the loaded trailer will be about 2K lbs.

Since I've been pulling a TT for years I've not had to deal with this issue, so my question is for those of you pulling with a 3/4 ton Dodge (or any other 3/4 tons for that matter) have you had to add any extra support such as Timbrens or Air bags?

thanks,

**Lloyd** · 04-10-2009, 06:39 AM

I had air bags when I was pulling a 34.5 HH. Used them when I had the Lance. I took them off when we bought the Cruiser. I don't get enough sag to bother.
But I have shorter unit then you are getting. Some of the guys are using the timbrens, and like them.

fhenn · 04-10-2009, 07:06 AM

Save your money I have the same truck and pull a CF32BL it sits level and pull great. I have the air bags becuase they came with the truck, but only run 8psi in them to keepthem inflated

Hunter11 · 04-10-2009, 07:13 AM

I have a set of Timbrens on my truck and it does improve the ride with the trailer in tow. When not towing they do not touch the axle. They do keep our setup level when towing.

Chrisnan23 · 04-10-2009, 08:07 AM

I have the 29RK and an F250SD no air bags, no problems.

ThreePutt · 04-10-2009, 11:49 AM

You don't need the air bags. I have them I put 40 lb and they take a lot of the chucking out. I don't know for sure but I would think they would save on the shocks.

ThreePutt

fhenn · 04-10-2009, 11:57 AM

I replace the pin with a Demco really smooth out the whole trip. eleminated just about all of the chucking. When we went to Texas Janet back held out fine. Before I installed this we would have to stop every hour or so so she could walk around and straighten out her back. Now no more back pain was a welll spent 630.00 I think Crossroads should have this as an option

pulpwood007 · 04-10-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter11

I have a set of Timbrens on my truck and it does improve the ride with the trailer in tow. When not towing they do not touch the axle. They do keep our setup level when towing.

The pin weight on your rig is obviously going to be a lot heavier than a 29RK, but do the Timbrens touch the axle as soon as you hook up the trailer?

Thanks for all the comments. I think I'll wait until I get the trailer and see how it sets before installing Timbrens. May not need them.

Hunter11 · 04-10-2009, 09:36 PM

Yes they do touch when I hookup the trailer. The first trip we made with the PP my truck was about 2" lower than it is now with the Timbrens installed. Now the truck and trailer sit level. They took about 15 minutes to install.

Virginia RVers · 04-10-2009, 10:46 PM

I used Timbrens on my Dodge 1500 for my 29RK 5er and they worked great. I would recommend that if you have concerns, to use them from the start. I pulled my trailer for almost 1 year before adding them and they would touch without the trailer onboard. (did not like the ride without the trailer from that point on) I feel that I had extended the springs before adding the Timbrens and this was the cause. I would believe that a 2500 that the would not be needed with the 29RK as this is a beefer pickup.

Good Luck and enjoy your camping in 09.

pulpwood007 · 04-10-2009, 11:35 PM

This brings up something I had not thought of. The 3/4 ton truck may not really sag much without added support but wonder if, over time, the bouncing around while going down the road would weaken the springs?

The Dodge 3500 has the overload springs to rely on, the 2500 does not. If nothing else the Timbrens might lengthen the life of the suspension.

Jerry

Fiddich · 04-10-2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pulpwood007

In a few weeks I'll be picking up a 29RK. I pull with a '05 2500 Dodge CTD. I'm really wondering if I'll get that much sag in the rear end of my truck considering the pin weight of the loaded trailer will be about 2K lbs.

Since I've been pulling a TT for years I've not had to deal with this issue, so my question is for those of you pulling with a 3/4 ton Dodge (or any other 3/4 tons for that matter) have you had to add any extra support such as Timbrens or Air bags?

thanks,

I would say you'd be fine. The dry hitch weight is 1555lbs.Go get it and see how you like it. You will be adding another few hundred pounds to that once you load all your stuff. If it feels like you're at the edge, get something to help. Do it while you're loading the trailer and it'll be ready when you go for your first trip.

I have the 31SB (1595lbs) and a 3500 GMC. Absolutely LOADED with wood, bikes, and all our stuff, that things suspension is too much and is uncomfortable. I would think that if I had a 2500, I would be better off ride-wise.

Ridgeman · 04-13-2009, 11:44 AM

My truck is an 06 2500 CTD. My dry pin weight is1600 lbs on my 30sk. I have my cruiser loaded down a lot when traveling. I don't have any bags or Timbrens and it tows like a dream. Mine is a 4x4 so when the truck squats a couple of inches in the rear it is level. See my sig pic.

pulpwood007 · 04-14-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridgeman

My truck is an 06 2500 CTD. My dry pin weight is1600 lbs on my 30sk. I have my cruiser loaded down a lot when traveling. I don't have any bags or Timbrens and it tows like a dream. Mine is a 4x4 so when the truck squats a couple of inches in the rear it is level. See my sig pic.

Good to hear. I have a 2 wheel drive so it's already high in the rear. The weight of the 5th wheel might level it up. As I mentioned above I just don't want to weaken the springs. These 3/4 ton trucks are way under-rated in terms of real world towing/hauling ability.

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