I posted this question in the RV/Hauling forum earlier this morning and was advised that the 2nd generation people may be able to enlighten me further:

I have a 2001 Dodge 4x4 diesel, 2500. I recently bought a heavier horse trailer with living quarters. I have not taken it to weigh it, but the paper work says that it weighed 5,000 lbs before the living quarters was installed. When I tow it, the nose of my truck is up. Also, when I go over a bump it sounds like I am bottoming out. I took it to the truck/RV dealer near me and he said that I should replace my leaf springs before I try installing air bags (Ride Rites). He said that I have standard leaf springs with an overload (which looks like two more leaf springs to me). He said that because the existing leaf springs are not in a smile and are almost in a frown position that he suspects they are wearing out.

He called me back later to say that Dodge says that factory leaf springs are rated for 1700 lbs per side and that he had a price of ~$400 per side for new ones that were rated for 2850 lbs per side.

He suggested replacing the leaf springs first, then if it isn't enough he says he can remove the overload springs and install the ride rites. When it is all said and done I will have spent almost $2,000.

You probably have guessed that I am not planning on doing any work myself; however, I am trying to make an informed decision. I have a couple friends who installed the air bags and are very happy - so I was confused when the shop started talking about my leaf springs. I know that you have all warned about the really stiff ride you will get all the time with a heaftier leaf spring instead of the air bag option.

Perhaps I should just tell them to forget the upgrade to the leaf springs and just remove the overload spring and install the air bags...

I attached a picture of the trailer.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

How big of a trailer is it 3 or 4 horse, is it 8ft wide. If it is what i think it is, you truck is too small. I would get the air bags, the kit should be approx 500$
and a few hundred for a shop to install, thats a lot less than new rear springs. Just my opinion

 

It it a Goose Neck, 5th wheel, or Bumper pull trailer? if it's a bumper pull, a properly adjusted weight distribution hitch should do the job. It'll run you about $350. I'd certainly try to avoid a spring swap. It can be pricey and can create a very rough ride when not hitched.

Also consider, just because you add air bags or springs, or whatever, your not going to add towing capacity to the truck. There's other thangs besides springs that dictate overall capacities.

However, I think you still may be ok on weight. You really should get that thing weighed. it's the only way to know for sure.

 

I have a 2 horse gooseneck. It is 7' wide, 8'short wall living quarters. I have a picture of it attached to the same question in the RV/ hauling forum that I posted this morning - but I can't seem to attach it to this thread.

 

Try the air bags first, I have a set on mine and you can really tell the difference, Mine used to really sag down with my stock trailer which is just a 20ft corn pro steel gn that weighs somewhere around 5k or so empty and when I'd load it with four or five cows it would just sag the ground but now that I have the bags I just pump em up to 90 psi and go, I only have 4 leaf springs as well, mine didnt come with the extra 2 overloads. I recommend trying them first, they really help. Good Luck

 

My friend installed some overloads on his truck. Got them from the bone yard for $100 & they made a big difference in the suspension. The Airbags are going in my rig.

 

Where and what are most of you guys using for airbags? I've been wanting to go airbags for sometime now, but don't know where to get them from and whats the best set-up to go with?

 

Thank you all for the advice. I am going to talk to Firestone and Timbren and then put on some air bags that don't require the removal of the overload springs.

 

You could do something like this. LOL http://www.stingerhitch.com/

 

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/B...2+1999/c-10614

 

That thing is ridiculous. They can't be serious, can they?


p.s. thanks for the air ride links. Checking them out now


Shawn

 

If this link works....is this the right kit?
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...008409/c-10614

 

That is the one.

 

One more question....Are you guys with airbags still running shocks with the airbags installed?

 

Did anyone ever mention tongue weight. The load that trailer puts on truck should be less than 800 pounds or so. Owners manual probablly spells that out. If you put living quarters in front of trailer the weight distribution is messed up. It might correct itself when you put four (two) horses in trailer.