Sumo Springs

[Nighthawk]

We have a 2007 3400RL which we love and intend to keep for a while as I have made many improvements and enhancements to it since 2009 when we purchased it used. Last year we bought a new 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 HD to pull our trailer, an upgrade from our 2007 Sierra 2500 HD, which was a bit too little to stop the trailer. It pulled it fine, but it was a bit too much for that truck.

When I drop out trailer onto our truck, the bed drops about 1 3/4"; really not much. But now my headlights are aimed too high for oncoming traffic, and that bothers me. I thought about installing air bags with on-board air to lift the back of the truck up so it was "level" with the trailer connected anddiscussed this with my mechanic.

He said, "Get Sumo Springs instead." They are cheaper, and do a better job than air bags and need no maintenance. I've researched them on the internet and am thinking about them for the truck. I might even consider them for the trailer.

I know many of you have air bags on your truck, but do any of you have the Sumo Springs installed on your truck and/or trailer?

[Slow Hand]

I have had air bags on my truck and there is nothing i need to do to them. i run about 20# in them so rocks or dirt cant get in there and rub a hole. I have the onboard compressor so I can adjust the bags if I need to. With the Sumo springs you have what you have. Sure they are cheaper but not adjustable like air bags.

[mazboy]

i liked my air bags, never had a problem.


but research on the sumos.
https://www.google.com/search?client...q=Sumo+Springs

[Theunz]

1 3/4 drop is not bad, so I'm guessing your trucks suspension is adequate for the load. How about just adjusting your headlights? Much easier and cheaper, and certainly worth a try.

[Nighthawk]

You are quite right, Theunz. The dropping of only 1 3/4" is really nothing, except enough to put the headlights out of adjustment. It certainly is easier, and cheaper, to simply, or maybe not so simple, to realign the headlights.

I've been told that I wouldn't need to do a headlight realignment if I were to use air bags or the Sumo Springs. The matter is only under consideration at this time.

[mhs4771]

Not for everyone, but we just avoid driving at night. Normally parked for the day by mid-afternoon. Plus as we age, I find I don't much care for night time driving if I don't have too.

[rohrmann]

Put Timbrens on our truck years ago, and that solved our headlight aim when towing at night. https://timbren.com/timbren-ses/

[jimcol]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

Put Timbrens on our truck years ago, and that solved our headlight aim when towing at night. https://timbren.com/timbren-ses/

I did the same as Bob when the truck was new in 09. I would think if you realign the headlights for your loaded condition they would probably be off when not towing. Instead of spotting air planes you'd be illuminating worms.

[Theunz]

Originally Posted by jimcol

I did the same as Bob when the truck was new in 09. I would think if you realign the headlights for your loaded condition they would probably be off when not towing. Instead of spotting air planes you'd be illuminating worms.

OP states that he has a inch and three quarter drop when hooked to trailer. I would venture to guess that's pretty much average, if not on the low side, of what we see. If that little of drop is causing the oncoming traffic to flash their lights then I think that they are out of adjustment. I wonder perhaps, is the OP driving with his fog lights on, that will cause some drivers to flash at you.

[Last2Die]

I installed the sumo springs on my truck. Without the springs the trailer was pretty level. I installed these for the bounce in the roads. I had to adjust the hitch now to the lowest point and im still slightly nose high, not a big deal. The ride while towing is great no more bouncing but the ride empty is slightly rough.

As far as headlights my truck site nose down by quite a bit and I had to adjust my lights up, of course hooked up I would assume my lights are high, I get flashed, I just flash back LOL

Tony

[Nighthawk]

Thanks all for your comments. Still not sure what, if anything, I will do, but appreciate the input from others.

Have a happy Christmas season.

[Dave W]

I like the air bags on my truck. I can adjust them easily on the road with a simple bicycle air pump or many gas stations air pump or even my home compressor. I considered the on-board compressor but decided that a 10 buck hand pump would do the job and the money saved would be used for diesel fuel

[summer home]

I put Sumo's on my Ram 2500HD .... not for ride height... to smooth out the ride... they do help, especially when pulling the fiver.......

[saber707]

I have Timbrens and like them.

[Zinnman]

Timbren shocks made my hauling much nicer.