Stable Load vs Air Bags

[jlb27537]

Hi All,

Got a '12 Ram DRW. When hooked up I am not down hard on the overload springs, and on some roads I get a "bounce" type of ride as the truck picks up the front overload pad.

On Ram trucks the overload picks up the rear pad first and as the truck comes down some more the overload will then touch the front pad. On a Ford the pads are the same level and the overloads contact both pads at the same time.

So to stiffen up the rear I know I can add air bags. I found a product that attaches to the overload spring pad which will cause the overload to be picked up earlier which will stiffen up the rear.

Just exchange the existing bumper with a larger one. Has anyone used something like this. About 1/2 the price of a air bag kit. Plus you would not have to deal with air up and down.

The picture shows it in yellow.

http://www.amazon.com/Torklift-A7200...ds=stable+load

http://www.adventurerv.net/torklift-...er-p-5290.html

[Flymutt]

I have the Stableload Quick Disconnect (lower overloads) only and they work well for me. However, I have a 2005 GMC D/A SRW.

[DQDick]

I went with the air bags and have been very happy with them. Seldom change the air.

[davidaf]

I have both but I'm a bit "special" since I have a very heavy Truck Camper (TC) as well as the Montana. As she sits the overloads are always engaged with the 5er or TC loaded. I started with bags alone and was fine until I purchased my TC a couple years later then I ran into the bounce you described plus a lot of sway. The helpers made a big difference with the TC but wasn't as noticeable with the 5er.

If I had to choose one as my only solution it would be the bags. I get more control with the bags and can adjust as my load requires. For the price the helpers are good and make the ride feel more controlled over the whoops but I wouldn't load my TC or tow without the bags.

[steelpony5555]

That's just like Timbrens isn't it??
Lots of folks run them and like them....

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by steelpony5555

That's just like Timbrens isn't it??
Lots of folks run them and like them....

No, Timbrens are rubber "springs" that are installed where the OEM axle bumper is mounted and you only have about 1/2"-1 1/2" space between the Timbren and top of axle tube. They really stiffen up the ride. A friend of mine put them on his 3500 Ram and took them off. Just too stiff of ride.
http://imagesrv.catalograck.com/imgVD/TIM/DR3500CA.pdf

The stable load blocks are hard "plastic/nylon" and cause the factory overload spring to be picked up earlier. Thus retaining the spring action of the overload, just picking it up earlier.

My truck drops 3" when the trailer is hitched and I still have about 1/2"-3/4" gap on the front spring pad of the overload so basicly only 1/2 of the overload is "loaded" providing a fairly soft ride thus created what I call a bouncing type of ride.

My thought is by using a product like StableLoad the overload would be picked up earlier prompting a bit stiffer suspension. Same as a air bag would do, just a bit less $$. I could put a block on the front pads and try it and if needed put the second set on the rear spring pad.

I may be way over-thinking this issue as I usually do.

Jim