Airbags

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by jetskier

Here's a spring option that doesn't really affect unloaded ride quality (unless you hit a speed bump too fast) .

Looks like our 2018 F-350. I'm astonished as to how well it rides loaded and unloaded. A LOT better over bumpy roads than our class C did. It was horrid!

[TLightning]

Originally Posted by R.S.O'Donnell

I am honestly intrigued. Pictures would be very helpful.

Ditto.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by R.S.O'Donnell

I am honestly intrigued. Pictures would be very helpful.

Here you go.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by R.S.O'Donnell

I am honestly intrigued. Pictures would be very helpful.

Hopefully this clear. Don’t know why its sideways.

[Montana Man]

What was the original gvwr?

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by Montana Man

What was the original gvwr?

GVWR 10,000 lbs.
Rear GAWR was 6,200lbs.

Mod rating is 11000 lbs
Rear GAWR 7200 lbs.

[Montana Man]

1000 pounds is a good pop. A lot cheaper than a new/heavier truck.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by Montana Man

1000 pounds is a good pop. A lot cheaper than a new/heavier truck.

Truthfully, I didn’t have much choice. The dealer would not release the RV without the mods. They actually added 2 springs and changed out a third. Cost was $2k. They said I could go as high as 1500-2000lbs. but 1000 was fine. I couldn’t find a used 1 ton that wasn’t a beat up work truck. Just would not pay the ridiculous price for a new one. Bought the 2500 before I bought the RV. My mistake! Anyway, it worked out. Learned a LOT about vehicle modifications. DOT/NTSB governs vehicle mods. They take over where the manufacturers leave off and surprisingly, there are lots of modifications that are safe and legal as long as they follow DOT specs and are certified. If I fill my fresh water tank full, which I never do, I’m over weight by a few pounds. 62 gal. Tank, 496 pounds of water! Yikes. At most, I travel with 15-20 gal.

[RMcNeal]

Mike, is the axle on the 250 the same as the 350? I have a 350 and was always told the only difference was an extra leaf spring and heavier axle.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by RMcNeal

Mike, is the axle on the 250 the same as the 350? I have a 350 and was always told the only difference was an extra leaf spring and heavier axle.

It is on a 2017 250. They are exactly the same truck, except for the spring pack. It’s not just one spring/leaf. I believe the last two or three leaves have different, higher weight ratings to get the 1 ton GVWR and the rear GAWR. The Axles are also exactly the same, same front and rear. The higher rear GAWR for the 350 is due to the tires, rims, springs and axle mfg. rating. I think things started to change with the 2018 models. They all can be modified if necessary. Get this, the axle manufacturer (not GM) for 2017 model 250 and 350 rates the axle on their web site at 12, 000 or13, 000 lbs. Blew my mind. Chevy rates mine at 6200 standard. Don’t know why GM so much lower than mfg. I went looking for that info on the axle mfg. and now can’t find it...of course. 😳

[RMcNeal]

Oh sorry. I thought you had a Ford F250. I have a Ford F350. Sounds like the chevys are similar to Ford as far as 250 to 350 differences though.

[Montana Man]

Well, good for the dealer. Sounds like they are looking out for their liability, and hopefully your safety. So many don't. This is the first I heard of raising gvwr in a legal manner.

[mazboy]

never had a leak with my airbags. get them.

[cotter key]

Mike, I did pretty much the same thing with my last truck. The spring shop redid my spring pack in the 1500 pound range, went with different tires and all was well in my world. Had the truck before the camper, and didnt have the luxury of getting a new truck too.

But as soon as someone sees that 2500HD badge on the side of your truck you are a danger to the world. You can tell them about all the improvements you have done but you will never convince the naysayers.

My new truck has 3500HD on the side and no one questions it

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by Mikelff

Here you go.

Thank you very much. I definitely learned something new today.

[dfb]

Airbags will get the truck to ride factory height. If using a factory rear spring setup for a 1ton, the 3/4 tons ride will be as a 1 ton..and the rear axle weight as well..

[MONTANA_3790]

I've had a RAM3500 and now a GMC2500. The 2500 with airbags has a better ride x10 when not towing. The 2500 has less bed sag and better ride with airbags than the 3500 when towing. Basically I'd never buy a 1ton again.

[77cruiser]

I just took my 2500 badges off.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by MONTANA_3790

I've had a RAM3500 and now a GMC2500. The 2500 with airbags has a better ride x10 when not towing. The 2500 has less bed sag and better ride with airbags than the 3500 when towing. Basically I'd never buy a 1ton again.

Well, then you would be like 50%+ towing a 5th wheel way over their weight limits...air bags fixed it...

[dfb]

We needed the dually.. can have an axel rated at 10,000 lbs, but if the tires only hold 6000lbs, its all moot..