Suspension assistance questions.

[Gubs]

Thinking about suspension assistance systems and have a few questions. I've looked at RoadMaster Active Suspension Leaf Spring Helper and all sorts of Air Bag systems. Would like some recommendations regarding either one or both. Air Bag system with air compressor is a bit more expensive and the RoadMaster Active system looks to be maintenance free.

We pull a 2020 Montana 3121 RL Dry weight =11,999
GVWR. =16,350
Hitch Weight= 2,350

We pull this with a 2019 F-350 Crew cab, 4x4, short bed 6.7L diesel with a 18K BW Patriot Slider Hitch.

Looking for a smoother ride on some of our rough highway across the USA! We have traveled over most of the western states and now looking to explore the east side of the country and maybe parts of Alaska and Canada. I've heard the further north one goes the rougher the roads get!

Any advise or first handle knowledge would be appreciated for sure! Thanks in advance!!!!!

[77cruiser]

Kelderman is about the only way to really smooth out the ride.

[RMcNeal]

Take a look at Timbrens. I added them to my truck instead of air bags and it has helped a lot. Took out most of the bouncing when going over rough transitions. No maintenance. No air compressor needed and no air lines to leak.

https://timbren.com/

[thedinobots]

Originally Posted by RMcNeal

Take a look at Timbrens. I added them to my truck instead of air bags and it has helped a lot. Took out most of the bouncing when going over rough transitions. No maintenance. No air compressor needed and no air lines to leak.

https://timbren.com/

I did the same - very inexpensive, easy to install, made a huge difference

Is it as smooth as airbags? Probably not, but did a lot for my ride

[jsb5717]

There’s more than one way to skin this cat. On our SRW I really enjoyed having the air bags with onboard compressor. That way I could adjust the air as needed to match the road conditions. Worked quite well.

Just depends on what result and how much control you want on the road.

[LeftOverParts]

We have the 3231CK with similar 16K GVWR and loaded, the pin runs about 3100 lbs. Also similar Ford truck. We added 2800 lb rear SumoSprings mainly to reduce the shock at bridge abutments. The truck used to bottom out against the jounce stops. They also raised the truck about 1 inch so the rear helper springs are not weighted. Super easy to install, diy < 1 hr.

That being said, we have the Rotaflex pin box but still looking at a more compliant box. We’ve got an Alaska trip planned this year so now considering the Goosebox from what members have said here.

[Lee-CI]

Originally Posted by LeftOverParts

We have the 3231CK with similar 16K GVWR and loaded, the pin runs about 3100 lbs. Also similar Ford truck. We added 2800 lb rear SumoSprings mainly to reduce the shock at bridge abutments. The truck used to bottom out against the jounce stops. They also raised the truck about 1 inch so the rear helper springs are not weighted. Super easy to install, diy < 1 hr.

That being said, we have the Rotaflex pin box but still looking at a more compliant box. We’ve got an Alaska trip planned this year so now considering the Goosebox from what members have said here.

Goosebox all the way for us. After a little over a year with our Gen 3, it has lived up to the hype. When crossing badly engineered bridge abutments, it is peace of mind observing the nose of the fiver gently "float" up and back down independent of the truck, knowing there is less shock transfers to the trailer frame. Others will have differing opinions, but we will never go back to a standard fifthwheel hitch setup. We have a pin weight of 3520 lbs and run Firestone airbags on our DRW long bed Ram

[BritBox]

Originally Posted by RMcNeal

Take a look at Timbrens. I added them to my truck instead of air bags and it has helped a lot. Took out most of the bouncing when going over rough transitions. No maintenance. No air compressor needed and no air lines to leak.

https://timbren.com/

Ditto to previous comment. Timbrens are great. Relatively inexpensive, installed in 10 minutes, no drilling, no maintenance and does not impact empty ride.

I installed in a Ram 250 with the coil springs. Took out all of the excess movement. Easy to install and live with.

[Sooner Traveler]

Originally Posted by BritBox

Ditto to previous comment. Timbrens are great. Relatively inexpensive, installed in 10 minutes, no drilling, no maintenance and does not impact empty ride.

I installed in a Ram 250 with the coil springs. Took out all of the excess movement. Easy to install and live with.

I also am looking at the Timbrens. I see two options for my F-350. Did you folks purchase the standard duty or severe duty option?

[RMcNeal]

I ordered the severe duty ones on Amazon. About $200 as I recall.

[Foldbak]

Here's another option I've been looking at.
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Sus...yABEgLYdPD_BwE

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by Gubs

Thinking about suspension assistance systems and have a few questions. I've looked at RoadMaster Active Suspension Leaf Spring Helper and all sorts of Air Bag systems. Would like some recommendations regarding either one or both. Air Bag system with air compressor is a bit more expensive and the RoadMaster Active system looks to be maintenance free.

We pull a 2020 Montana 3121 RL Dry weight =11,999
GVWR. =16,350
Hitch Weight= 2,350

We pull this with a 2019 F-350 Crew cab, 4x4, short bed 6.7L diesel with a 18K BW Patriot Slider Hitch.

Looking for a smoother ride on some of our rough highway across the USA! We have traveled over most of the western states and now looking to explore the east side of the country and maybe parts of Alaska and Canada. I've heard the further north one goes the rougher the roads get!

Any advise or first handle knowledge would be appreciated for sure! Thanks in advance!!!!!

I went with the air bags with on board compressor and remote. I like to be able to adjust my ride based on weight and road conditions. Really helps to be able to adjust on the fly. My weight varies based on the type of camping I am doing, so nice to be able to adjust my ride, plus level your tow vehicle. IMO air bags are the way to go if you want adjustability.