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Old 06-28-2020, 04:10 PM   #1
Camp CA
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Rear Suspension Upgrade

My 2016 Ford F350 2x4 DRW rear end delects 2 inches when I load up my 2020 Montana 3780RL (16,600 lb GTWR). I was told by a GMC truck engineer that a deflection > 1.5 inches is a candidate for rear suspension upgrade and recommended Timbren suspension kit. Question to the forum does the small amount of deflection warrant Timbren suspension kit, air bags, something else or nothing at all. I should clarify that the truck comfort and stability has been excellent to date without any upgrades and I had air bags on my 2002 Ford F250 4x4 SRW towing 15,000 lb GTWR fifth wheels for 15 years and never noticed any benefit.
 
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Old 06-28-2020, 05:33 PM   #2
jimcol
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How's the aim on your headlights when the camper is hitched up? I added timbrens to mine as my headlights were spotting planes. Well not really but they were high enough I wasn't illuminating the road as well as I wanted. I'm a big timbren fan and have made several post on them. Also had a service issue after 11 years of service and they were replaced under warranty. Great company. Simple to install. No maintenance.
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Old 06-28-2020, 05:56 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by jimcol View Post
How's the aim on your headlights when the camper is hitched up?............
Have yet to travel at night with the trailer so cannot comment about the headlight aim. I am encouraged about your positive experience. Goal is to simply offset the 2 inch deflection.
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Old 06-28-2020, 07:48 PM   #4
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I would not worry about 2” deflection when adding 2500/3000 plus pounds to your TV. Most TV’s have a slight rake up in the rear to actually ride more level when carrying a load. My 2019 DRW 4X4 LB has at around that much deflection. Look and see if you have overload springs and then measure the distance when unloaded from the springs to the snubbers. Might be around 2 inches. Old trucks like most anything before 1999 Fords had very heavy duty short leaf springs and rode very rough. In 1999 the new SuperDuty had way longer leaf springs and much improved ride quality.
If you are really worried as mentioned before there are lots of aftermarket springs, air bags etc. available.
Good luck and happy and safe roads
to you.

Tom Marty
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Old 06-28-2020, 08:25 PM   #5
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Ok.....thanks!!
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Old 06-28-2020, 08:38 PM   #6
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I agree with Dam Worker. Sitting 1 1/2 tons (about) in the bed of your truck is naturally gong to make it squat and 2" doesn't seem excessive to me.
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Old 06-28-2020, 08:41 PM   #7
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Thanks for that feedback.Just faced new $500+.
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Old 06-29-2020, 04:54 AM   #8
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Just to chime in, I added Timbrens this year also. Not due to the deflection or squat, but to try and control the porpoising on bridges and overpasses. They are unbelievable. I was hoping it would help, but I must say they are better than I had hoped for. No change in my unloaded ride, but an amazingly smoother ride when towing the 5'er. And less than half the price of air bags.
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Old 06-29-2020, 08:27 PM   #9
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I had Torklift lower StableLoads on my truck with my previous 32ft travel trailer. They made a huge difference in the ride! The first day we hooked up the new High Country, I did not engage them. Truck sat great and the rear was still just above sitting level. Started towing the new unit home on the interstate. Wife asked why it was bouncing and riding worse than the travel trailer did�� Stopped at the first rest area to engage them. With them engaged it feels so much more planted! Stiffens up the rear! The wife is happy!

Now by no means was it towing bad without them engaged, it just feels so much better with them engaged! Won't tow without them!

Another option for you to consider. My headlights are fine without them, but 2 minutes of my time before each trip and makes it so much more comfortable and enjoyable of a tow!
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Old 07-05-2020, 03:53 PM   #10
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I added air bags on my 2011 F350 DRW not because deflection or squat, but in an effort to control the porpoising on the great interstates, and bridges and overpasses. They offer a much smoother ride when towing the 5'er.
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Old 07-05-2020, 08:29 PM   #11
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I have a SRW F 350 and mine will lower over an inch but I won't buy any assist device The F 350 comes with a helper spring in the back, once you get weight on that it will really help the ride. I think its optional on the F 250
Give your truck some additional time but I think you won't need anything else with an

F 350
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Old 07-06-2020, 06:36 AM   #12
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Timbrens worked great for me.
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Old 07-06-2020, 06:51 AM   #13
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I installed airbags on mine because when hooked to the fiver, at a start, I would get what I describe as a shudder from the driveshaft. Talked to others, and also on line websites described similar experiences. Issue solved with the airbags.
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Old 07-06-2020, 09:05 AM   #14
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We ordered our F-350 LB,CC Dually diesel heavy duty. It dropped the rear about 2 inches which was OK. We did add airbags on the truck because I wanted the rig to ride level, my choice. It tows well. We do not use it as a daily driver as it rides empty well like a truck.
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Old 07-06-2020, 06:48 PM   #15
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2017 Ram..auto level.. when the rear drops it brings it right back to stock height.
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Old 07-06-2020, 06:54 PM   #16
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2017 Ram..auto level.. when the rear drops it brings it right back to stock height.

Wow!!......... .did not know trucks have auto level.....sounds like a desirable feature for my next truck.
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Old 07-06-2020, 07:05 PM   #17
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Wow!!......... .did not know trucks have auto level.....sounds like a desirable feature for my next truck.
but them you would be stuck with a RAM
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Old 07-06-2020, 07:07 PM   #18
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The truck has a level sensor. It also has an airtank and compressor. Works great..
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Old 07-06-2020, 07:10 PM   #19
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but them you would be stuck with a RAM
And stuck with an aisin trans and cummins diesel... and stuck with 32000 tow rating!.. darn it..
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Old 07-06-2020, 07:19 PM   #20
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Got to wait a few years as my new F350 dually has 10,000 miles. Will definitely look for that feature on my next truck.
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