squds

[bsdf200]

So, someone tell me why. I have a 2003 Chevy 2500 Dexamax that I installed airbags on to haul my 2021 Montana 3120 RL, as it squats too much. Then I was told by an insurance agent that my truck was not insured to haul that amount of weight. So, I bought a 2023 F350, installed a new hitch, and hooked it up. It squatted down to the stops. So, if I have to put on airbags, why did I have to buy a new truck? This RV has a dry weight of approximately 12,000 pounds and a loaded weight of about 14,000 pounds. The pin weight is 2800 dry and 3100 loaded, which should not be too much for an F-350.

 

[Theunz]

Because common sense is irrelevant in our legal system. As for the air bags on your 350 you don’t need them. The springs are just dropping to the “overload” position where the stiffer load hauling springs take over. If you put air bags on it and raise the bed up to the empty height your just going to make it ride stiffer.

 

[Cat320]

I'd start by finding out what the "actual" cargo capacity your F350 has, off the "Tire and Loading and Information" sticker on the driver's door jam. Is it DRW or SRW?

 

[jsb5717]

It's true that the old 2500 isn't nearly enough truck for that amount of weight. It's critical to make an informed decision about the right truck by starting with the numbers.

Your trailer's pin weight is the important number to pay attention to. If yours is an actual 3100 lbs loaded pin weight then that's where you start. Add to that number the weight of the hitch, and gear, and people. The total number is the weight that your truck needs to be rated to carry. You're likely in the neighborhood of 3600 lbs that your truck needs to carry. Looking at the yellow sticker inside your driver's door what does it say your maximum cargo capacity is? It will say something like "Total cargo and passengers not to exceed xxxx lbs". That's the maximum weight that your truck is rated to carry. Tow capacity is a totally different number and much less relevant. If your trucks total cargo capacity is less than the weight you're carrying then your truck is overloaded. If it's higher then you're in good shape. Adding air bags, or Timbrens, or any other assist will not increase your truck's capacity, it will only smooth the ride.

Safe towing requires a good understanding of these numbers. Take a look at yours and let us know how yours stack up.

 

[bsdf200]

I'd start by finding out what the "actual" cargo capacity your F350 has, off the "Tire and Loading and Information" sticker on the driver's door jam. Is it DRW or SRW?

 

[bsdf200]

I'd start by finding out what the "actual" cargo capacity your F350 has, off the "Tire and Loading and Information" sticker on the driver's door jam. Is it DRW or SRW?

Srw

 

[Carl n Susan]

The door sticker says 4131 lbs. of cargo. So 3100 pin weight (I bet it is more) plus hitch, truck bed stuff, people and fuel will be close to the limit.

 

[jsb5717]

That's a pretty substantial payload for and SRW. It looks to me that you are nicely covered for your set up...Unless, as Carl said, 3100 isn't the correct loaded pin weight. Some squat will be normal. If the ride feels a little too bouncy then air bags can help that. Otherwise you should be good to go.

 

[LeftOverParts]

We have a SRW F350 with similar pin wt and it used to mostly ride on those helper springs. Once in a while when we would drive over larger bridge abutments, it would bottom out and hit the jounce stops. Added rear SumoSprings to replace the stops and they helped eliminate that abrupt jar when the stops would contact.

 

[bsdf200]

Tanks everyone, I will test it out on our next trip in July and need to and airbags or Sumos

 

[RMcNeal]

You might consider Timbrens, as well.

Timbren SES

Haul and tow without sag, sway, and roll. Enjoy a controlled, smooth ride — loaded or unloaded — with our SES kits for vehicles.

timbren.com

 

[twindman]

If the 4100 cargo is accurate, you have to have a gas engine. So not enough power. I had a 2004 Chevy 2500. I am pretty sure total weight was 9200, but maybe 10000 (they raised it in later models I think). My current (2012) weighs around 7000 empty. Add in 2 bodies, other stuff and 36 gallons of diesel I think I weigh in at 7800 or so. I have a really light pin weight of 2400 or so. So I am over by 2-400 lb now. Rear axle is right at tire capacity and 2500s only differ from 3500 by one rear leaf spring (and I have no sag at all), so I feel safe.