So, I know we have discussed in great length the consequences of towing over the recommended rating. I have ( as seen in the sig) an 07 QC 5.9 CTD HD. I am going to buy a new camper in the spring. ( My current oneis for sale!) My truck is a 3/4 ton, bed carrying capacity is like 2400 lb's and towing rating is 12950 lb's. The trailer the wife and I are drooling over is a 37' Keystone Raptor, the 3612DS. Hitch wieght fully loaded is 2850 lb's and the trailer empty is 11500 lb's, full it goes 16000 lb's. My plan thus far is to install the edge juice with A2, the banks exhaust brake, straight four inch exhaust with an aero turbine 404xl, an upgraded trailer brake controller ( never liked the one I got anyhow) anda standard 16.5k hitch in the bed. The trailer will have a 5th airborne sidewinder coupler. The last part of my equation is adding something to the rear suspension to handle the load a bit better. I would prefer an air bag adder system for a smoother ride and adjustability over an AAL. What systems have people on here used? What systems would be recommended? I looked at Kelderman already and the only thing they have to cover this requirement is a four link conversion kit. I would love to do that but it is quite cost prohibitive.So what do you guys (and gals, frogger) think?

 

Myself I would never install airbag system, cost and reliability are main reasons. Seen too many bags tear open, air lines that split open or dislodge. If one has to hoist truck for servicing it can't be lifted by the frame as it will tear the bags out unless you depressure them first. A few friends of mine who are in the hot shot industry went from air bags to Timbren and swear by them, they say the ride is better and easy install, and a hell of a lot cheaper then airbag system, check em out at www.timbren.com

 

I looked those up and they look neat. I might consider doing those in conjuction with some helpers?

 

Tommy, good choice on the Raptor, I am looking hard at the 3814, we need a little more garage than the 3612 has. I have a 3500 srw I have added air bags to the rear end and they work fine, I didn't know about Timbrens six months ago, when I added the air bags,they look like they would work great. The trailer I pull has 1800 lb tongue weight then I put 2, 55 gallon drums of water in front of the hitch so I think I'm pushing 3000 lbs in the bed, the truck handles it fine. It takes about 10 lbs of air to keep things level. If you have the money to buy your wish list then go for it, if not I would start with the exhaust brake.

 

Well, the build will take a few months. I do not planon pulling the trailer until next summer. I will likely start with the programmer, then the brake, then the bags or AAL or whatever system I actaully decide on. There are several I am finding.

 

grrr. . .tommy. . theres another helper spring that I'm trying to think of that I saw in the past that only requires one wrench to install and gives 2000lbs more capacity, it also acts as a sway bar due to the way it works even though it is not connected to the other side.

if i find it I'll be sure to let you know.

 

Sounds good Drew.

 

well. . .I finaly hit my head against the wall hard enough to remember the name of those things. . .and damnit if they only go up to the 02's. . .but it might be worth a call to see if they have something that may fit.

http://www.hitchestogo.com/Roadmaster.htm

 

hmmm, those look neat, have you checked out those hellwig kits Drew?

 

at first glance those hellwig's look like they do essentialy the same thing the roadmaster springs do, just a different design