I have towed 8000 lbs with a tired 1/2 ton cargo van,very SLOWLY only a few times a year.I do this with a weight distribution hitch (400$ at tsc) standard springs.The van sits level front to rear.The system transfers wt. to the front axle helping out the rear axle.
overload springs
- Thread starter jand38
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BTDT
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montanaman
Gold Member
I have to agree with the WD hitch system. The danger is not only in the sagging of the rear of the truck and the headlights blinding on-coming traffic. The problem is the lack of weight on the front end of the truck.
Not sure why you are against air bags but I think they are the best solution to keep a good ride when loaded or empty but that is more for in bed weight or gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers. With a bumper pull, you need to go with a WD setup and get that weight on the front axle for safe steering and stopping.
On another note, the factory hitch on the truck you mentioned is a complete joke and I have seen them fail when used with a weight distributing hitch. The receiver tube will twist when you try to put the torque on it with the torsion bars.
I have a one ton dually and don't use a WD system because my heavy towing is done with a gooseneck trailer but I still replaced the factory hitch with a Putnam XDR. After seeing one of those hitches ripped off the back of a Suburban where the driver was doing everything right with his setup, I wasn't going to chance it.
Ken
Not sure why you are against air bags but I think they are the best solution to keep a good ride when loaded or empty but that is more for in bed weight or gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers. With a bumper pull, you need to go with a WD setup and get that weight on the front axle for safe steering and stopping.
On another note, the factory hitch on the truck you mentioned is a complete joke and I have seen them fail when used with a weight distributing hitch. The receiver tube will twist when you try to put the torque on it with the torsion bars.
I have a one ton dually and don't use a WD system because my heavy towing is done with a gooseneck trailer but I still replaced the factory hitch with a Putnam XDR. After seeing one of those hitches ripped off the back of a Suburban where the driver was doing everything right with his setup, I wasn't going to chance it.
Ken
tnau664
Bronze Member
jand38 said:
BTDT
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What kind of "experience with overload springs" are you talking about? Are you wanting to know of a place where you can have some installed?
Egon
Epic Contributor
One of many site's for helper springs. There are lots of hits on Google.
Heavy Duty Helper Springs for order at great prices online
I would prefer a weight distribution hitch in combination with air bags. This allows one to adjust weight as well as using the air bags to keep the truck at the same level it ordinarily runs at. Means the steering will be better. When not towing the airbags can be deflated and normal ride and level maintained. The air bags allow you to keep the truck level with varying loads.
Heavy Duty Helper Springs for order at great prices online
I would prefer a weight distribution hitch in combination with air bags. This allows one to adjust weight as well as using the air bags to keep the truck at the same level it ordinarily runs at. Means the steering will be better. When not towing the airbags can be deflated and normal ride and level maintained. The air bags allow you to keep the truck level with varying loads.