WD or Helper Springs

[mchasal]

Hi all,

So, I know everyone's first response to this will be "get a bigger truck", but I'd really like to avoid that. I only tow occasionally and only short distances and not on highways at the speeds that would imply.

My truck is rated for 6100# towing capacity, it does say that over 5k requires a WD hitch, which I don't have now. My tractor with one implement and trailer comes in right around 5500-5800 pounds (wet). The trailer is rated at 10k and has 2 brake axles. So, I'm towing right about the rated capacity. I've had no problems with handling, braking or power. I have been able to get the tongue weight set well. I have noticed that the rear is dropping quite a bit. It's not bottoming the springs, lifting the front, or anything, but it just looks lower than it should be.

While the factory states that a WD hitch is what I should be using, I'm wondering if helper springs would have a similar effect. Supersprings (http://supersprings.com ) claims to not harshen the unloaded ride and lists a model for my truck. Price is a little more than a WD hitch, but I'm wondering if the springs would just be more convenient. No adjusting spring bars and such, and they would help with non-trailer loads as well.

Sorry to be so long winded, but any opinions out there on helper springs vs. a WD hitch?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Bird]

Mike, the weight distributing hitch does just that; distributes the tongue weight to the front wheels of your truck and back to the trailer wheels, while additions to the rear springs only do what you mentioned; i.e., keep the back end of the truck from sagging. A weight distributing hitch also provides a degree of sway control; only a small degree unless an additional sway control is added, but some degree, which is more than the spring addition will do.

In my opinion, the only advantage the helper springs have is for a heavier load in the truck itself; nothing to do with trailers or towing. Now I always assume the manufacturer of the truck designed everything to work together for a particular load. So before I added any helper springs, I'd want to consider the weight capacity of my tires, wheels, and axle. Helper springs just might "help" you overload some other components.

In the end, I think it comes down to a personal choice. You might like the helper springs, but I wouldn't.

 

[jeffinsgf]

The weight distributing hitch is the way to go. You won't believe the difference in the feel and ride of your vehicle. Yes, they take a few minutes longer to hook up, but it is well worth it in terms of stability, control and safety.

 

[Highbeam]

I agree, the WD hitch serves a different purpose than helper springs. The WD hitch actually transfers weight away from the rear springs so you won't need helpers. It makes the whole truck travel as a unit rather than porpoising over humps in the road. I think you will really appreciate the WD system on a fully loaded half ton, I sure do.

 

[ronjhall]

When you have used a WD hitch one time you will wonder why you waited so long. Putting heavier spring will not get rid of the dipping of rear end of truck that the WD will.

 

[HomeBrew2]

... I only tow occasionally and only short distances and not on highways at the speeds that would imply ...

Given all the facts:
Short distances, slower speeds.
Already hauling with no probs or uneasyness.
You already know a WD would be the best solution.

I would go the "spring assist" route too ... and did. Rather than O/L springs, I went with air bags. Air Lift brand, I think. About the same price as springs, the ability to instantly adjust them with air really sold me. I've had them for 5 years now and still love them. Note: I use an emergency bicycle tire inflator which uses a pellet gun CO2 cartrige to air them up when not near a compressor (or too lazy to get the 12v one out)

Cheers!

 

[Iowachild]

The Super Springs look real similar to the Roadmaster Active Suspension I started another thread about. Right now I only haul a 3500 lbs. GW trailer and it works well. When I get a bigger trailer I will add the WD hitch. With the Roadmaster system ride and handling is improved even when not towing or loaded heavy. Just my two cents!

 

[mlauk]

If you decide to go with overload springs, another option are Timbren overload springs. They are inexpensive and easy to install.

 

[sandman2234]

I purchased a 91 Chevrolet 1500 with a 7500 pound towing package to pull a large bumper pull camper. The 30 foot camper when loaded was a load for the truck, and made the rear squat, even with the WD hitch. I wanted it to sit more level when towing, and called GM to ask if I would void the warranty if I added overloads/helper springs. The said no problem, since I wasn't exceeding the rated capacity.
I didn't like the way it dipped when I ran into a dip and wanted some of that to go away. The best way for that was the overloads. The WD hitch would take more of it out, but the rear end would get light during hard braking, so I used that part moderately.
David from jax

 

[Joe1]

I concur with Bird. IMO the WD hitch is absolutely the first thing and if you still need some rear end assistance then go with some sort of overload assist. Make certain tires are inflated to maximum cold rating. As Bird said, the overloads do not increase the maximum carrying capacity of your truck. Keep the load in your pick-up box to a minimum when towing.

 

[mchasal]

Thanks for the input everybody. I'll be looking at WD hitches now.

Mike

 

[Joe1]

So what if anything did you end up getting, WD Hitch, Helper Springs or both?

 

[mchasal]

I haven't done anything yet, but I intend to get a WD hitch first, probably an Equalizer, and then see how it goes.

 

[TOMDUALLY]

Try loading your tractor on backwards to lessen your tounge weight.

 

[mchasal]

Yes, I've loaded it both ways. When I have the brushhog on I load it backward, but the tounge weight is actually good, it's just that the sag is a bit much.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[George2615]

I didn't see where you mentioned what kind of truck you have but if its an older model the springs may be getting weak and worn out. Adding a WD hitch to a vehicle with worn out springs is not the solution. The suspension and shocks have to be good to start with. Another option would be to go to your local spring shop and have then check and re arch or replace your springs if needed. They can also add a leaf to beef up your suspension. I had my springs rebuilt and an extra leaf added on an old 88 suburban I had years ago. They had worn out and the rear was sagging with almost any tongue weight. The front sagged with the weight of a snow plow. I made the appointment and they had me in and out in an hour and a half for all four springs.

 

[mchasal]

Thanks George, but it's a new truck, so worn out springs shouldn't be the problem. I refrained from listing it because I know that will bring the "get a bigger truck" cries out, but here goes, remember it is rated to tow 6100 pounds (with a WD hitch) and has a 1400# payload capacity.


It's a



2005




Nissan



Frontier!

All right, let the chastisement begin!

Mike

 

[HomeBrew2]

Yep, same thing with my '01 Exploder ... 200# on the ball lowers the rear ... a few hundred pounds more doesn't change it much, it's just the first 2 or 3 inches that are "soft". That's why I went with the air bags.

 

[George2615]

No problem Mike,
Get yourself the WD hitch and you should be fine. It will help transfer the tongue weight to the entire tow vehicle suspension instead of just the rear taking the load.
George

 

[InlineDieselFan]

Mike,

I won't chastise you for your little truck it fits your needs and your are only towing your tractor at basically max load shot distances and not at highway speeds. I have a friend that has a 2004 Nissan truck, darn nice.

As you have already decided correctly to get the WD hitch very good. But even with that you may sag the rear end down some, or quite abit. If so as was mentioned you could go with a Timbren (Timbren Suspension Enhancement Systems) spring they are only about $150.00 and take about 15 minutes to put on.

I bought some for my dually when I was camper shopping, so that the truck would stay more level with that 4,000 pounds in the bed. They do not touch the axle when the truck is empty, and will help to keep it level when loaded.

One down side is when you have a light load (for me empty 2,500 lb or so trailer), where the spring is just touching or bouncing off of the axle. At that point it does get a bt rough for ride. My dad put them on his Chev 1/2 ton and loves them when he tows his trailer to the dump. No one is flashing thier high beams at him, and when the trailer is off he does not even know they are there.

steve