Towing/Suspension Advice

I am a 1st time travel trailer (28’) owner. Curious what kind of suggestions or opinions everyone has regarding rear leaf springs/air bags/etc.

I’ve been trying to “get educated” and just joined this forum to get some advice/criticism.

Go easy on me if I ask any stupid questions!

 

Welcome. I'm a big fan of Roadmaster Active Suspension HD. It acts like a rear sway bar and, depending on how you dial it in, supports a large portion of your available payload without sagging. Not sure what your tongue weight is with that setup. Have you weighed your rig at a CAT scale?

PS: I did not like air bags at all. Some people dig sumos. I don't have any experience with those.

 

Definitely start here so you know exactly what #'s you're dealing with.

 

Welcome!

Numbers matter and trying to get your WDH dialed in as closely as possibly will set the tone of this thread. Gotta scale fully loaded as if headed out on a normal trip.

Separate from weight and safety, and likely near the top of the list will be a trans cooler if you don't already have one.

 

@JMGmanAZ @bflooks @Terndrerrr I am relieved to hear you mentioning the Roadmaster Active Suspension HD. I have been shopping around and these seemed to be a great addition. I was contemplating on adding a higher numbered leaf spring or researching that option so thank you for sharing that. I have not weighed my truck on a CAT scale. There is one about 25 minutes from me so I will go this weekend. I did however go pick up some bark yesterday with my 3 boys and we were sitting at 6940 prior to adding bark.

This part may sound dumb. Tongue weight... Before I attempt to explain what I have going on- The gentleman I bought the trailer from also included the WDH that was on his F350. I left those components with the trailer itself so should I be looking at the specs on it? I do believe it was a Class 4. Is tongue weight something I should focus on only on that WDH or the truck? (AGAIN, sorry for stupid questions)

In addition to the above, I was not able to locate a Trans Cooler in it, so I have been watching YouTube videos and trying to read reviews on a quality trans cooler kit. I did come across this one Genuine Cooling Systems that was posted in this forum. There was a lot of positive commentary about it.

When you say scale fully loaded, you're speaking about the whole family, food, beer, etc. correct? lol



Thanks guys, for your time!!!

 

***apologies for the lengthy of this post.***

GCS is the defacto for adding an aftermarket cooler (Toyota did away with them in 2018). Lots of people piece their own systems together, but GCS is 100% ready for bolt in. Tomato/tomato on outcome. If you want to piece it together, I'll have a 15-row GCS bracket I can send you if you pay shipping + coffees for me and the Mrs.

Fully loaded for a trip. Like, fully loaded. You can simulate it, but if you travel.with full tanks, your tanks should be full. If you pack heavy with bikes, you should scale loaded heavy with bikes. If you travel with family and pets, scale with equivalent weights (or them! It's fun).

Now, tongue weight. At the scales, you want 3 numbers. Truck alone (fully loaded). Truck with trailer (no WDH engaged). Truck and trailer (WDH engaged.

2nd number, minus the first, gives you tongue weight.

3rd number's steering axle should match the 1st number's steering axle.

Your concerns about using what the previous owner gave you is simply about #s. Can the hitch head support your tongue weight, and then, are the bars (assuming you aren't using a chain setup) appropriately sized? If you're tongue weight is 1k lbs, you don't want 1500lb bars, nor do you want 800lb bars.

It's line using a bongie cord vs a 2x4 to mount something when you really need rope. Too soft isn't good. Too firm can also be bad. Just a little give is right.

Good job watching the videos. Too of this section of the forum has stickied thread with lots of references to assist in the learning.

Keep reaching out! You're on the right path.

One additional thing to remember, leveling your truck and trailer will be a juggle while you get this all dialed in. WDH install instructions will help you there. It's not uncommon to have to raise/lower the hitch head during the process. Mine swings nearly 1.5" when engaging the WDH.

 

@bflooks I REALLY APPRECIATE THE LENGTH OF YOUR POST!! I would much rather read more than too little and have to ask more questions that may sound dumb.

Purchasing a kit 100% ready for bolt on would be more my speed considering I don't wrench, and this is new for me. However, I am down to send you and the Mrs. a coffee on me solely for the fact that you are sharing your knowledge!

As a TT newbies we are keeping tanks empty till we get all the numbers locked in but for the future I am sure we will start utilizing tanks often. For now, boys can pee outside, so it works lol. We will make a day of it, dogs & kids with all the heavy items loaded and make it a fun outing.

Noted on the 3 numbers.
1. Truck alone (fully loaded)
2. Truck with trailer (no WDH engaged)
3. Truck and trailer (WDH engaged)

How would you find 3rd number's drive axle? or drive axle period?

I will triple check if the hitch head can support the tongue weight in addition to having probably a pro tell me if its appropriately sized. I do have bars, not chains.

Appreciate the bungee, 2x4, rope analogy.

Engaging the WDH when my truck and trailer were not level was a pain in the ass. I had to find a flat surface to be able to get the bar in place. I will check out some install instructions to at least check that box off. Thank you for sharing your insight on how much yours swings. It was reassuring. For now I will continue with the educational videos and pick brains in here.

Thanks again.

 

The scales (also referred to as CAT scales) will give you a number for each plate they sense weight on. Steering is typically front plate. Drive is typically middle (or your rear wheels) and the the last one is typically the trailer axle. You want your Steering Axle (I messed up... Steering Axle) is what you want back. I'll update my post for you.