Sagging rear end

[Simms]

Last night I pulled with my truck for the first time. I pulled an 18' deckover dual axle trailer with my show truck on it. The trailer weighs around 3,000lbs and the truck about 6500lbs. I noticed the rear of my 03 was really sitting low. Has anyone else noticed that these new trucks sag more in the rear with a decent load?



I do admit I probably had my truck pulled a little to far forward on the trailer, but I'm not sure how much that would have helped. Any suggestions? I thought about a weight distribution hitch, or a helper bag setup. I don't think I have too much tongue weight with my setup, what do you all think? I need to make a 4 hour trip in a couple weeks and I don't have any time to make any major changes. Do you think I am ok with my current setup?



Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks

 

[Elite1]

Is your truck a 3500 or 2500 ?... . I know when I tow my tractor on a flat bed trailer, it makes alot of difference in sagging if I load it too far forward (towards the hitch). It is best to center the weight directly over the two trailer axels.

 

[ntenna]

With that load you want a weight distributing head and arms anyway, and add the anti-sway while you are at it.



We put alot of time and money in our show cars and trucks... . a whole lot more than what that hitch head and accessories will cost you. It is, in fact, cheap insurance for your favorite toy!



And yes if you have a 2500, it will squat. Longer, softer springs. You can add the 3500 helper leaves, or go aftermarket bags or helper springs... but try the equalizing hitch first.

 

[Simms]

Thanks guys, my truck is a 2500. Where can I get the 3500 helper springs? Is this a Mopar item, or can I go aftermarket? Also, is anyone making a nice bag setup for the rear of the 03's? Since drilling the frame seams to be an issue.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Simms, I have a 3500 with a set of overloads I may be removing since I doubt I'll ever be needing them. Would let 'em go for pretty cheap along with the U-bolts needed to install them. If I need exra capacity I'll go with airbags.



Vaughn

 

[Simms]

Originally posted by Vaughn MacKenzie

Simms, I have a 3500 with a set of overloads I may be removing since I doubt I'll ever be needing them. Would let 'em go for pretty cheap along with the U-bolts needed to install them. If I need exra capacity I'll go with airbags.



Vaughn

How soon do you plan on taking them off?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If I'm not too busy, hopefully this weekend.



I admit it, I'm one of those no-lifers who ordered the 3500 for no purpose other than to cash in on the "coolness factor"



Vaughn

 

[Simms]

Originally posted by Vaughn MacKenzie

If I'm not too busy, hopefully this weekend.



I admit it, I'm one of those no-lifers who ordered the 3500 for no purpose other than to cash in on the "coolness factor"



Vaughn

No problem with the coolness factor. I have wasted so much money on a show truck that I can't even drive in PA due to lift laws, just for the "coolness factor. "



If you get those off soon, let me know. I need to get something in the next few days.



Thanks, Ian

 

[BHaner]

I think we need some pics of the show truck... for those of us without the "coolness factor. "

 

[Simms]

Here is what I am hauling. This picture is a little old. The new tires are bigger, but you get the idea.

#ad

 

[BHaner]

wow! too cool

 

[Prairie Dog]

Originally posted by Vaughn MacKenzie

If I'm not too busy, hopefully this weekend.



I admit it, I'm one of those no-lifers who ordered the 3500 for no purpose other than to cash in on the "coolness factor"



Vaughn

Let me tell ya Vaughn, You were wildly succesfull

 

[TPCDrafting]

Originally posted by Simms

Here is what I am hauling. This picture is a little old. The new tires are bigger, but you get the idea.

MAN, talk about coolness factor and with an '03 towing it must be a sight to see.

 

[Elite1]

Simms, That is one sweet ride... but looks way too pretty and clean to actually take off road!... Has she ever been mud whompin???

 

[Elite1]

Simms, That is one sweet ride... but looks way too pretty and clean to actually take off road!... Has she ever been mud whompin???

 

[gmattice]

Loving those show trucks

Nice truck and I know what you mean about sinking the $ into it. Have a look at the attached link to see my money pit, but at least it keeps me out of trouble.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66440:--)

 

[Simms]

Elite 1, when I first bought the truck back in 98 I emidiately began changing it. At first I only had 2" of lift with 33's, then 5" with 35". Back then I did play around with it on power lines and the trailes near my house. So it was dirty before.



In 99 I went to my first show with it. It was all down hill form there. It was no longer a daily driver, and it now has 12" of lift with 39. 5" Boggers.





gmattice, that is one SWEET TOY! I bet that thing is fun to cruise around town in.



Thanks for everyone's compliments.