Rear End Sag

[GMFAN70]

My buddy is unhappy with the sag he gets when hooked up to his 33' fifth-wheel (2002 D/A EC LB). We don't know the pin weight but I'm sure it's typical. He's had air bags before and doesn't want them again. Parts guy says GM doesn't sell the 3500 3rd. stage spring separately.

I tried search but nothing applicable came up. Any ideas on how best to reduce the sag?

[RWHP]

I have seen many 2500 towing HUGE, travel homes and none of them sag. Your friends must be extra heavy in the front, in which case he should have bought a 3500. That is why they make 3500, not for the flare look, but for function.

[Black Dog]

What he said. These trucks do not sag appreciably under anything anywhere near the rated RAWR. He must be grossly overloaded.

[Ironhead]

GM Fan, I was curious if your friend has the velvet rides? With the 2" drop of the VR plus the 5er weight I could see it might appear to be sagging some. If thats the case maybe put the stock shackles back on.
Another "Exspensive" option would be to check with comfort ride to see if they have a full air ride kit for the 2500. they make one for my 3500 when I checked on it and they claim it does away with springs all together. They claimed the rake percentage (cant remember what that was) would stay the same empty or loaded. They descibed how it was NOT airbags Something to do with pistons and displacement, and was the same design the big trucks use. At just over $2000 bucks though I have to think about that for awhile.

[dobbertdk]

Have him check out Timbren Rubber Springs. I have used them on my 2000 and 2002 chevrolet pick-ups. They install easily and run about $250.They are rubber hollow springs that mount between the frame and the axle. Factory number is 1-800-263-7581 for more info or dealer location.

[slapshot44]

I would think the first thing to do would be to find out what the pin weight is.

[GMFAN70]

Thanks much, guys. I'll pass all these thoughts on to George.

RWHP and Black Dog: I sure can't guess why his truck sags when others don't. His 98 D*^%e reportedly carried it without sag.

Ironhead: No velvet rides or other suspension mods yet. $2000 and comfort rides? Like you, I'm sure he would have to give it some thought! Sag looks better all the time.

dobbertd: Thanks, I'm sure he'll check out Timbren. For $250 sag doesn't look so good.

slapshot4: Right on. Just that he lives in the boonies and doesn't easily get to a scales. We'll do it but I have to believe that his 5er is no different than typical.

Could his springs be defective or is that really, really unlikely.

Thanks all, I'll follow up.

[stolley]

My 36' 5er's pin weight is 2400 lbs and truck sits level with the load. See pics of the 2 hooked up at: www.picturetrail.com/stolley

[GMFAN70]

Thanks Stolley

Nice pictures and a great outfit!!

Sure looks level to me. We're guessing George's pin weight is only about 1500 lbs. but will check it ASAP.

[chipper]

GMFAM70,
Based on my experience witrh 5ers, I would guess your pin weight is 2,000 to 2,300 Lbs.
chipper

2001 DMAX,EXT,LB