Just completed my first long road trip pulling a 3,600# trailer with a 2014 SuperCrew 4X4. The truck is almost maxed out at 7,020# (7,200 is max) including the tongue weight and gear. I don't intend to go over the 7,200-pound limit, but I do want a level truck after it is loaded. In my case, that means somehow raising the rear end by 2 inches, when loaded. However, unloaded, without the trailer and gear, I want the truck to sit as it normally would.

So what are the good, bad, and ugly aspects of installing "helper" springs? Will they do the trick? This seems like a simple solution, but what are the down sides? What alternatives to helper springs would you recommend?

Cheers

 

If you do not want the unloaded height to increase, you have already narrowed the field.
This leaves you with air bags, sumo Springs, timbren systems, or helper springs that do not engage until loaded. Each has their ups and downs.

I do not like the traditional helper springs because of the clunk you get when it engages on rough terrain.

I used the roadmaster active suspension system. It works great, but it does raise the rear a bit.
Some others here have used the other systems and can weigh in with their experiences.

 

I added a leaf to mine long ago (forgot that in my post about the mileage) for added load capacity and she has been fine... I kind of like a bit more of a truck ride so it worked for me at least.

 

Can you put a weight distribution hitch on it.
that will take some weight off the hitch.

 

A weight distribution hitch would be a good idea, but we pull the trailer through some rugged terrain. That low-hanging hardware would drag over the rocks.

After some consideration, I'm leaning toward the SumoSprings. I want something that's quiet, with few moving parts, and that I really don't have to think about after installation.

 

Please post up which ones you pick and how they work. I want to add something like that to help with a slide in camper. I'd like to keep the stock ride when empty and always wonder if air bags are just a leak waiting to happen a few years later.

 

You should check out the Anderson weight distribution hitch. Very low profile design and good user reviews.

 

I pull a two horse trailer loaded with two 3000lb Belgians. With supplies in the bed the truck does squat as you might guess. I installed the Firestone bags and love them. I use the WD bars too. Without the trailer and the two guys in, I leave at 10lbs. Stock height and ride. I notice too the bags take any leaf spring bounce over big bumps. Easy install and not ridiculously expensive. Doing this for awhile and no complaints.