Improving empty ride quality
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: north east Ohio
I doubt its the sand bags, your truck doesn't even know they are back there. I think more like 800-1000 is what`s needed to get the ride he is after. And only gets better after that.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
It does change the ride, substantially. You don't need 800-1000 lbs. to feel the difference.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
I have tried just about everything listed in this thread and my 2012 still rides like a buckboard. My 2002 short bed crew cab 4x4 rode MUCH smoother than this 2012. I have aftermarket front coils, Bilsteins, air bags, 37 inch tall tires and nothing has changed the ride for the better. The only thing that makes it better is when I put my camper shell on...read add weight over the rear.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
Go to the farm store and get a "stall mat" they come in different thicknesses from heavy to unmanageable. This will add some weight while also providing lots of function in a rubber mat, still looks good and doesn't clutter the bed up with sand. Plus they are only like 40$. That's plus some bilstiens and I bet you have a better ride.
They also sell custom made bed mats on Amazon for pretty reasonable prices.
They also sell custom made bed mats on Amazon for pretty reasonable prices.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 241
Likes: 6
I have airlift 5000 ultimate bags on my truck, I really don't see how they have helped my ride empty-
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New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
In my case, the shocks & topper helped with the empty ride & the airbags "helped" with the ride pulling the 36' TT, most noticeable on the highway expansion joints, helped with the soft spot before springs really engaged maybe?
Don't really notice airbags without trailer(5psi).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 6
From: Mesick
I have tried just about everything listed in this thread and my 2012 still rides like a buckboard. My 2002 short bed crew cab 4x4 rode MUCH smoother than this 2012. I have aftermarket front coils, Bilsteins, air bags, 37 inch tall tires and nothing has changed the ride for the better. The only thing that makes it better is when I put my camper shell on...read add weight over the rear.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
It also didn't have 37 inch tall tires. Even with the factory 265/75/16's that truck rode better than this truck does. When it was lifted with 35's it rode much better than this truck does.
Stock for stock the 2002 rode much better. Mod for mod the 2002 rode much better. I have no doubt I could put 17 inch wheels on the 2012 and it would still ride crappy unloaded.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,554
Likes: 6
From: Mesick
It also didn't have 37 inch tall tires. Even with the factory 265/75/16's that truck rode better than this truck does. When it was lifted with 35's it rode much better than this truck does.
Stock for stock the 2002 rode much better. Mod for mod the 2002 rode much better. I have no doubt I could put 17 inch wheels on the 2012 and it would still ride crappy unloaded.
Stock for stock the 2002 rode much better. Mod for mod the 2002 rode much better. I have no doubt I could put 17 inch wheels on the 2012 and it would still ride crappy unloaded.
What level of Carli Suspension leveling kit do you have?
Maybe you mentioned it previously, what pressure do you keep your tires at unloaded?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
No...it isn't. But it rides rough...just like a lot of other long wheel base super duties. Like I said above, my camper shell stops the issue.
