Still working on getting the truck ready for our first trip with it and our fifth wheel, whenever that might be. I know there are many threads about air bags, Sumo's, Timbren's, etc but I'm looking for more specific info. I tried to call Sumo but no one is answering. They may be closed since they are in California. I had a set of AirLifts 2 trucks ago and Timbren's 3 trucks ago but never tried the Sumo's. I honestly did not like the Timbrens and the air bags were fine but did affect my empty ride a bit. It looks like the Sumo's would be something that would not affect the empty ride but still provide cushioning for a load.

Here's what I'm trying to determine. They show 2 different sets for my 2020, one has a 2800 rating and the other 1500. My fifth wheel squats me down about 3 1/4 inches with its 3200 pounds of hitch weight. My assumption is the Sumo's would stop some of the squat and hopefully give me a decent ride. I've already done a 30 mile test tow with the truck as is and the ride was really good so I'm really not sure I need anything. So, my question: Is 3 1/4 inches too much squat and, if so, which spring would I need? I would think the 2800 but just not sure. Also, is it necessary to put a set on the front? I'm just looking at the rears. I'm hoping someone has some experience with this.

 

I have been looking at these too. I have heard a lot of good things about them. I also pondering the same thing as you. My front end is factory with no snow plow option, winch or aftermarket bumper and I don’t plan to do any of this. By reading this attachment for the front Sumo’s front style I don’t think it’s necessary. My truck is aF250 and I’m going with the 1500 lbs ones when I pull the trigger because what I’m looking for is some assistance with 2600 lb loads etc. The truck is designed with a 2659 lb payload rating. I don’t want them to carry the load. Just assist. With the 1500 lb Sumo’s I feel I’ll be happy. If you have any of those options on your truck maybe not a bad idea. Hope that helps you somewhat. I have been looking into these for a few months. 👍

 

I have a 2020 F350 SRW. My 5th wheel squatted my truck too much also.

I didn’t want to fool with airbags. I installed Tembrens. I actually was going to install Sumo as well but felt like I couldn’t get an answer to the same question your asking.

I believe the Sumos would be great, but so far Tembrens have been perfect. They fixed the squat, so easy to install, no drama.

Went on a 2000 mile trip with no issues. Keep in mind the 2020 rear leaf spring block is shorter so the Tembrens/sumo sit much closer to your axle than the 17-19.

I was concerned but for my use I think it was a good thing. The below photos (Grass Photo is after Tembrens) are deceiving. Because the photo in the grass wasn't as level and I have a far greater load on the truck. 1820 lbs total and 640 lbs more on the rear axle that is CAT scales., generator, fully loaded trailer, fuel, etc. The picture in the parking lot was a completely empty truck, completely empty trailer (Brand new truck picking up new trailer from dealer).

In person the before was actually embarrassing, the after tembrens the truck sits almost perfectly level, not quite a half inch low in rear, but to naked eye it sits level.



After

Before

 

My Dad put the yellow sumo’s on the rear of his 250. His 5’er runs much smoother now. They come into contact when loaded, and they are smooth as butter. He pulled the TT before and after and the ride is much better with (according to him). They come with spacers. His rides about 0.75 inches above the perch when unloaded. He didn’t add anything to the front. Seems like a simple addition to me - simple install too. For me, I’m looking at the blue’s for the front - just to replace the factory bump stops because they are such an improvement over OE.

 

I went with the 2800# on my 2017 F350 and set them with a 1/2" gap above bump stop. Been in use for a couple of years now with no adverse affects that I've noticed.

 

For you guys with the unloaded gap set 1/2" and 3/4", do you notice when the SumoSprings engage while going over bumps (while unloaded)?

 

Not that I've noticed.

 

Even if it did, and if it bothered you, just unthread the Sumo Spring and take it off when not hauling or towing. Just one 3/8 bolt holding the
Sumo Spring onto the bracket. To make it even easier, jack the rear of the truck up by the bottom of the receiver hitch and let the rear axle stay on the ground.

 

I tow a TT with a TW of 1,400 lbs. I have a 19 F250. I have the black (1500) springs. I have played with all combinations from ½ inch to 2 inches. I found that at 2 inches the truck oversteered and the steering was twitchy. I find that for my application 1 ½ inches worth of spacers with 5 washers on my equalizer has given me the best ride so far. Currently trying 1 inch worth of spacers and 6 washers on the hitch.

a ½ spacer makes a difference unless you are very loaded.

my recommendation for those looking to to a 5er with a 1 ton, is that if you are happy with how your truck handles today empty, go with the yellow ones and just add 2 half inch spacers to start with. If you want a little help empty then go with the black and do all the spacers (2 inches).

These springs do work and they help, however if you overdo it, you will be overriding your suspension and adding a lot of uncontrolled rebound.

with all spacers, you will feel them engage over speed bumps and potholes. Not bad but you know they are there.

 

Nope - not at all.

 

I finally got thru to Sumo. I had left a message the first time I called but thought maybe I had messed up on the calling tree so tried again later. This time someone answered. I asked my questions and the lady said she would have to get the info for me and call me back. A short time later I get a call and it is a guy calling me back from my first message. While I'm talking to him the lady calls. The guy tells me I would want the black 1500 pound ones to just soften the ride and not make it too stiff while towing. The lady leaves a message since I couldn't answer. She says she talked to a tech and he said I would want the yellow 2800 pound set. Both did say rear only. Now I am confused.

Out of curiosity and nothing else to do I hooked up to my fifth wheel to measure the squat again. This time I measured the distance between the axle stop plate and the yellow jounce bumper, before and after. The squat was 2 7/8 inches. It would probably be a bit more when I'm loaded for a trip. The overload spring was touching the stop at the rear of the truck but still had about an inch gap on the forward one. This certainly isn't all that big of a deal as we are currently going nowhere but I would like to be ready when the time comes. Thanks for all the input. I guess I'll figure it out.

 

if you with the yellow you will override the overload springs. Go with the black ones. Remember that their carry capacity is at 50% compression. So with the yellow at 50% compression they would be carrying your entire weight. In your shoes I would go with the black ones.

 

I have a 19 f250 gasser. On my gooseneck trailer at 9k the pickup would squad 3 1-2 to 4 inches. I went with the yellow sumos and now squad is 2 inches. Looks much better, feels better, seems to ride better loaded. Can't tell when I'm not loaded.

 

What I did. Thanks.

 

Let us know how you like them once you've gotten them out on the road!