Notices

Loaded Ride Height Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 12, 2024 | 05:01 PM
  #1  
YukonDuty's Avatar
YukonDuty
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 4
Loaded Ride Height Question

Gentlemen.
Picked up a ‘00 350 last fall for our camper. 93k km on it, V10. 4100 lb payload.
Previous owner owner only had a camper on it and that’s my plan for it. Original springs were bagged out so decided to have the Dayton 43-1263HD springs installed rather than mess about with the stock rates springs and various additions such as airbags etc. I’ve had airbags on previous rigs and they serve a purpose, but this rig will only have a camper on it.
So dropped the camper in (‘20 Adventurer 86FB) and still rides quite high.
Looking for any thoughts on my ride height. Should I drop a leaf (possible?), maybe get a slightly lighter spring? Get a front level kit or stiffer front leafs? Maybe it’s just fine.
In the image, the camper is unloaded, no water, no nothing just batteries.
It actually ride really nice this way. Still have the stock sway bar installed. Camper is 2685 lbs dry.
Thanks for the input.




 
Reply
Old May 12, 2024 | 05:36 PM
  #2  
350Recon's Avatar
350Recon
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 891
Likes: 565
From: End of the Rockies
You should fill the water and all the things that would go in the camper for a trip before adjusting anything. Take it for drive around the home area.
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2024 | 05:36 PM
  #3  
350Recon's Avatar
350Recon
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 891
Likes: 565
From: End of the Rockies
Great looking truck and TC!
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2024 | 06:51 PM
  #4  
YukonDuty's Avatar
YukonDuty
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 4
Originally Posted by 350Recon
You should fill the water and all the things that would go in the camper for a trip before adjusting anything. Take it for drive around the home area.
My inclination as well. 5-600 lbs in there would drop it down for sure.
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2024 | 06:59 PM
  #5  
bentring's Avatar
bentring
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 235
Likes: 84
From: West TN
Originally Posted by YukonDuty
My inclination as well. 5-600 lbs in there would drop it down for sure.
You'll find that extra 5-600 lbs really quick, and another 15-1600 to go along with it, and don't forget about the hitch weight if you plan to tow a boat or toy.
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2024 | 11:44 PM
  #6  
CathedralCub's Avatar
CathedralCub
FTE Community Team
5 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 10,781
Likes: 1,512
Club FTE Gold Member
It appears you're trying to adjust the loaded height by swapping spring assemblies. This can be difficult at best, but this is without considering that the weight is variable. The best way to maintain a desired height with different loads and balances would be to have springs that hold most of the weight and airbags that support the rest. Then adjust air bag pressure as needed. For "most of the weight", the air bags will likely have a minimum pressure specification. you'd want to figure out rear axle minimum weight, then subtract however much the air bags would hold at their minimum pressure, then select springs that are the next capacity lighter than that. Then, you will be running the air bags at their minimum plus a little to start, and just add air as needed as you add weight.
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2024 | 05:54 PM
  #7  
YukonDuty's Avatar
YukonDuty
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 6
Likes: 4
Appreciate the input.
Turns out that with the empty camper on board, she’s riding just slightly lower than she was empty with the old B springs in it.
So, as this will be my new “empty weight” or tare weight, I’ll load her up and see how it shakes out. Largest load I’ll bet tow is either my 21’ Freighter canoe or my 3 place skidoo trailer in winter. Nothing crazy.
Have to put in a new spare tire hoist and rotate it as I can’t access the spare with the campers drain set up.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RV_Tech
Slide-in / Truck Campers / Toppers
26
Jun 23, 2019 10:49 AM
LAPurchase
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
33
Aug 3, 2017 09:12 PM
rayezra
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
5
Apr 22, 2010 02:31 PM
lauRon
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
4
Mar 1, 2008 09:00 PM
Ford Truck Racer
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Oct 9, 2005 03:41 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:19 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE