Sumo Helper Springs

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RagnarNorsman

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Installed a set of rear sumo helper springs from etrailer tonight to prevent excessive sag when pulling about 5,000 lbs of boat and trailer.

Can't tell from the pic but there is about an inch of space between the rubber spring and the axle unloaded.

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The instructions say to put the truck on a lift to unweight the rear... pffft, hello power wagon, no need for that.

I would assume that this would severely limit radical off road articulation of the rear axle when the sway bars are disconnected. Anyone have any experience with this?

Loving the new truck.

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Link to part:
https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Ram/2500/2017/SSR-312-47.html?vehicleid=20174068600



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Blue Streak

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How much did the truck sag with that light trailer before adding those?
 

sticknstring

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How much did the truck sag with that light trailer before adding those?



Couldn't have been "excessive" my horse trailer weighs more than that and my 2500 doesn't sag.


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Low_Sky

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Couldn't have been "excessive" my horse trailer weighs more than that and my 2500 doesn't sag.


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Your 2500 also has heavier springs than a PW. Not saying the OP's 5000 pound boat makes these necessary, but it's not an apples to apples comparison between a normal 2500 and a PW.

Lots of people put airbags on PWs, just have to choose the right bags and cradles so the axle can articulate without tearing the bag. I've never seen these rubber bumpers, but yeah, looks like they would hurt the up travel. I'm guessing the OP doesn't off-road his truck enough for that to be a problem.


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RagnarNorsman

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How much did the truck sag with that light trailer before adding those?


This was done in anticipation of sag. I'm road tripping now to get the boat. But, with 4 adults in the cab and luggage (about 1,000 lbs) in the back the helper springs are just barely touching the axle... so dropped almost an inch so far.

The truck feels much better with this extra weight, rear drop and the helper springs.

I'll report back the actual sag with the boat.


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RagnarNorsman

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Your 2500 also has heavier springs than a PW. Not saying the OP's 5000 pound boat makes these necessary, but it's not an apples to apples comparison between a normal 2500 and a PW.

Lots of people put airbags on PWs, just have to choose the right bags and cradles so the axle can articulate without tearing the bag. I've never seen these rubber bumpers, but yeah, looks like they would hurt the up travel. I'm guessing the OP doesn't off-road his truck enough for that to be a problem.


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I do think it will limit axle travel but these helper springs feel like a big tough sponge and can compress up to 80%.

I rarely get in a spot that requires me to disconnect the sway bars in Wisconsin... Moab, yes.

This part literally would take no more than 10 minutes to swap out with the stock rubber stop.


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Low_Sky

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Only the front sway bar disconnects unless you break out the wrenches ;)

Let us know how you like the rubber baby bumpy stoppers with the boat hooked up.


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Bock

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The truck feels much better with this extra weight, rear drop and the helper springs.

I'll report back the actual sag with the boat.

Any update? I am looking for something myself, I have a 30' toy hauler that weight 6730 empty and I don't like the way air bags mount. The springs helper might be just what I need. Did they come with everything you needed in the box?

Thanks

PS: I see you have a 6.7 Hemi in your PW :happy107:
 

Blue Streak

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I'm thinking that a weight transfer hitch should be all you need for light towing. I personally wouldn't want anything that would restrict articulation, but to each their own. :favorites13:
 

Bock

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I'm thinking that a weight transfer hitch should be all you need for light towing. I personally wouldn't want anything that would restrict articulation, but to each their own. :favorites13:

I hear you, I am using the andersen weight distribution hitch right now and I like it. The helper springs are a easy on and off I think. They just might do good for everyday hauling and towing. Right now I am not doing any real off-road and I don't want to make any changes that can't be undone easily.

Allen:favorites13:
 
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RagnarNorsman

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Only the front sway bar disconnects unless you break out the wrenches ;)

Let us know how you like the rubber baby bumpy stoppers with the boat hooked up.


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Lol, good point on the sway bars.


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RagnarNorsman

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Any update? I am looking for something myself, I have a 30' toy hauler that weight 6730 empty and I don't like the way air bags mount. The springs helper might be just what I need. Did they come with everything you needed in the box?

Thanks

PS: I see you have a 6.7 Hemi in your PW :happy107:



Lol, 6.7... I know, I realized that after I put it in and haven't been able to change it with the Tapatalk app.

So, when I first installed the helper springs I had almost an inch of free space between the rubber and axle. After going about 1500 miles on the new truck with 4 passengers and luggage in the back it settled to just barely touching the axle with no weight on the truck. I guess the new truck suspension just settled a bit.

We added the boat which I think might have a tongue weight of ~250 lbs (less than I expected) and the helper springs just barely firmly pressed the axle, maybe 1/2 inch drop at best. The helper springs are progressive so I felt like the ride height was spot on and there was no bouncing or harshness to the ride. We added about 500lbs of luggage and an outboard motor to the back with no additional sag. When I step on the tongue to get in the back of the truck it doesn't sag at all... that's another 250 lbs.

I'm happy with them for my use and don't have to worry about my headlights riding up with the loads I will be carrying. I feel like it could take a lot more weight and keep the truck level.


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Bock

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Lol, 6.7... I know, I realized that after I put it in and haven't been able to change it with the Tapatalk app.

So, when I first installed the helper springs I had almost an inch of free space between the rubber and axle. After going about 1500 miles on the new truck with 4 passengers and luggage in the back it settled to just barely touching the axle with no weight on the truck. I guess the new truck suspension just settled a bit.

We added the boat which I think might have a tongue weight of ~250 lbs (less than I expected) and the helper springs just barely firmly pressed the axle, maybe 1/2 inch drop at best. The helper springs are progressive so I felt like the ride height was spot on and there was no bouncing or harshness to the ride. We added about 500lbs of luggage and an outboard motor to the back with no additional sag. When I step on the tongue to get in the back of the truck it doesn't sag at all... that's another 250 lbs.

I'm happy with them for my use and don't have to worry about my headlights riding up with the loads I will be carrying. I feel like it could take a lot more weight and keep the truck level.


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Thanks for the update, I am still on the fence.
 

MJockey

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I hear you, I am using the andersen weight distribution hitch right now and I like it. The helper springs are a easy on and off I think. They just might do good for everyday hauling and towing. Right now I am not doing any real off-road and I don't want to make any changes that can't be undone easily.

Allen:favorites13:

Allen, With your Andersen WD hitch, does the rear of your PW sit lower than the front? Any idea what your loaded tongue weight is? I plan on towing a trailer with about 800 - 900 lbs of tongue weight.

How do you like the Andersen hitch? My Equal-i-zer is very noisy and the shank will be to short for the PW. Debating on getting a new longer shank or an Andersen hitch. Thanks
 
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