looking to replace my leafs. current set are OE and rated at 1600#. I'm leaning toward the extra HD 2500# set at General Spring. I know the Max Tow package came with the 1900# set.

Looking for input from anyone who has put on a set of the 1900 or really the 2500.

for reference I have a 2015 scab 3.5eb. Its got an ARE high rise fiberglass shell. I tow 3-4 times a month. most often its an atv, sxs or a 17' aluminum boat. but I also tow a 21' camper that creates noticeable sag even with a wdh. Also tow a flatbed bumper hitch loaded with a kubota L3901 with a loader and brush hog. this DEF creates sag.

I know either leaf will affect ride quality and I'm not too concerned. but I cant help but think that with the camper shell it will help as those springs will be somewhat loaded all the time.

Anyone?

 

The well of it is;
are you equipped with LT tires?
Enough Brake area?
Axle Bearing life!
Think you're already pushing the limits with the flat bed loads.
Check your Owner manual for max Gross Combined Weight Rating for the Truck's build. Not just trailer weight.

 

good questions. Yes, I have LT tires rated for the loads I'm carrying. brake area shouldnt be an issue. current leafs are a 2/1, the 1900 are 3/1 and the 2500 are 4/1. either way I go, it wont interfere with the rotors, plenty of clearance. axle bearings should be fine. this has a 9.75 rear diff and is suited for heavier loads. I'm thinking 2500# leafs will help. certainly will increase payload capacity. I might be pushing on the limit of the gvwr but i'm not exceeding. its around 16,100 and id bet that trailer and tractor are maybe 8,000.

 

It will ride like a rock unless your doing a 5 th wheel….

 

Not sure why you would not go with a set of air bags with a in cab controller, so much nicer and you do not make it ride like a 1 ton.. As far as your springs go a GOOD spring shop can build you a set of springs that will still retain the ride and give you additional load capacity.. The towing capacity of that truck is about 13000 and depending on how you have your flatbed loaded im betting your way over tongue capacity.

 

Tow capacity is fiction for camper salesmen. You need to pay attention to your trucks payload. Stiffer springs, tires, etc. do not increase it.

 

What is the true tow capacity and how did you calculate that number?

 

When your payload is met you have reached tow capacity. It has been said a thousand times here: "you will run out of payload long before you see the published tow capacity". Which is true for all truck makes. Have a look in the tow/haul forum where this topic comes up every day.

 

GVWR - vehicle's actual scaled weight = payload.
IE: my truck after adding accessories, hitch, etc weighed in 5650#, GVWR is 7850#. So 7850- 5650=2200# actual payload. The pay load sticker in the door jamb reads 2461# so I added 260# before I even hooked up the trailer. My fifth wheel weighed in about 8500# ready to travel. The hitch weight was in the neighborhood of 1500# so that left 700# for me, the dog, gas and a few things in the bed.

 

.
True Tow capacity first depends on the vehicle >Legal as-built< capacity. Not your idea of it by changes made..
It cannot be Legally just added too without official registration change to the vehicle for safety reasaons..******* and Police weight and inspections checks if ever encountered plus going over state lines.
.
To get close to Tow capacity:
Vehicle loaded weight + trailer loaded weight = Gross Combined Weight. Loaded is a Key to weight.
If it exceeds listed Gross Combined In owner manual for the Truck equipage, it's over loading.
Example: vehicle weighs 5500 lbs, + Loaded Trailer weights 8500 = 14,000 lbs.
This is often the legal limit area for most builds.
See the max loaded Trailer weight, assuming the vehicle is equipped to do so, safely for Tires, Hitch rating etc.
This is why going with just the Trailer weight is not correct when getting near Max GCWR.
.
To many times an owner tries to Tow weight well more that the Tow Vehicle weighs for Braking, Tires, Stopping etc.
It can affect others at times as well as possible Legal and Insurance issues. ******* when something gets bent!
Good luck.