Rear leaf upgrade or bag kit

[Ben Jardine]

I got a 24 2500hd custom crew cab 4x4 6.5 foot box 6.6 gas I use to haul everyday. 

Anywhere from 7000 to 18000 pounds. Tag along and 5th wheel trailers 

Factory snow plow package truck and factory 5th wheel equipped.  

I would like to either add over load springs or bags just wondering what everyone else has for experience and opinions . I would like to get rid of it dragging it's a$$. 

[kevin74]

I have a 2024 as well and I tow a 10,500 pound 5th wheel and a 12,000 pound or so gooseneck horse trailer. Because the horse trailer is older, it isn't as tall as modern trailers. I installed 2" drop shackles so my truck sits level unloaded and added Timbrens to keep the truck from squatting under load. Works well so far.

[A Chap]

I haul a truck camper and tow a deck over trailer with machines, I use the ready lift airbags.  Huge improvement, max PSI of 150.  It's a dual bag set up with onboard compressor. 

[bruceb58]

13 hours ago, kevin74 said:

I have a 2024 as well and I tow a 10,500 pound 5th wheel and a 12,000 pound or so gooseneck horse trailer. Because the horse trailer is older, it isn't as tall as modern trailers. I installed 2" drop shackles so my truck sits level unloaded and added Timbrens to keep the truck from squatting under load. Works well so far.

Wouldn't raising the trailer's suspension 2" be a better mod? I know horse trailers like to be low....i used to own a horse trailer...but it seems better than modifying the tow vehicle.

[kevin74]

10 hours ago, bruceb58 said:

Wouldn't raising the trailer's suspension 2" be a better mod? I know horse trailers like to be low....i used to own a horse trailer...but it seems better than modifying the tow vehicle.

 

 

That is probably the case in most cases - however there are several reasons I used the 2" drop shackles on the truck:

- I am old and need a double knee replacement so getting in and out of the bed is difficult. It is a LOT easier now that the rear is lowered 2"

- I like a leveled truck, so this gave me that in addition to the ease of getting in/out

- My gooseneck horse trailer is a 2001 and raising it involves cutting off the shackle, placing a block, and re-welding. I (unfortunately) have NO skill at welding so it would mean finding someone to do it for me

- My gooseneck horse trailer is a "step-up" trailer without a ramp and we have a couple of older horses who may have trouble stepping up even 2" higher to get in. I have a smaller bumper pull trailer with a ramp, but my horse is a 1/2 draft and doesn't fit in it, lol. 

[Dirtbiker]

I put load lifter air bags in mine. I lifted the front 1 inch to gain a little clearance before I picked it up from the dealership.
I didn’t realize the new trucks had a lot less rake than my 2016 did so 1 inch pretty much leveled it. I don't like squat so I put airbags in. 55psi lifts the truck back up with a load of fire wood in the box and the holiday trailer hooked up.

I go the cheap route and just run the two air valves to where the license plate bolts go.  It rides slightly rougher with the 5 PSI in the bags at all times but not really that much. 

[Chadw90]

I had air lift bags w/compressor in my 2017. I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread….until i tool them out and drove it to the dealer to trade it in. Couldn’t believe how much smoother it was with the bags out. I ran the minimum of 5psi with them in. 
i put timbren’s in this new truck. They work great. 10,500lb skidsteer on a bumper hitch and the truck sits level. Ride unloaded and loaded are both great. 
Cheap and easy install.