Really confused about shocks, and would appreciate some advice.

Just so everyone is on the same page here: a heavier load on a spring damper system will actually increase the damping capabilities of the system (because the spring isn't able to accelerate the load as quickly).

An overloaded system would act like an overdamped system, and should bounce less than a balanced system.

Now that's not to say that overloading the suspension won't damage or wear out the components, and yes, worn out shocks will lead to bouncing.

 

OP when you talk about hauling Crete, Sheetrock or timbers, exactly how much total weight will that be in the back of your truck?? And the 4500 lb trailer, is that dry weight? Before shocks or suspension can be determined we need to know total max weight towing and max weight hauling in the bed of your truck.

 

This is a bit upside down since a heavy load far outweighs the unsprung weight so in reality the load(bed, frame, and everything above the springs) moves less and the suspension travels more. Less load and the springs compress less since the bed is rising over the bump. It’s the extra travel that comes with a heavy load that places a higher demand on the fluid and valving in the shocks. As long as you’re not hitting the bump stops inertia makes the ride smoother but the suspension is working much harder. Not saying you’re wrong about dampening but that it’s in large part due to the inertia of the load that it feels ponderous.

 

That makes sense. So while it's not going to rebound as hard after each bump, the extra weight is going to cause the suspension to cycle through more of its travel, in turn putting extra stress and heat buildup on the shocks. Is that right

It'll be overdamped and overworked, haha.

Edit: I keep saying overdamped, but I guess more accurately this case would be under sprung.

 

Pretty much. The inertia of the load will make the suspension do all the moving (minus some additional sidewall flex) and force more fluid through the shocks at a higher rate. Whether that rate exceeds design parameters is what’s at stake but that’s why heavy duty shocks are bigger in diameter and long travel shocks get reservoirs as an upgrade. If the springs were too stiff you could get away with undersized shocks because there’d be so little travel but the ride would be ridiculously harsh.

 

That is understood, for sure. I was specifically asking about the damping capacity. A spring upgrade is in the offing, just not before the shocks. I need the damping more than the load bearing right now.
Thanks very much for replying!

 

Sounds like you and I have a very similar uses. Good to hear your experience is positive. Thank you for replying!

 

My offroading will not be sport off-roading, it will be trundling around the rough areas to get to the camping spot; off-roading for fun is not my thing. I generally find myself in the 'oh, nice, the (map/gps) shows this road cuts right across the wilderness. Surely that tiny gap at the end where it doesn't quite meet the other road is a mistake.' Then find myself hours and hours later bogged down in a Jurassic swamp with a billion mosquitoes using me for an all-you-can-eat buffet as I instruct my daughter how to rock a stick shift while I push in waist deep stagnant water. As much fun as that may be, and as many excellent stories I have of those moments, in the instant.. well, they're rather less than giggle-fests.
From everything I've read thus far, I think 5100s and air bags are a decent tradeoff. If I start hauling more frequently, I'll get a new leaf pack and a weight distribution hitch.
Thanks for your measured and experienced perspective!

 

Which is exactly where I'll be heading. I'll get bags to begin with until I start hauling more consistently or begin hauling heavier loads, in which case I will opt for an entirely new leaf pack.
You are spot on.

 

Sweet, thanks for the recommendation!

 

I definitely think that is the way I'm going; 5100s and the firestone airbags. THank you!

 

Exactly the consensus of opinion, and only a fool does not take good advice. I like to think I am not a fool. Airbags and 5100s first, and new leaf springs when I start hauling heavier or more consistent loads. Thank you!

 

Fantastic advice and scenarios. THank you! For the immediate future, I'm getting 5100s and airbags, then in the future or when I start pulling heavier loads more frequently, I'll spring for some new leaf springs.
Thank you!

 

That sounds totally sensible to me based on what you’ve clarified. Enjoy your new suspension!

 

sff

That is a good idea. I think the conversation here has convinced me, I'm going to go with the 5100s and air bags (definitely going to use your idea about two feeds though, nice point!) then go with leaf springs when I start to haul more consistent or heavier loads.
Thanks much for replying!

 

I"m going to try and keep to half max for towing (1/2*6500), with 1/3 tongue weight (sorry if my terminology is not quite there, I'm new to all of this) on the hitch; so for my 1100# max, not more than 400# on the hitch.
For hauling, I'll keep it about 2/3 including me, so minus my 200# arse, about 600# in the bed.
Does that help?

 

Bagleboy understands hydraulics, inertia, and static loads.

 

Maybe but I wouldn’t begin to advise anyone on brands. This is physics not marketing but common sense should indicate that the springs should allow a range of motion that doesn’t end up sagging or bottoming and the shocks should also be sized according to the amount of work they’ll be asked to do.

My air bags routinely carry that much without a problem right up to max payload. That said I would consider having leafs matched to the minimum load(an overload leaf alone might do for this) and using bags for the extra since the one thing bags cannot do that leafs can is have two points of support for the frame. It’s never been a problem for me but is a concern so when I do have a max load I drive carefully. Catching air is not recommended.

 

Heh, can you imagine the figurative train wreck of catching air towing a few thousand pounds?
Anyway, yep, I will probably end up getting a new spring set in the fall, as opposed to the reverse.
This summer I see much more uneven terrain scenarios rather than heavy load scenarios, but over the winter and next year that will almost certainly change as I progress to ripping out the kitchen and living room while also hauling logs to my mill.
In any case, I figure by winter I'll have everything in place; bags, shocks, springs, and a load distribution hitch if I can afford one.
Thanks again Bagleboy.

 

It’s why I like this place.