The elusive smoother ride

Number 4 · 03-27-2019, 11:05 AM

I installed new shocks on our new-to-us 2015 F-250 in an attempt to smooth out the ride when the "rolling cave" isn't putting helpful weight on the back end, but no difference. I've read about bringing the 275/65-R20 tires down to 50 psi from 65 and will probably do that for around town driving, then airing back up for towing.

I've been looking at some interesting info on Sulastic leaf spring shackles which are supposed to make a real difference. Has anyone installed them on your 3/4 ton TV and if so, what is your real life experience?

Here is the set that would go on my rear leaf springs.
http://sulastic.com/truck-shackle-suspension-sa-06

slow · 03-27-2019, 11:39 AM

The steps I take for an acceptable ride when not towing: air down our F250's tires to 50 psi (as you do) and I adjust the Rancho shocks. I also have a truck cap and leave all items (~600 lbs total) in the bed for camping which also helps. The air bags are aired down to 5 psi and may be enough to keep off the overload leaf spring.

Those shackles would be interesting to hear about in a real world situation.

77cruiser · 03-27-2019, 12:42 PM

Over on the Duramax forums they claim the shackles make a big difference in the empty ride. I haven't tried them yet but I'm going to try a new set of rear cab mounts first.

**sourdough** · 03-27-2019, 03:32 PM

Those look interesting. My concern would be the rubber they apparently use to soften the ride. Their anticipated life of 4+ years is what concerns me. I've seen rubber components wear and finally fail. If towing a lot I would worry the compound would be deteriorated in a short time. My truck is rated at 80psi rear and 65psi front. I just air down to 65 all the way around. Initially I thought it was still too rough but now it just seems normal - I just don't try to hit washboards at 40mph.

5J's · 03-28-2019, 06:55 AM

There is a YouTube channel I follow in which the publisher has installed the Sulastic Shackles. BTBRV (Big Truck Big RV) is the channel. Check it out and may be leave a comment asking for a current update on the Shackles. Keep us posted, this is something I've been debating myself.

Number 4 · 03-28-2019, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

Those look interesting. My concern would be the rubber they apparently use to soften the ride. Their anticipated life of 4+ years is what concerns me. I've seen rubber components wear and finally fail. If towing a lot I would worry the compound would be deteriorated in a short time. My truck is rated at 80psi rear and 65psi front. I just air down to 65 all the way around. Initially I thought it was still too rough but now it just seems normal - I just don't try to hit washboards at 40mph.

Danny, I share your concern since the entire concept depends upon repetitive flexing of that rubber compound. After reading a dozen or so truck forum posts (going back as far as 2012) I found only one mention of the shackles collapsing. With those who have done the install, some say they didn't feel enough ride improvement to justify the expense and others reported great results with up to a 50% better ride. All were 3/4 ton or heavier as I wasn't looking at 1/2 ton forums.

These shackles will definitely not last forever and four to ten years seems to be the agreed-upon lifespan depending upon the frequency of heavy hauling. That's a guaranteed second expense somewhere "down the road" if you plan on keeping your TV for a long time.

This morning I asked the DW to pay close attention to the ride quality on her commute (I drive the Camry on my 2X longer commute) and will drop the PSI all around this evening to see what change that makes. She loves the truck and doesn't mind the ride as is so either way is fine with her.

Since the ride comfort is fine whenever I'm driving with our TT dutifully following along behind and the DW is all good with her free daily massage

I'm going to put Sulastic shackles on the back burner. We'll see, when sweet retirement arrives I may ponder this again.

Northofu1 · 03-28-2019, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5J's

There is a YouTube channel I follow in which the publisher has installed the Sulastic Shackles. BTBRV (Big Truck Big RV) is the channel. Check it out and may be leave a comment asking for a current update on the Shackles. Keep us posted, this is something I've been debating myself.

I have a small truck, but I follow him on youtube. Interesting and informative

FlyingAroundRV · 03-28-2019, 12:50 PM

If you air down the rear wheels, doesn't the TPMS complain?

slow · 03-28-2019, 04:45 PM

Mine go off at anything below 50 psi. So I set them at 50 psi when the temp is low in the morning.

Only had to do a reset once in 4 years on one wheel due to airing down.

FlyingAroundRV · 03-28-2019, 05:48 PM

I had mine go off when they rotated the tires, and I re-did the air pressures. I run 75 in the rears and 60 in the fronts. When I aired down the fronts (that used to be rears) the TPMS complained bitterly! I eventually had to send the truck to re-education camp (stealership) to get it sorted out. Apparently after an alarm has been activated for more than a certain number of miles, it becomes "permanent".

**sourdough** · 03-28-2019, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingAroundRV

If you air down the rear wheels, doesn't the TPMS complain?

My truck gives me the yellow low tire alarm. I ignore it until I'm ready to inflate to regular pressure.

tech740 · 03-28-2019, 08:24 PM

I have a Ram 2500 which has a light load setting. If I press that button on the dash I can take my rears down to 40psi without any TPMS issues. The door sticker shows both inflation pressures as acceptable. It also mentions that the payload is cut in half due to the reduced pressure. It definitely helps with the ride. My issue is when I get the tires rotated they always tell me they are underinflated and air them back up.

Number 4 · 03-29-2019, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slow

Mine go off at anything below 50 psi. So I set them at 50 psi when the temp is low in the morning.

Only had to do a reset once in 4 years on one wheel due to airing down.

Last night I set all four tires to around 54 psi (not that much of a drop so I must have done the deflate after our final September outing with the TT) and the DW reports no TPMS warnings. It's nice to know that 50 psi seems to be the threshold on that. Hey, it's a 3/4 ton stiff-springed bounce house when unloaded so I'll just accept that and put a jar of heavy cream in the cup holder to make butter.

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