What Can I Install On a 42' Forest River Sierra To Help Eliminate the Trailer Bounce That I Have?
Question:
I have a 2012 Ram 3500 short bed with a pullrite superglide fifth wheel hitch. I pull a 42 foot long 15500 lbs Sierra fifth wheel. It bounce when going cross bridges or hitting holes in road. I install air bags and they helped a little but not fixed
asked by: Scott C
Expert Reply:
The best way to help the bouncing trailer is to improve the suspension on your Sierra 5th wheel so that it doesn't transfer to your 2012 Ram 3500.
The Trailair Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box # LC328492 adds air ride with a shock to the pin box to help eliminate bouncing, jarring and chucking that you may also be experiencing. This particular pin box will bolt in place of the 1621 style pin box that is most commonly installed on Sierras like yours. You will want to confirm that this is what you have by locating the product tag on your Sierra's pin box. Since you have a PullRite SuperGlide 5th wheel hitch you will need to get the correct Adapter Plate 331761 from PullRite so that your hitch will still operate correctly.
The axle leaf spring suspension on your Sierra will benefit from having SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs like # SS26MV. These particular springs are rated for trailer with an axle capacity of 5,000-8,000lbs and the leaf spring on top of the axle. This spring is 5" tall and will help to absorb road shock, vibration and the bouncing you are getting when on bridges and hitting holes. You will need to measure the distance from your u-bolt plate to the trailer frame to ensure that these will fit your Sierra. You want the springs to just make contact with the frame at normal ride height and an additional 1/2" spacer is included to adjust fit if needed. Since there is no shock absorbers on your trailer suspension these will act as those on your suspension.
Products Referenced in This Question
SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket - Single Axle - 5K to 8K - Overslung
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Leaf Spring Enhancement System
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Jounce Springs
- 5000 lbs
- 6000 lbs
- 7000 lbs
- 8000 lbs
- Single Axle
- SuperSprings Intl
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1621 - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Upgraded Pin Box
- Absorbs Road Shock and Reduces Chucking
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Fixed Turret
- Lippert 1621
- CURT
more information >
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