Air Shocks/Helper Springs

[prairieschooner]

I am setting up my '75 C10 Short Bed to be able to tow a vintage trailer. The trailer is a 1958 18' Airstream that weighs in at 2,000 lbs. with an expected tongue weight around 200 lbs. (+/-).
I am thinking of using Air Lift Helper Springs but then also curious if Air Shocks would be simpler. Especially since I will need to drill & mount the brackets for the Helper Springs to the frame.
Curious how others have handled this.
Thanks in advance!
Steve

[Dead Parrot]

What kind of spring setup does it have now? A 2000 lb trailer is well within the normal tow specs on most of these trucks. You can do a quick test by putting 250lbs of weight by the tailgate and seeing how it handles.

Does the trailer have its own brakes? While the truck may only be supporting 200 lbs of tongue weight, it still has to stop all 2000 lbs. A complete brake check is in order if the truck is new to trailer towing.

[prairieschooner]

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

What kind of spring setup does it have now? A 2000 lb trailer is well within the normal tow specs on most of these trucks. You can do a quick test by putting 250lbs of weight by the tailgate and seeing how it handles.

Does the trailer have its own brakes? While the truck may only be supporting 200 lbs of tongue weight, it still has to stop all 2000 lbs. A complete brake check is in order if the truck is new to trailer towing.

Yes when I restored the Airstream I replaced the axle with a new Dexter with electric breaks. I will be installing a Prodigy Brake Controller with complete wiring. I'll also be using my car trailer occasionally.

I will be doing something to help compensate for the load just curious which way to go

[sweetk30]

i have installed helper bags / air shocks / timbren bump stops and other brands .

air shocks put a LOT of pressure on our style shock mount section of the frame that is known to break already stock .

i like bags for the dialing in for different loads a lot .

if me i would do timbren bump stops or similar brands . they only hit when loaded and can be dialed in as needed with big washers or trim down if lowered truck .

i went timbren on my last build and love them . ride stock no load but firmer when loaded and help a lot .

[prairieschooner]

Originally Posted by sweetk30

i have installed helper bags / air shocks / timbren bump stops and other brands .

air shocks put a LOT of pressure on our style shock mount section of the frame that is known to break already stock .

i like bags for the dialing in for different loads a lot .

if me i would do timbren bump stops or similar brands . they only hit when loaded and can be dialed in as needed with big washers or trim down if lowered truck .

i went timbren on my last build and love them . ride stock no load but firmer when loaded and help a lot .

Thanks! this is what I am looking for

[1976gmc20]

Just install a 2" receiver if you haven't already, and then get a Reese type hitch with the spring bars.

You don't need extra springs on the pickup. The rear axle and tires are only rated for so much weight anyway.

[prairieschooner]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

Just install a 2" receiver if you haven't already, and then get a Reese type hitch with the spring bars.

You don't need extra springs on the pickup. The rear axle and tires are only rated for so much weight anyway.

I have 2 of those hitches with spring bars...they are a hassle! But thanks anyway
I have been towing the Airstream without them and it tracks just fine. The '14 Silverado had a light front end and that is why I want to help my C10. The '99 Ram 2500 didn't even know it was there but the wife hated the Diesel.

I am now really considering the Timbren bump stops recommended by sweetk30

[1976gmc20]

Originally Posted by prairieschooner

I have 2 of those hitches with spring bars...they are a hassle! But thanks anyway
I have been towing the Airstream without them and it tracks just fine. The '14 Silverado had a light front end and that is why I want to help my C10. The '99 Ram 2500 didn't even know it was there but the wife hated the Diesel.

I am now really considering the Timbren bump stops recommended by sweetk30

ok, whatever ...

[prairieschooner]

Originally Posted by 1976gmc20

ok, whatever ...

Sorry but true