SumoSprings with camper towing?

centralmepistol · May 3, 2017

As I am getting ready to tow my camper (1500, 4x4, 5.3, towing package and WD hitch- towing a 30' TT at about 6,000lbs) I have read many articles that suggest upping the suspension or adding air bags.

I recently read about SumoSprings replacing the bump stops to assist the suspension in a heavy load.

Does anyone use SumoSprings for a camper or similar purpose? What are your thoughts?

newdude · May 3, 2017

Those or Timbrens could work. Airbags are another option. I am quite curious though...what 30' travel trailer do you have that weighs 6000lbs?

FreeAmerican · May 3, 2017

I use Timbrens and have had great success with those. I just picked the Timbrens because of how simple they are. They really helped with sway and weight in the bed.

aseibel · May 3, 2017

Timbrens work great when you are loaded. They are annoying as heck when you are unloaded. Every bump you hit makes the rear end bounce when your frame hits the bumpers.

I second the question about a 6,000 weight. I'm skeptical of that.

CDNSS · May 3, 2017

Ive had both Sumo and air bags Sumo are great and they dont ride rough when unloaded like Timbrens .......I tow an enclosed car trailer WD hitch with 600lb hitch wt no problem with Sumo

AirLift airbags were good too until they spring a leak at worst time .........AIR Lift sent me new one even though well over 1 yr old great cust service but still PIA I prefer the Sumo springs

centralmepistol · May 4, 2017

My trailer weight is an estimate. It is a coachman catelina. Dry weight is listed as 5,000lbs, we really don't carry that much gear... but I will be putting everything on the scale to be sure.

My particular model has no slide outs or other "extras" that add weight. I wouldn't be surprised if I top out closer to 7,000lbs- but figured for the purpose of asking the question I would just split the difference.

*Actually I had another thread going all about the camper weight and my truck... This was just curious about the SumoSprings and if they were a worth while investment.

FishAr · May 4, 2017

I don't think you need to alter your truck since you're using a weight distribution hitch.

CKrado · May 4, 2017

I am also looking at the sumosprings helper springs. I will be towing a Coachman Catalina as well at about 6500# dry weight. I only tow the travel trailer 4 times a year and other than that just an 18' utility trailer so I dont want to purchase air bags. I like that these springs are no maintenance.

gmckenzie · May 5, 2017

Mine are on their way.

My trailer is ~ 8200 lbs loaded. Cougar 30RKS, so 34'4" long. I use a Equal-i-zer 10K hitch. On the scale I was within 100 lbs of my max vehicle weight. Truck is a 2015 crew cab NHT.

While I find it tows well, I had issues with it porpoising on a bad section of road between Jasper and Lake Louise (Banff area) and wanted to address that. I liked the simplicity of the Sumosprings and they seemed (from what I read) to not ride as harsh as the TImbrens when unloaded. Time will tell.

They should have been here by now, but the supplier mixed something up and they didn't ship. Were helpful once I sent them an email asking what is up and they are on their way now. I'm not going anywhere with the trailer for another month or so, so I've got time to install them.

Cowpie · May 6, 2017

Sumo's are about as simple as Timbrens, but similar to air bags in function because of their cellular foam type of structure. Kind of a middle ground product. I like 'em.

CKrado · May 8, 2017

I just installed mine tonight. I will be able to tell tomorrow how noticeable they are with the truck unloaded and then Wednesday I will be towing my 30' Coachmen and will be able to tell how much they help the truck when it is loaded.

centralmepistol · May 8, 2017

Thanks for the thoughts guys!

CKrado- which model Catalina are you towing? Mine is a 299TB, the sticker inside the camper says 5,500lbs dry weight with a 7,500lbs gross weight. While I don't necessarily trust the dry weight rating I feel like the weight others are telling me would quickly put the trailer over its gross weight rating.

I have had some tell me I should expect a dry weight of 7,000 pounds- that leaves just 500lbs for "stuff"... That just wouldn't make sense to me. It's certainly heavy, but not THAT heavy...

CKrado · May 8, 2017

Thanks for the thoughts guys!

CKrado- which model Catalina are you towing? Mine is a 299TB, the sticker inside the camper says 5,500lbs dry weight with a 7,500lbs gross weight. While I don't necessarily trust the dry weight rating I feel like the weight others are telling me would quickly put the trailer over its gross weight rating.

I have had some tell me I should expect a dry weight of 7,000 pounds- that leaves just 500lbs for "stuff"... That just wouldn't make sense to me. It's certainly heavy, but not THAT heavy...

I dont know the exact specs or model off the top of my head. I will get back to with that tomorrow night or wednesday.

CKrado · May 11, 2017

Mine is a Catilina 261BHS. Online says 6,138# dry and 7,700# gvwr. Here is my truck with sumosprings only (before weight distribution got installed today). The sumosprings are amazing and didnt loose any ride quality

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Cowpie · June 27, 2017

I put a pretty good load on my 2500 last weekend. I have the Sumo's also. Great ride quality and handling fantastic. Almost like air bags. I have 2" drop shackles on the back.