Two Questions...

[eelpout#1]

First of all, I know in another thread here it states that Minkota Trolling Motors need to be grounded. My graph shows no sign of interference (sp), but the trolling motor really does a number on my radio (fishing has been so slow that I have resorted to listening to Twins games, and thats not a pleasant thing to do lately). Question is, do I need some kind of inline filter to clean up the noise, and does anyone make a better antenae than the one Lund puts on their boats?

Second question...My mechanic has told me that I need some air shocks on my pick-up to level out the load when I have the camper in back and the boat behind that. It squats quite a bit. Anyone have experience with these, any good brands to buy, how hard to install etc.

thanks in advance

tc

[sparcebag]

First Ques cant help 2nd ques. I installed over load (helper) leaf springs not extra leafs but a kit of leafs bolted on to reg.leaf springs.I think there great and they dont wear out and need replacement.

[BoxMN]

#2 I have heard good things about Timbren systems, they are like spring overload assit type deals, and I think they are easy to do yourself. About $250 for a half ton setup. I haven't done it yet, but I think I am going to try them out. Do a search to find a dealer near you. Truck Utilites in Maplewood has them.

Good luck,

[pfluemis]

Radio shack will have the filters you need.

You don't want air shocks, you want air bags/air helper springs. Totally different systems. Firestone Ride-rite's are popular ones. Air lift is another.

[Surface Tension]

If your springs are weak then I'd replace them first.

Airbags or overloads would be a good option if your springs are good. My Ford F150 has the factory overloads that don't come in contact till theres load. The truck has never squatted with a 8' camper.

[BobT]

My first thought is that if it is squatting so much perhaps you're overloading it. Heavier springs won't change that.

Bob

[pfluemis]

Quote:

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My first thought is that if it is squatting so much perhaps you're overloading it. Heavier springs won't change that.

Bob

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In the case of campers, a lot of the time it's not the weight, it's the added leverage of the taller load that creates issues. With AC and a high roof, the load becomes much more unstable than hauling, say, sand or lumber. This is where the air bag helper system shines, allowing a truck to ride/handle better going down the road. Some air bag systems even allow you to fill each one separate to compensation for the crown in the road. Becouse of this leverage, I would NEVER put a camper in a 1/2 ton truck, but some do. Anything over an 8ft camper is starting to push the weight limits of the truck anyway's. There is a HUGE difference in weights of campers in each length, so some lighter campers can be hauled with a half ton while others can't.

[Shack]

Add-A-Leaf, or the system sparce bag was posting about.

Either the bolt on kind or the remove U-bolts and slip in.

Replacment of the springs is a good idea if they are damaged in any way, but if weak a little helper works wonders.

How much does your camper fully loaded weigh?

[sweept]

I carry a lot of weight in my truck and I installed a set of super springs to it. Work very good and are easy to install, I did it myself and I am not very mechanically inclined. You can check them out at super springs (Contact Us Please) com

[theoilman]

For some vehicles there is another type of option. I had a van that I had a heavy (yes, overloaded) load continuously. I found a progressive rubber bumper unit that worked very well. It was a bolt in that I removed the bottom-out stop bumper from between the axle and frame and replaced with these big rubber biscuit units. Sorry I don't remember the manufacturer or the actual name.

[LMITOUT]

I have the same problem with listening to AM in my boat too. As soon as you turn on one of the trolling motors the AM is completely gone. FM works great of course, but I'd like to be able to tune in KFAN at times too. Seems to work fine with the big motor running and the graphs induce a little noise, but nothing like the electric trolling motors. I haven't found a cure yet and it might be tough.