3950 Towing and Getting Started

dunforprod · 12-22-2014, 12:10 AM

1st time Rver try to get some advice on towing a 3950

ATCguy · 12-22-2014, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunforprod

1st time Rver try to get some advice on towing a 3950

Get a big truck...

Ok, seriously... what exactly do you mean? You tow it just like any other trailer: Hitch it & pull it.

dunforprod · 12-22-2014, 12:29 AM

I've got a 2013 F-350 DRW 8' CC 14K with a 21K Reese hitch supplied by Ford. Should I be adding anything to the suspension.

azdryheat · 12-22-2014, 01:28 AM

No need to, sounds like your truck is ready to go.

Thom · 12-22-2014, 01:50 AM

I have a 2011 SRW LWB F-350 6.7 diesel, with Firestone airbags. I have only towed my 3950 twice, once home fromdealer, then back to the dealer to get slide out covers put on.

I was truely believe that the 3950 towed better than my Dutchmen Denali ever did. I think the airbag on the king pin makes one heck of a differance in towing.

I did notice that being longer than my 32' , that the turning was not as wide as I was anticipating, even with my long bed.

Airbags will be required on any Ford because of the squat factor, if for no other reason just to keep your headlights aligned to the road instead of the trees.

I can't wait to tow mine can get a chance to sleep in it.!

Welcome to the forum....

ATCguy · 12-22-2014, 02:51 AM

With respects, and one caveat... I disagree with Thom in re the air bags.

I've got a Ford F-450... and though I do have some squat, it's not that bad. In fact, even with a bit of squat, my rig is still sitting a bit nose high... even though the Trail-Air pin box is set as high as possible, and my 5th wheel is adjusted to its lowest setting. If I were to put bags on, the nose of my rig would set even higher than it is now.

The caveat is that I'm only towing a 3200, the smallest of the Voltage models... not one of the heavier rigs like a 3950.

dunforprod · 12-22-2014, 03:46 AM

I have heard of people talking about a set of Timkens (not sure on spelling). Any knowledge of what these do vs air bags. Supposed to be a lot simpler. With the weight on the 3950, is bucking an issue with the longer wheel base truck.

Has any body had any experience with Goodyear G614 for any length of time?

lakebuster · 12-22-2014, 03:51 AM

I have a 2012 F-350 DRW and did not have air bags for my double axle raptor, but had to add them when we purchased the 2014 3950.
I knew it squatted but was constantly getting the high beam throw back from other drivers, due to my lights aiming to high. Got my bags from SD springs with wireless remote operated air compressor. Set it at 5 psi empty and 45 psi towing with 50 psi on pin box when empty, which equals about 80-90 psi when resting on hitch. The main modifications done to rig was black slide out toppers and the upgrade to 17.5" wheels and tires. Set the cruise at 68-70 mph equalling about 1700-1800 RPM's and let her rip.

lakebuster · 12-22-2014, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunforprod

I have heard of people talking about a set of Timkens (not sure on spelling). Any knowledge of what these do vs air bags. Supposed to be a lot simpler. With the weight on the 3950, is bucking an issue with the longer wheel base truck.

Has any body had any experience with Goodyear G614 for any length of time?

I went with Sumimoto a Japanese tire (Not Chinese) so have no experience with the Goodyear G614's, just based my purchase from reading numerous tire forums.
Air bags where an easy install.
1) Raise rear of truck and rest on strong jack stands
2) Remove spare tire to make it easier to sit in that area while working, would be to hard to lay on back.
3) Also besides jack stands, I have timbers to get that warm and fuzzy feeling while working under this heavy truck.

lakebuster · 12-22-2014, 04:04 AM

Oops! Forgot to mention Timken, the only thing I have used from Timken is wheel bearings. Did not know they made suspension components, will have to check this out.

lakebuster · 12-22-2014, 04:16 AM

Okay just went to SD truck springs, and watched the video on the Timbren suspension kit, looks easier to install than air bags. Would like to know how people like this set up also!

donzinger · 12-22-2014, 08:28 AM

My father-in-law had the Timbrens for years - never had a complaint, but he switched over to air bags before last season and loves them. I went straight to airbags so I have nothing to make a comparison except for his word and he has been towing heavy fifth wheels for several years.

soonernation · 12-22-2014, 01:52 PM

I had airbags on my F250 and they worked great. I figured I wouldn't need them when I bought my F350 (pulling the same trailer) but I do get flashbacks from drivers.

dunforprod · 12-22-2014, 01:57 PM

Really messed the spelling up, it's Timbren rubber coil type springs.

DesertRat · 12-22-2014, 05:23 PM

As far as the G614 tires go as you have a 3 axle rig they should work for you. On my 2 axle Teton with a GVWR of 14,995 I lost all five within the first three years of owning the RV. Once I lost two within ten miles of each other on a 117 degree day out in the middle of no where a hundred miles out of Vegas.

jeffwelsh · 12-22-2014, 07:07 PM

I have the Timbrens on my F-250 and it rides fine with my 3605. I have not had air bags, so can't compare. The Timbrens were easy to install and cheaper than air bags.
-Jeff

dunforprod · 12-22-2014, 10:46 PM

DesertRat- where the tires you lost G614 or the factory tires on the Teton. Noticed you have 17.5s now, G114 ??

wino · 12-23-2014, 02:01 AM

I would definitely go with air bags and different tires. I'm new here myself, but been pulling trailers for years. 3950 is a heavy rig, and if money is no object, I'd also equip my tow rig 19.5 tires, as well. You won't believe the difference.

dougs2 · 12-23-2014, 02:14 AM

I put air bags on my 2012 F-250 6.7 with 20" tires. It would definitely sag in the rear without the airbags pulling the 2014 3605 so I really like the bags with an on board compressor.

I traded my 16" Westlake China bombs for a set of 16" Gladiators 14 ply sidewalls. I know, more China tires but they are really well built and heavy duty. Before when I was towing in any kind of wind I would experience a sway and now with the 14 plys that sway is gone and it handles great.

calewjohnson · 12-23-2014, 12:01 PM

I have Timbrens, I like them much better than the bags (had on my last truck). They were cheaper and zero maintenance. They keep the truck pretty level, little to no sag..they are progressive...

I also took my Westlakes off and put on some Sailun tires (steel carcus tires), they are heavy and they are doing great. Much cheaper than the GY tires...

Cale

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