What Suspension System is Best When Driving a Truck Unloaded?

Updated 08/13/2026 | Published 08/09/2026

Products Featured in This Question

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2533)

$360.99

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2533)

$381.99

Question:

Hi I have a 2026 F-250 CC 6’10” bed 6.8l we have just purchased a sporttrek travel trailer dry weight of 7000 and dry hitch weight of 860lb. I’m torn on purchasing the Timbren SES as I’ve had those in previous 1/2 ton trucks. Or the sumo springs. There will be much more drive time unloaded so drive quality empty is important. I’ve found the timbren can be harsh unloaded on rough roads. I have no experience with the sumo springs or know anyone who has them. I’m inclined towards them based on marketing, I’m hoping you have some real wold feedback. Thanks Mike.

asked by: Michael S

Expert Reply:

Hi Michael,

I agree with you about using Timbrens with an unloaded truck on rough roads, we've had feedback saying the same thing you've experienced about it making the ride pretty rough. If you'll be driving the truck unloaded most of the time, I would definitely suggest going with SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Coil Springs like part # SSR-127-47. SumoSprings are great because once they're installed, they don't require any further maintenance or adjustments for them to work and will only affect your ride when the truck is under load. The SumoSprings part # SSR-127-47 are a lighter system rated for 1,500lbs of support, but will be more than enough to support your 860lb tongue weight. If you want to go with a higher rated system like the SumoSprings Custom Solo Helper Springs part # SSR-127-54, you'll get more support but will have a firmer ride when driving loaded and unloaded.

Where are you planning on towing your SportTrek to next?

expert reply by: Claire H

SSR-127-54 Installed
(click to enlarge)

Michael S.

8/12/2026

I was actually impatient and already ordered the Sumo springs, yellow 2800lb as there may be an atv in the bed in addition to the trailer. I appreciate your information. Thank you.

Claire H.

8/12/2026

@MichaelS Gotcha, the yellow ones will still fit but may be a firmer ride than the black helper springs. If you're towing the trailer with an ATV in the bed the additional weight will help, make the ride better anyway.

Joe

8/13/2026

@MichaelS I got the mid range ones I pull with a 2019 F250 I got the yellow ones because they don’t. I got about a quarter inch of space in between that and the axle and that will come down on there and give you a very good ride while you’re going down the road really helps out with the sway and helps actually with the sock that a semi gives you whenever they’re going by or you’re going by them I recommend the yellow ones very highly

Claire H.

8/13/2026

@Joe Thanks for sharing your experience with us! It's always great to hear firsthand experience and I'm glad the SumoSprings have made such a difference when you're towing.