adding extra leaf springs for added payload

tanglehorn

tanglehorn

I've posted a few times about this Hino cabover truck I bought with the intentions of building or buying a dump bed for it. In another thread someone said watch with the switch n go because that wont leave you with much payload. After meeting with switch n go and getting the numbers on weights I see why he said that. I was expecting to get a dump while staying under the 2000 pounds mark. These come in at about 3000 cutting my payload too much.

So I researched adding springs or a helper kit. No helper kit for my truck that I know of. The helper kit is nice because it doesn't stiffen the ride its only used when there is a load on. Anyways a half inch thick spring added to each side gives you 750 pounds of added payload. If you need more like I may two springs added to each side would likely make a very stiff ride.. I haven't ruled anything out yet, just was wondering if anyone has beefed up a truck to increase GVWR.

Lastly I really am bad at figuring the search out on this site and I know there was a mini loader thread and in it one guy had a nice dump box with a flip down side ramp for driving the mini up into the truck. Im sure if i went with a stationary bed I could keep the weight down.

Im gonna try and search again.. but if someone would link me to it Id be thankful.
 
Adding spring capacity will increase carrying capacity, no doubt.

But!!!

The truck has a registration plate, generally on the driver's door column, that tells what the chassis GVW is rated for. If you ever have an accident or get scaled by DOT you are going to be in a bunch of trouble.

Personally, I think that most chip bodies are way over built. From a manufacturing point I would do the same because of the liability and life of the dump box.

For a sole-proprietor or a company that can be operated at arm's length there isn't a reason to build such heavy duty boxes.

In another chipbox thread someone shared the idea of using a plastic sheeting that is used to line horse stalls. It has a fabric in it I think and is supposed to be tough and light.
 
I added two leaf springs to my Dakota and at the time it was said by the mechanic not to worry about it if your loaded to your specs. My newer truck will get the same treatment when the warranty is over.
I do not own dump boxes and wish i did some days but to deal with chips I use Load Handler its better than forkin out the whole load but but dumpin the load is better.

My next box I will strongly consider building it so the load handler is as effecient as possible.
A dump box ties up to much weight for about 50% of the time I would need it.
Most of the times the chips and wood stay on site.

Hope i helped
smile.gif
 
Did you look into load boosters? They look like enlarged and elongated rubber nipples. Your local spring shot should have them.

I added 2 sets of leaf springs to my f250 to increase the capacity. The question is. After you increase your capacity, can your transmission handle when you are at capacity?

The ride is stiffer but your truck is long yes? If it is long then you probably won't be too bothered by the stiffness. It just becomes the new normal.

Hope that was some of the feedback you were looking for.

Eric
 
I added a set of leaves to the front axle of our bucket because when we bought the truck it only had an 8000lb front so before we mounted the bucket on we upgraded to an 12000lb.

I don't know ho difficult it is to change the GVWR where you are but here its just a matter of having a regesterd body builder fill out some paperwork.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom