Rear Spring / Towing Question

[WhiteRice]

So I will be purchasing a new boat next month that weighs about 1800lbs heavier than the I have and tow now. My truck is a ‘16 TE with Daystar 3/2 level kit, stock springs and BFG 285/70s. The tongue weight with my extisting boat was about 145lbs and I had nominal rear sag on stock spring with a Daystar 3/2 level kit. The tongue weight on the new boat will be closer to 300lbs. Is there any type of formula (or just good guessing) as to what type of rear sag I will have with this? Not sure what the stock rear spring rates are on my truck and would like to look at heavier springs that will help keep me level for long hauls. Looked at a few but “heavy load” varies quite a bit (I’ve seen heavy 440 and heavy 800s). Just want to keep it safe without feeling kidney punched when I’m not towing the boat.

 

[3wbdriver]

How often do you travel loaded, or is it only when towing the boat? If only when towing you might be better off using an airbag system so you can air up for heavier towing, then air back down for daily driving.

 

[WhiteRice]

Towing with the new boat will be about once a month (130 miles round trip) and twice a year to FL (1800 miles round trip x2). I’ve looked into bags but have heard negative things (too soft) when you are not loaded. Is that not the case?

 

[BobsTrail]

Air bags at minimum pressure will ride like they are not there, the springs do all the work. I put mine at 10 to 15 for off road trips and up to 30 for a heavy trailer. They do well all around.

 

[JeremyB]

I tow completely stock with 380 lbs of tongue weight with my boat. Rides just fine even with 5 people and stuff in the back.

Reading the forum, I thought I'd need airbags for sure, but that's not the case.