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One thing to consider when doing any suspension mods is what kind of wheeling do you actually do? Can you get away with a stiffer suspension like the Sumo Springs are going to give you? Yes, you WILL lose flex in your suspension because of the stiffer springs.
Personally I'd either take less stuff or haul a trailer, or see if you can get more stuff up on the roof rack. The reason I say a trailer is because GENERALLY SPEAKING, your campsite/base camp will be the easiest place to get to for most people. Now there will always be a few campsites that aren't easily trailer accessible, and for those yes, you won't want the trailer...but if your 'base camp' is a safe place to leave it and you're going back there, why not try it?
That's my personal opinion, so take it for what it's worth. Our wheeling always brings us back to the same place at the end of the day, so a trailer is no issue for me (in fact I generally haul in our travel trailer with my truck while my wife drives up the Bronco).
Personally I'd either take less stuff or haul a trailer, or see if you can get more stuff up on the roof rack. The reason I say a trailer is because GENERALLY SPEAKING, your campsite/base camp will be the easiest place to get to for most people. Now there will always be a few campsites that aren't easily trailer accessible, and for those yes, you won't want the trailer...but if your 'base camp' is a safe place to leave it and you're going back there, why not try it?
That's my personal opinion, so take it for what it's worth. Our wheeling always brings us back to the same place at the end of the day, so a trailer is no issue for me (in fact I generally haul in our travel trailer with my truck while my wife drives up the Bronco).
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Nice rig! What mode GeoPro is that? Thanks!Pros: Adjustable ride
Cons: More complexity, more cost
I went with the Sumo Springs because they're dummy proof and virtually indestructible. I already have an air compressor hard-mounted in my truck but I didn't want to worry ripping out an air line on the trail or rocks and then having issues towing the camper home after a weekend of wheeling.
I went with the blue springs and they're just right. The kit comes with spacers to work with different amounts a lift, so you can determine when you want the helper spring to engage. I initially installed with both spacers and found the ride to be a bit harsh when driving empty. In the pic above I'm running without any spacers on my non-SAS Badlands and it's just right.
When the times comes for lift struts and 35s I'll add the spacers back so the sumo springs engage at the same relative point in the suspension travel.
Thanks! It's an early 2020 G19BH that we bought used in 2024. If I didn't know the year I'd have sworn it was brand new as everything was spotless. Drove 6 states away to pick it up as the price made it worth the travel time and expense.
It's been perfect for our family (wife and 2 young boys) and we have some big trips with it planned for this year. Compact enough to fit just about anywhere but still has all the amenities.
The 4-cylinder 7MT Bronco pulls it without a problem, though you do notice it's back there as the fuel gauge drops. Towed it through the Pocono Mountains in PA loaded down, including a full tank of fresh water and gear for a full weekend, and the truck never complained.
Someone already stole my line about just moving weight to the front, but I think it's worth mentioning that there's a few front hitch receiver options out there for the Bronco.
I have seen them used to some success by the guys who load theirs down even more.
Maybe check the Beach Buggy thread for ideas and examples.
I have seen them used to some success by the guys who load theirs down even more.
Maybe check the Beach Buggy thread for ideas and examples.
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That's great news... and you just made my day. I have a similar camper (cruiser hitch 18bh) with a similar dry weight. I was second guessing using the bronco to tow, but your post made the nerves go away.... especially since most of my towing is flat. Now to buy some Sumo blues. Enjoy your trips!Thanks! It's an early 2020 G19BH that we bought used in 2024. If I didn't know the year I'd have sworn it was brand new as everything was spotless. Drove 6 states away to pick it up as the price made it worth the travel time and expense.
It's been perfect for our family (wife and 2 young boys) and we have some big trips with it planned for this year. Compact enough to fit just about anywhere but still has all the amenities.
The 4-cylinder 7MT Bronco pulls it without a problem, though you do notice it's back there as the fuel gauge drops. Towed it through the Pocono Mountains in PA loaded down, including a full tank of fresh water and gear for a full weekend, and the truck never complained.
Nice! I also recommend getting the factory brake controller. There are some threads on this forum that show the easiest way to install it, with the gain dial mounted near the headlight knob. Installation took maybe 30 minutes since I already had the factory tow package.
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No, the OME shocks are not adjustable, but I am very happy with them, both when loaded on off-road trails and when empty on the road.
If you like the "Carolina Squat" look, then why not just leave it alone? Leave all that garbage hanging off the back?
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One last question... thanks... What weight distribution hitch are you using? I'm debating just using the weight distribution hitch OR the blue sumos rather than both. Any insight or opinions are very welcome.
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I'm running the Blue Ox SwayPro WHD with the blue sumo springs. The combination seems to work well on the Bronco. Our suspensions are designed to be supple and articulate off road so they need a bit more help when carrying loads at speed on road.
Towing the same trailer with my wife's 2015 Explorer Sport has a much more planted feel with the same hitch and no suspension modifications.
I don't notice the Sumo Springs while daily driving. I currently have them installed without the included spacers so they rarely engage unless I need them. They were really noticeable when I initially installed them with the spacers, so lesson learned there.
Nice set up which trailer is thatI went with the Blue Sumo springs as well for towing my trailer. Basically it’s a big progressive bump stop so not much to maintain or go wrong. Only down side might be a stiffer ride when unloaded, but I didn’t notice much of a change.
It’s the Smittybilt Scout trailer… basically a platform you add your components to (water, power, gas, appliances, etc.) I wanted something I could actually tow on 4x4 trails in Colorado to get to dispersed camping spots without the crowds.
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