LT_scout

Will air bags change the limit of what my 2009 F150 can carry in the truck bed? Or do they only improve ride and sway etc?

My guess is it wouldn't effect the GVWR but I thought I'd ask.

Thanks.

blamecanada

I just installed the Firestone Airbag on my 2009 Screw cab 4x4.

Now they wont legally increase your payload---but that being said you'll for sure be able to haul more.

The reason i put bags in my truck was to keep it level while pulling my travel trailer----I also have my quad in the box and a 12' alum. on top. It's nice to have the truck level and actually being able to drive at night without blinding everyone and being able to see myself without the light aim at the top of the trees!!!

LT_scout

Hi blamcecanada, yeah me too! that's why I'm asking- I have a 2009 Platinum 4x4 and travel trailer (4500lb) with EQ and sway control and I want to carry my CANAM 800 in the box. I know I'll be over loaded but figure the air bags will help out. So we're in the exact same boat...

Now don't you worry about DOT pulling you over? Being a half ton, it would seem they'll eyeball us with the ATV and the 400lb-500lb tongue weight+ occupants pretty quick, no?

I'm a BC'r and have only noticed DOT Officers pulling over big trucks, you?

blamecanada

I'm also from BC----And no= Not to worried at all really.

I think that having the truck sitting level will help with that(Not A heat score)....Now if it was stock -that's the issue as you drive by. I've seen other trucks out there that should be pulled over.

My new trailers weight is 5600lbs and the tounge weight is around 700lbs, Polaris sportmans 500= around 800lbs and then the alum. boat and rack= around 300lbs.

Yeah i guess i'm over the weight limit...LOL But fingers crossed it wont be an issue....So far it hasn't been, But i dont always haul the quad. But i've also had every thing mentioned above and my WR450F in the box also. Still wasn't an issue.

What drives be nuts out on the BC roads are the other RV drives going below the speed limit and they wont pull over...And i also notice a lot of people out there without trailer mirrors...Maybe they cant see me to move over..

brulaz

Wouldn't you bet better off with a Weight Distribution Hitch? The air bags don't shift any weight around, so even though you're level, you will still end up with less weight on the front-end.

I haven't yet weighed my new F-150 with the trailer, but on our old Toyota the 620# tongue weight (without a WDH) lifted about 300# off the steer axle and put it on the truck's drive axle along with the tongue weight.

But if your trailer axle is already at max load, you can't use a WDH as it shifts weight there, as well as back onto the truck's steer axle.

brulaz

The main reason I bought my 4x2 SCab was the payload. Says right on the door: 2027#. That's a full ton (US) or 0.92 ton (Metric). A far cry from my first "half-ton" 40 years ago.

jasonL_031

I bought some about a week after I bough my truck same time as the level kit just to sit level when I pulled my 7000 lbs camper

Only issue I had actually was I kept the bumpstops on and actually blew one if the airbags on the maiden voyage, lucky it was all covered under warranty but put a spoil on the start of the summer since then removed both bumpstops so I don't have to worry

Platinum_Sean

The answer is NO. Air bags, or helper springs, even a WDH, will only level your truck, not increase anything.

The GVWR, GAWR, and GCWRs all have to be checked to make sure none are exceeded, regardless of how its levelled.


Regarding legal- there are no laws in any Canadian province abuot being over rated weights, on a non-commercial truck. BUT, you can be escorted off any highway or road, if what you are towing is swaying, not chained properly (Ontario requires the gold hued chains), not having ebrakes on trailers over 3000lbs (rated) or otehr unsafe factors. This would include a rig whose front end is pointing up as steering and braking become unsafe.

So no- adding LT or E tires, bags or springs, or anything else increases GVWR/GAWRs.

Platinum_Sean

I would strongly advise against that. Trim them perhaps an inch short but do NOT remove them. Otherwise your axel or springs or shocks could bottom out, an dair bag compress and you are left with a world of hurt, UNCOVERED by any warranty.

bcb97

Look at the roadmaster active suspension