509-FORD

I know this. I do this for a living and handle all the commercial sales at our dealership. I know what airbags do and don't add to GVWR. If he was hauling a lot of weight in the box "payload" that is what that package is designed for. If he is pulling a heavy bumper pull travel trailer that is what the max tow package is designed for.

I'm trying to say that if is trailer is under the max tow package tow rating and the only thing he is worried about is squat in the rear, adding airbags keeps myself/ customers/ and friends happy driving our FX4's. It just seemed that was his preference. Just because as you stated "his trailer is the same as mine but 3' longer" doesn't tell us anything. What is the tongue weight of the trailer and dry/loaded weights? That is what is important.

509-FORD

What is the tongue weight of your travel trailer? 5th wheel or bumper pull? What is the loaded weight?

2002silverex

Here are the specs for the travel trailer. It's a 2012 keystone outback 312bh. 35' long

Payload Capacity (lbs/kgs) 1403 / 636.4

Dry Weight (lbs/kg) 7579 / 3437.8

Hitch Weight (lbs/kgs) 765 / 347

GVWR (lbs/kgs) 9000 / 4082.4

2002silverex

I don't know loaded weight, sorry

2002silverex

When I build the lariat online it says I can't lease it but with the fx4 I can. Wonder if they don't want to lease it with the payload and gears and all that?

509-FORD

That's a nice travel trailer. That's just a tad lighter than my bro in laws. He tows it with a 2012 Fx4 max tow 4x4 SCREW 6.5' on 20's and is thankful i talked him into a 1/2 ton.

By the books your MAX TOW package gives you a tongue rating with a weigh distributing hitch of 1,130 lbs so you are fine there. The weight is well under the ratings of the max tow package.

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/g...rv&tt_f150.pdf

You may add up to 1500 lbs of extra gear camping with fuel/propane/water. I would feel very comfortable at that weight and feel that you still will have room to grow and add a wheeler to the carrying weight. Like I first mentioned if you're like me I'd add airbags for the added stability and eliminate the rear end sag for the little initial investment.

2002silverex

Do the airbags make it handle any better or are they simply to eliminate sag?
And would the 18's with lt tires be a better choice than the 20's?

Thanks Again for all the help.

509-FORD

The airbags help squat and provide better stability with the weight. The best looking factory wheels IMO are the 20" wheels and they only come with a P rated tire. The 18" look fine and offer a P rate or a LT tire options.

If you are looking for advice and you like the 20" factory wheels I would suggest asking your Ford dealer how much they'll credit you toward new LT 20" tires. Also check your local tire store with the same proposal. I typically see people getting $400-$500 credit on their factory tires toward new tires.

I'm really not a fan of the factory LT tires as they seem to be lower quality and lower life expectancy than any upgraded tire. I'd trade them with no miles and get the tires you want. my .02

2002silverex

So a 20" lt tire will give the same results as an 18" lt tire?

dereku

20 should be more stable.