HD Payload and Max Tow Only on Lariat?
#31
Senior Member
You should still be fine with the max tow pkg. I only suggest you really consider getting the 6.5' bed so you will have the 157" wheelbase for more stability. A short wheelbase truck towing a 35' trailer may cause you to have major sway problems. If you are dead set against the longer wheelbase then i suggest spending the extra $$$ on a Hensley or Propride hitch which guarantees no sway or your money back. They are not cheap!
#32
I'd much rather get an fx4 with 6.5' bed than a lariat. I talked to my local shop that works on my cars. Told them my concerns. They basically said the same thing all you guys have said... That if I'm dead set on an fx4 to get the long wheel base and they will put airbags in it and lt tires on it and I should be fine.
#34
Senior Member
You should still be fine with the max tow pkg. I only suggest you really consider getting the 6.5' bed so you will have the 157" wheelbase for more stability. A short wheelbase truck towing a 35' trailer may cause you to have major sway problems. If you are dead set against the longer wheelbase then i suggest spending the extra $$$ on a Hensley or Propride hitch which guarantees no sway or your money back. They are not cheap!
Exact reason I ordered my Max Tow 2013 with the 157" wheel base. I plan to tow good sized loads.
Bigger loads and short wheel base do NOT go together.
Buck
#36
Senior Member
If you're towing a lot, you might also want to put HD shocks all around. I didn't like the rock and rolling, so had Ford put in the HD shocks that come with the HD payload package. Helped a lot. Others have put in Ranchos and others.
I came from a truck with a much stiffer suspension and was really surprised how soft Ford's is. It just felt unsafe towing. Later learned that the HD Payload tightens up the suspension (HD springs, shocks and LT Tires) as well as giving you a heavier duty axle and wheels. So added the LT tires, HD Shocks and rear end suspension lift (Roadmaster). Rides fine now.
I came from a truck with a much stiffer suspension and was really surprised how soft Ford's is. It just felt unsafe towing. Later learned that the HD Payload tightens up the suspension (HD springs, shocks and LT Tires) as well as giving you a heavier duty axle and wheels. So added the LT tires, HD Shocks and rear end suspension lift (Roadmaster). Rides fine now.