wb880

Hello everyone.

I picked up a new F150 last August, and then I went crazy and bought a 27ft travel trailer a few weeks ago.

My truck is a 2016 SCrew, 3.5EB, 4X4, Max Tow, 20" wheels with the 275/55/r20 hankooks. My tow capacity is approximately 10500LBS (give or take a few hundred #s)

My TT is an Outdoors RV 27ft. Dry weight is 7100# and GVWR is 8800#.

Here is a pic of the current set up:


Even with the Blue Ox Weight Distribution Hitch installed (and maxed out in the highest position) the rear springs are so saggy that the TT was a few degrees lower then I liked. My first tow home was a bit unnerving with sway, but I think it was the tilt of the trailer.

I have been doing some research and the factory Hankooks are 41lbs. I am looking at going to 285/55/r20 BFG KO2, but they weigh 56lbs.

I know this may hurt my towing performance a little.

I was also going to install bilstien adjustables with the rear shocks, and set the front shock at 1.75" lift. I also have Auto Spring rear add-a-leafs for better load handling (I know not extra capacity) and to lift the rear 1.5 to 2". I figure this will help level things out for the trailer.

By doing these mods am I going to kill myself with towing.

I am hoping the better stance and slightly wider tires may help with stability, but not necessary acceleration.

Or am I just gonna kill myself in a horrible crash.

AlaskaCub

You can do all of the above but IMO the best thing you could do is get some air bags on the rear. Best $200-$300 you can spend on a half ton that tows a heavy tongue trailer. It will level it as much as you need. Regarding the rest....

P rated tires Suck
Ford Factory shocks Suck

Replacing all of the above will improve your stability and ride when towing tremendously!

novadesigns

I would go a different route... I would add a leaf in the rear. Airbags might level your setup and soften the ride, but you will still have the same problems... its just masked.

I'm probably going to go with url=https://autospringkits.com/product/2014-2017-ford-f150-rear-add-a-leaf-kit/]this[/url] kit as it supposedly adds 950lbs to the cargo capacity... the rear definitely will not sag. I think better suspension (shocks) its actually a very good idea too, as it will help with the pogo-ing from the weight on the ball. The stock rear shocks are crap.

Also that trailer seems really heavy for 27ft... what's the tongue weight?

Oh, and Blue Ox hitches, pretty much suck for anything over about 3,000lbs... I've seen so many people dump them because of sway and pogo issues. It just a cheap, crappy design.

Get an Equalizer Hitch, its much better for heavy trailers.

jd50i

raise the ball up.

wb880

The tongue weight is 711lbs. The outdoors trailers are a little heavy due to the increased insulation in them. The wife (my decision maker) like this one and the quality much more over Forest River and some other brands.

wb880

It is already in the highest position.

AlaskaCub

It almost looks like the trailer has too tall a tires on it. I know pictures can be deceiving but it looks like the trailer would be in the 5th wheel position in the bed to be level.

BCMIF150

You need to adjust the hitch. Most will go much higher than what it looks like in the picture. They can be flipped over to raise them up higher.

jd50i

a picture of the hitch might help someone recognize something.

wb880

I will have my RV hooked up this weekend for a quick move to do some parking area improvements.

I will take a pic then of the hitch.

How bad would it be if I went to a 305/55R20 (61lbs) instead of a 285/55R20 (54lbs)?

Remember the stock tire are 275/55R20 and 41lbs.

Would it really affect my towing performance with this travel trailer? This is as large a load my truck would ever see.