DarrinT04

if you really want to use an f150, rear airbags will definitely help
https://www.suspensionconnection.com...oadlifter.html

77Ranger460

Have you researched the limitations of using a short box with a fifth wheel? You often need a slider hitch to make sharp turms.

chimmike

airbags do nothing to increase towing capacity or even make it adequate, all they do is reduce squat (which his purely aesthetic).

chimmike

a gasser F250 really is not much more money than an equivalent F150...which is the silly part, and should tell you just how overpriced half-ton trucks are.

Back in 2006 my folks bought a brand new Ram 2500 Cummins quad cab for $26k. BRAND NEW.

timberframe

Many of the lightweight fifth wheels are now coming with the Reese Revolution pin box. It basically puts the fifth wheels pivot point 22" back. That way you don't need the expensive slider hitches.

timberframe

It would seem like the air bags would not only level out the ride, but also shift some weight from the rear axle to the front axle.

idrive

iTrader: (3)

If you're stuck on a 150 it has to be an HDPP to have any kind of chance of staying within the limits of the truck. Goof luck trying to find a used one.

Don't forget you have the responsibility to yourself, the family and the rest of us on the road to be able to pull the trailer safely.

Kingofwylietx

Even beyond the weight considerations, the 5.5' box may be tighter than you will like...
Between the 2015-2017 years, the biggest difference is the 2017 will have more power (375hp & 470 tq....vs 365hp & 420tq for 2015-2016) and the 10-speed transmission.

bassJAM

Unfortunately that's not how airbags work. The only way I'm aware of to "shift weight" like that is with a weight distributing hitch on a normal bumper pull.

timberframe

Well I pulled the trigger on a couple of items. I purchased a 2011 cougar 26'sab fifth wheel. It has a weight of 6950# empty. I'm guessing 8000# loaded dry without water.The fella I purchased the fifth wheel from was pulling it with a ford f150 short box 5.0 using a pullrite auto slide hitch. He said the truck felt very secure but on very long steep hills, he felt the 5.0 slowed down toward the top of hills. So I purchased a new 2018 Ford F150 with the 3.5 ecoboost. It has the bigger 36 gallon tank, trailer controller but no extra packages like trailer tow or max tow. Should I buy any upgrades like bigger cooling system or such?