Helper springs on an 2011
07-04-2011, 04:58 PM
#11
Senior Member
I guess I just don't get it. If you have something heavy to tow, like an RV, why would you buy a 1/2 ton truck that can't handle the job and requires helper springs or air bags? You all know that no matter what ad-on's you install you do not raise the GVWR of your vehicle, or make it safe to tow where it may not be in the first place.
I have a 30" travel trailer that weighs in at 9,500lbs GVW. I had to hook it up to my F150 to move around my yard because my regular tow vehicle was not available. I can tell you that I would not tow it any long distance with my F150, it just can't handle it (and I have the max tow package). Here's what I have used to tow my TT for the past 10 years. It does the job just fine!!!
I have a 30" travel trailer that weighs in at 9,500lbs GVW. I had to hook it up to my F150 to move around my yard because my regular tow vehicle was not available. I can tell you that I would not tow it any long distance with my F150, it just can't handle it (and I have the max tow package). Here's what I have used to tow my TT for the past 10 years. It does the job just fine!!!
07-04-2011, 05:22 PM
#12
Bye F150, hello F250
I guess I just don't get it. If you have something heavy to tow, like an RV, why would you buy a 1/2 ton truck that can't handle the job and requires helper springs or air bags? You all know that no matter what ad-on's you install you do not raise the GVWR of your vehicle, or make it safe to tow where it may not be in the first place.
Second- even with a load of 1000 pounds in the truck that has a cargo rating of 1450 lb, will make the OEM springs to compress, causing the bum to sag, and the nose to point upwards thus offloading the front tires. This creates an understeer condition, as well as badly aimed headlights! Adding bags, or springs, may not increase the GAWR, but that is not the point here. 1000 is less than the 1400 rating (or 3600 lbs on the rear axel is still less than the 4000 rating), the addition of the extra hardware keeps things more level. In my opinion, that's good planning.
P.S. Here's what I tow. With 3000 lb Supersprings installed. Notice how nice and level she is.
07-04-2011, 06:59 PM
#13
Senior Member
First- terms like "half ton" are out datted. The current F150, with a payload of 1450 for example, is a 3/4 ton! 1/2 ton implies 1000 pounds.
Second- even with a load of 1000 pounds in the truck that has a cargo rating of 1450 lb, will make the OEM springs to compress, causing the bum to sag, and the nose to point upwards thus offloading the front tires. This creates an understeer condition, as well as badly aimed headlights! Adding bags, or springs, may not increase the GAWR, but that is not the point here. 1000 is less than the 1400 rating (or 3600 lbs on the rear axel is still less than the 4000 rating), the addition of the extra hardware keeps things more level. In my opinion, that's good planning.
P.S. Here's what I tow. With 3000 lb Supersprings installed. Notice how nice and level she is.
Second- even with a load of 1000 pounds in the truck that has a cargo rating of 1450 lb, will make the OEM springs to compress, causing the bum to sag, and the nose to point upwards thus offloading the front tires. This creates an understeer condition, as well as badly aimed headlights! Adding bags, or springs, may not increase the GAWR, but that is not the point here. 1000 is less than the 1400 rating (or 3600 lbs on the rear axel is still less than the 4000 rating), the addition of the extra hardware keeps things more level. In my opinion, that's good planning.
P.S. Here's what I tow. With 3000 lb Supersprings installed. Notice how nice and level she is.
Please do not get me wrong, I really love my F150, but I know it's limitations. In no way do I ever think that it would replace my Ex. I would get an F350 if I needed to.
07-04-2011, 07:25 PM
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
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First- terms like "half ton" are out datted. The current F150, with a payload of 1450 for example, is a 3/4 ton! 1/2 ton implies 1000 pounds.
Second- even with a load of 1000 pounds in the truck that has a cargo rating of 1450 lb, will make the OEM springs to compress, causing the bum to sag, and the nose to point upwards thus offloading the front tires. This creates an understeer condition, as well as badly aimed headlights! Adding bags, or springs, may not increase the GAWR, but that is not the point here. 1000 is less than the 1400 rating (or 3600 lbs on the rear axel is still less than the 4000 rating), the addition of the extra hardware keeps things more level. In my opinion, that's good planning.
P.S. Here's what I tow. With 3000 lb Supersprings installed. Notice how nice and level she is.
Second- even with a load of 1000 pounds in the truck that has a cargo rating of 1450 lb, will make the OEM springs to compress, causing the bum to sag, and the nose to point upwards thus offloading the front tires. This creates an understeer condition, as well as badly aimed headlights! Adding bags, or springs, may not increase the GAWR, but that is not the point here. 1000 is less than the 1400 rating (or 3600 lbs on the rear axel is still less than the 4000 rating), the addition of the extra hardware keeps things more level. In my opinion, that's good planning.
P.S. Here's what I tow. With 3000 lb Supersprings installed. Notice how nice and level she is.
07-04-2011, 09:48 PM
#16
The newer F150's to get their softer ride have fairly weak rear springs. Add any trailer with say 500 lb. trailer tongue weight, and the rear sags so much, I'm now skylighting with my headlights. I looked into the air bag system and supersprings. I ended up putting supersprings on. They don't affect the ride until you are loaded. Cornering seems to help with a load in the back. The only negative I have is I get a clank everytime I go over a speedbump at work. I've been told I have something installed wrong but looked at Plat Sean's pic's and are setup the same. Maybe my c-clamp is messed up.
I liked the air bags, but would want an air system installed. With all that was more money and more things that could go wrong. I installed mine in just over an hour, had them now for 18 months and would get them again.
I liked the air bags, but would want an air system installed. With all that was more money and more things that could go wrong. I installed mine in just over an hour, had them now for 18 months and would get them again.
07-04-2011, 11:45 PM
#17
Bye F150, hello F250
Platinum Sean, I notice you have the 5.5ft box with the 5th wheel. What hotch do you use? Have you has any problem with the trailer getting close to the cab when you back in? I have been told numerous times that short box is no good for 5th wheel. Any hints or advice would be appreciated.
It can be done with a 5.5' bed. I am livnig proof
Check my story: https://www.f150forum.com/f38/5th-wh...m-doing-52823/
07-05-2011, 01:51 AM
#19
Senior Member
I have a FX4, 6.5 box, max tow pkg. I've had 1000 lbs of dirt in the box and was impressed as to how little it sagged. My travel trailer is a 27ft with 750 lb hitch weight, and it sags more than the dirt did, as well as lifting the front, due to all the weight well behind the rear wheels on the hitch. A slight assist from my weight distributing hitch and all is great. I'm coming from a 3500HD and am impressed with this F150' s hauling ability so far, realizing it is a much smaller truck and isn't meant for mega loads.
