Hi all,

I just purchased a 4500 lb travel trailer and have a few questions about improving performance while towing. I own a 2011 F150 4x4 5.0L 5 1/2 ft box 3:55 axle.

1) I know 3:73 gears are better for towing and was wondering if 4:10 ratio would even be better? How will this affect fuel economy while not towing the trailer?

2) I noticed that the rear end sags enough to bother me. Although I have a cap, is this normal? Is an anti sag kit available or worth it?

3) Are the eBay towing mirrors a good idea or should I just pay the full price at a shop?

4) Where is a reputable dealer for these parts?

Thanks in advance

 

A trailer that heavy, you should be using a weight distributing hitch setup. A properly set up WDH will solve your sag "problem". Get a transmission cooler. You'll be able to tow just fine with the 3.55's and get decent mileage the rest of the time your not towing. Can't give any advice on eBay mirrors...I have the giant factory Dumbo mirrors and I love them.

 

Get the factory mirrors oem from tasca parts. I agree, 3.55's are fine with that trailer just use a weight distribution hitch or move some weight to the rear of the camper.

 

Probably 2-4 mpg with the 4.10s. Honestly, your 3:55s will be ok.


Normal to have sag. If you aren't using a weight distribution hitch you need to get or. With that size of TT, you shouldn't need any helper springs or airbags in the rear.


I was patient and found a set from member here. Have not heard anything bad about the non oem mirrors.


There are several ford dealers on here that will get them for you. Also a few vendors that sell the repro versions here as well.

 

Try these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/370800524076...84.m1497.l2649

A friend of mine on another forum got these and he loves them! He said that his wife loves them too! You do not need to spend all that extra money on the OEM mirrors...trust me.

There is nothing like having mirros this size especially for the convex mirrors on the bottom...you have ZERO blind spots when adjusted correctly.

Hope this helps!

 

Awesome! Thanks for the help.

 

I tow a 5K pound open trailer + car, and I didn't like the rear end sag on my 2012 EB either so I added the RoadMaster Active Suspension. Much better and the back ends feel more planted, even when unloaded. The install took maybe an hour. Do a search on the forum and you'll find a lot of feedback.

You'll love the tow mirrors and wonder why Ford doesn't make them standard (of course so they can charge for them).

 

Just my $0.02, I have the standard mirrors (with the blinker in them) and I can see just fine around my 2000 24' Terry. I do have round spot mirrors also, and they help a lot. I have a 2010 FX2 with the 5.4 and 3.55 gears. My trailer weighs about 5,300 pounds. I run about 2300 RPM's in 5th gear at 65mph and that does pretty well for the midwest. I rarely get down into 4th unless it's really windy. Most trailer tires are only speed rated to 65mph anyway, so you really shouldn't go any faster than that.

I will also say that I DON'T tow in any mountainous regions.

I also added the factory TBC, it works GREAT!! I would highly suggest it! Cost about $400 give or take.

 

You can find OEM like tow mirrors at a fraction of the cost from 1Aauto.com. Way cheaper than OEM but are roughly the same.

WDH is what you need if you don't have one and those gears will be fine.

 

I just bought these moulded tow mirrors that slip on. A 10th of the price and they still look decent

http://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-c...150-11801.aspx