Hey guys just coming here for a few suggestions.

I have loaded/hauled many thing in my 2006 FX4. Gravel, wood. outboard motors, golf carts.

Last year we went to a campground with my inlaws. It was a 2hr. drive (112 miles). They have the same truck as I do. They pulled their camper down, and we hauled my golf cart in the bed of the truck (900lbs.), and my boat on the back. The boat was not large. It was a 16' heavy gauge aluminum boat with a pretty heavy 4 stroke motor on it. Boat clocked in around 2100 lbs. Then we had dry bags packed into the boat. Truck pulled it GREAT!!

This year, we plan on making the exact same trip. BUT!! I just bought a pontoon. Boat and trailer are between 3000-3500lbs. Not much more weight, but definitely boxier and more wind resistance. We pulled the pontoon last week and she pulled well, but you could feel her back there.

Question is this. Would you guys feel comfortable pulling the pontoon with the golf cart in the back of the truck? (900lbs in the bed, 300lbs on the tongue) We are on mostly flat ground for the 2hr, 112mi. trip. I know the truck can do it, but I was thinking about adding some leaf springs.

 

Instead of extra leaf springs, air bags are much nicer imo. I wouldn't worry about that weight at all on a stock set up.

 

You could go with AAL(add-a-leaf) and airbags. The AAL will help with ride and load, the airbags will keep the truck level so the rear isn't sagging.

I pull my boat every weekend which is about 3400 lbs, with about 400lbs in gear and people. I have Firestone Ride-rite airbags with 1900# HD leaf springs.
My truck rides level when loaded down. I have about 1.5iches of rake(rear higher than front) when unloaded, which I like.

Good luck!

 

X2 on the air bags. My boys both have 1/2 ton 4x4's. One has airbags, the other has an AAL (bought it that way last week). The AAL's are coming out in the next couple days. It rides poorly when empty.

 

Hey guys, as much as Id love a set of bags, I just dont want to invest the time and money into it right now. Just looking for a functional setup that is safe on the road.

That being said, how many of you guys would feel safe with this load heading down the road for 2 hours? I want to set up a dry run this weekend and see how it all feels.........

 

I wouldn't hesitate, I had a 20' Dual Console Deep V with a 150 yamama on the back, and a fouwheeler in the bed on my 07. I would also suggest helper springs if you are worried about it. (Hellwigs are nice)


Truck an Boat -


Ended up installing new leafs at 100k miles