Hi,

In the 2015-2020 forum is a posting on a bent frame most likely caused by the air bags.
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/bent-frame-520054/


I have been very happy with using air bags, on this truck and my previous trucks.

But now I am concerned about the frames on the newer trucks.

I tow the TT with about 780 lbs on the hitch and truck loaded such that I am very close to gvwr(7050).

I have been using air bags to restore rake, with wdh as well to restore 1/2 of the front axle load.

Now I am in fear of bending the frame either over time or unexpected harsh pothole or something.

So my question, who has heard of bent frames from air bags on modern F150s?

Depending on where this thread goes I may switch to RAS and live with some squat.

 

I read that thread. I have the Firestone RideRite bags on order and still plan to instal. Though, my tongue weight won’t be much over 500# (will also have a WDH) and I never load the bed over 500# either.

 

I think your frame is designed to handle much more weight than that... I wouldn't give it a lot of thought...

 

The video in the other thread explains why the airbags can be the source of the problem. In short, the frames are strong at the leaf spring mount points, not right between them where airbags sit.

 

Although I do not use airbags, the thread you linked, IMO, there is more to the story and weights. Your conditions, I have never heard or read any frame related concerns. I wouldn't over think it.

 

Ya... In the previous post he had an obscene amount of weight an far exceeded his payload and GVWR.

 

I wouldn't bother with the bags honestly. Restoring the rake doesn't improve any functionality and by changing the effective spring rates at the rear axle, the way the truck responds to the WDH gets weird, depending on if you adjust the bars after you set the rake, before you add air, or run through some iterative process. I find the bottleneck limit ends up being the Gross rear axle weight limit regardless - 780lbs on the tongue at the distance that a WDH is behind the axle transfers about 1000lbs of weight to the truck due to the leverage provided by the hitch.

 

I have found the combination, once setup, to be extremely satisfying. And so would you... as my LED headlights won't be blinding you :-) The only reason for me to consider changing my setup is the leverage point that the airbags have created.

So far my options I am considering:
1) Don't worry about it
2) Lower inflation from 50 to 30psi when towing, accept some sag to reduce the stress
3) Keep Airbags and add Torklift Stabiload to engage the the 3rd leaf sooner
4) Remove airbags add Roadmaster and accept some sag.

On issue I have is 1.75" front lift, so I am more sensitive to sag

thus 5) Set Bilsteins to 1" to allow for more sag


I should also mention that I drive up a 2 mile sandy and bumpy wash. Typically I fill the trailer with water just before getting to the wash. So for that 2 miles I probably have more like 850 on the tongue. A bumpy drive but only going 15 mph. I suppose letting air out for that would not matter for that short distance.

 

Be grateful you don't have a light duty frame. My trailer capacity was reduced from 7500# down to 6000# due in part to the lighter guage frame. Bill C

 

Get in with a group that takes their trailers off the beaten path, you'll hear stories. As soon as you go off a leveled and paved surface, ratings go out the window. Half tons and below are made as light as possible, they do not have a wide margin like the bigger trucks.

Here's a look