But wasn’t that truck towing like 12000 lbs, no WDH and hit a speed bump at 25 mph? I really don’t think you have anything to worry about since you’re mindful.

 

Yeah that thread made me have more questions than answers. I think there was something missing to the story. These trucks arent known for having any frame bending issues to my knowledge and many reputable companies offering airbag systems choose that location over the axle. I think that situation was a freak accident, and though initially had me questioning my Firestones, I think now I'm still just fine running them how I have been with no concern (after all, even Ford puts the bump stop right there so they designed that point on the frame to be able to take some type of shock load if the truck ever became overloaded).

 

I just want to touch on this. If he was towing 12K then hitch weight could be 1200-1500 lbs. If the bed was empty I wouldn't consider that truck over loaded. This is what bothered me. BTW I have been studying the effect a WDH would have...and its not clear it would help and actually could be worse for this phenomena. If you imagine the WDH becoming absolute rigid making the tow set-up 3 axles on a frame and then imagine the truck driving over a speed bump. When the rear axle hits the bump then it is trying to lift everything. No imaging no WDh...the hitch articulates and less weight is felt on the axle. However in both cases it the initial sharp impact there may be the same stress. I. don't really know, just thinking about it.