I have a 2018 F150 XLT Supercab, 4x4, 2.7l, 3.55. I am thinking of going with the Bilstein 5100 shocks all the way around (adjustable for front to level). Would they be a good choice for improving the towing of a TT?

 

I have a 2018 lariat max tow 502a I thought about Those shocks but went with ranch 9000 for the adjustability, I tow a 7400 lb travel trailer , haven’t towed either yet , now they are set on 1

 

Thanks Toolman. I don't have the max tow package so I am trying to figure out how to improve the handling of a 6,000 lb TT. Certainly looking at upgrading shocks.

 

Shocks will help , but look at your tires , P rated are ehhhhh, XL rated are better , I will be going LT when my original tires wear out , but P tires don’t have stiff sidewalls for towing .

 

Yes they will absolutely help. The stock shock tuning on these trucks is terrible and a tube filled with cow manure would probably work better.

 

As noted, get LT / E rated / 10 ply tires and some Bilstein 5100 shocks in the rear. Large improvement in feel and far less wiggle in the rear of the truck. I am 7400lbs loaded on the RV at just shy of 34 feet. Drives like a dream, no fear of 18 wheelers passing me at all.

Of course you need a WDH that is set up properly. I run the rig at 13% of the RV weight at the hitch, or 980lbs tongue weight.

 

If you're going to do shocks, do yourself and your truck a favor and do all four corners.

Bilstein 5100s, while not expensive for a good damper, will positively transform your trucks ride and handling. Without question, it is better in every way.

Definately do not do just tires and expect your truck to be better for towing (except for their greater load capacity, if applicable). You must install greater suspension spring damping ability, i.e. better shocks.

 

agree’d. $350-$375 for 5100’s is a great deal for all 4.

 

If I am not interested in leveling which model bilstein would you go with?

 

The Bilstein 5100 allows for five pre-installation-assembled vehicle front ride height positions:

1. Stock height
2. 0.79" Average lift
3. 1.26" Average lift
4. 1.75" Average lift
5. 2.10" Average lift

Three years ago I installed my four 5100s with the fronts at the stock ride height, but I had lowered the rear of my truck 1" with lowering shackles. This is how it sat, then, with no load in the bed:



My no-option, fleet-trim XLT was fitted with 17 X 7.5" Ford wheels and 245/70-17 Michelin highway tires with an overall diameter of 30.5". The wheels/tires shown in this photo are 17 X 8 +10mm offset wearing a 265/70-17 Firestone A/T with an o.d. of 31.6"