Which Weight Rating Should I Use on a Air Lift Air Helper Springs With My 2016 Ford F-150?

Question:

Tech question. I have a 16 F150. Towing a Dutchman Aspen TT trailer. 7000 lbs empty, 900lb tongue weight. Equalizer 4 point WD hitch. Considering air suspension for rear to improve handling. Would the Air Lift 1000 be sufficient or go up to the 5000? Thanks.

asked by: Jorge F

Expert Reply:

With the information that you have supplied, the 2016 Ford F-150 Air Lift Ride Control Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle # AL59570 will give you up to 2,000 lbs of load-leveling support. Part # AL59570 will work on the rear for either 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive models of the 2016 Ford. F-150.

The 2,000 lbs system will provide enough enhancement to your F-150 to improve the handling of your truck and trailer. However, you can still use the 5,000 lbs Air Lift system and still improve the handling of your towing rig. A benefit of the heavier weight rating on the 5,000 lbs springs, allows you to enhance your rear suspension if you ever were to have a heavy load in the bed of the truck and need to raise the rear end for load-leveling support.

I would try not to rely on suspension enhancement very much when towing to improve ride comfort. A weight distribution system that has been properly rated and installed should provide complete weight distribution. However, if you want to install the air bags, both systems can be used together.

Part # AL57268 the Air Lift 5000 Air Helper Springs are designed for the 2 wheel drive F-150 and # AL57385 is for the 4 wheel drive models.