Suspension Enhancement for 2011 Ford F-150 4WD
Question:
Hi, Im looking for a better option for towing my 20ft bumper pull 10k utility that weighs 2600 empty with my 2011 F150 4x4. I currently have the Fastway E2 weight distribution hitch for when I really load it down and it works great, no complaints at all. So basically I do odd jobs on the side to make extra cash using my trailer. These odd jobs generally involve cleaning up junk/yard waste/trees/whatever, hauling some furniture or a new appliance, and then I also get work from a buddy that runs a quarry when he has small orders that need delivered. The most I haul is 4 tons. I can neither confirm nor deny 4 tons of rock is about 1000 over my trucks rating, but at most I travel a whole 15 to 20 miles loaded like that. I also can neither confirm nor deny it still pulls all that like a dream with the WD hitch and a properly loaded trailer! My issue is that while the hitch works great, it is a pain. When I head out to the quarry, I have to have my standard hitch on since Im unloaded. Then when I get out there I have to unhook, change hitches, re-hook, then jack it all back up again to get the bars installed and then downjack. Then I haul and after unloading I have to remove the hitch again and go back to the standard hitch to go home. I would say I average 2 jobs a week hauling a bunch of junk, usually no more than 2 tons, and 2 to 3 jobs a month hauling rock. I often get pretty heavy sag hauling junk but I typically dont haul enough to require the time to hook up the WD since Im not going that far to the landfill and can just take it easy. So long story short, Im looking for something to help with sag on loads that are only a couple tons, maybe even up to 3 tons depending on how well the system works, so that I dont have to fart around changing hitches so much. Of course the WD will come out when required. I did try running the E2 as a standard hitch, but the bolt that keeps it tilted up just doesnt stay tight since its not meant to support a load to begin with. One other issue, the road to the quarry is 5 miles of gravel road washboard hell. I have to go dang slow, ESPECIALLY when loaded, otherwise my truck feels like its going to shake apart. Im debating between the Timbrens and the Sumo Springs to help with my sag when I dont want to use the WD and to try and help out my poor trucks suspension over those washboards. What are your thoughts? I really like the 200 price range since this is just a side job and not my main job, but if you have a better suggestion Im open to considering it. Thanks in advance!
asked by: Eric
Expert Reply:
So we have suspension enhancement kits for extreme duty applications like yours but nothing is going to really be safe for allowing you to tow beyond the capacity of your truck. Best option is going to be the Firestone air bag kit part # F2525 which will allow you to pump the bags with air when you need the support (up to an additional 4,800 lbs) and then release the air when not needed to give you the same ride quality as stock. Going with an extreme duty Timbren will give you a harsh ride quality unloaded.
For a compressor kit then I'd recommend the Firestone Air Command I part # F2097 because it comes with a heavy duty compressor which will inflate the bags quicker and it comes with a gauge you will mount on the interior of your vehicle to allow you to easily monitor/inflate/deflate as needed.
Products Referenced in This Question
Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Single Path
- Air Suspension Compressor Kit
- Wired Control
- Single Path
- Analog Display
- 150 psi
- Firestone
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Firestone
more information >
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