Best Rear Suspension Enhancement Option for Body Roll, Sway and Porposing on 2019 Ford F-150

Question:

Hi etrailer team. My 2019 f150 has the max trailer tow package but also the fx4 off-road pack, which I’ve been told gives it softer suspension. I get significant squat several inches when I hitch my sub-7500lbs travel trailer ~800lbs tongue weight, trailer and payload are within truck’s limits. I am able to level the truck and trailer with my 1000lbs rated Curt TruTrack WDH, and it drives well with no sway, but I’m getting some porpoising on highway bumps, and I get body roll that exacerbates steering corrections when strong crosswinds are pushing the trailer around. I’m looking for a solution to the cornering body roll loaded and unloaded and bounce/porpoising. My father in law says I should get airbags. That’s what everyone around here does. But some sources say that airbags are mainly for levelling with weight in the bed and don’t help with body roll, and might make porpoising worse… I found out about Roadmaster Active Suspension and Torklift StableLoads and I can’t figure out what’s the best product. I live in BC Canada and none of my local shops have ever heard of the RAS nor can they get them in stock. DIY installation looks super easy but shipping costs are crazy. It snows here and they salt the roads. Would the RAS or Stainless steel StableLoads hold up? Torklift’s videos look convincing, but I can’t find independent reviews to back them up, and I can’t find head to head to head airbag/RAS/StableLoad comparisons for towing. Advice appreciated. Please help. Thanks

asked by: Chris

Helpful Expert Reply:

Both the TorkLift # TLA7310S Stainless StableLoad and the RAS # RAS3611-Y would absolutely help with the body roll in turns, porpoising and sway caused by crosswinds. Both systems are very highly rated by our customers.

I'd agree that air helper springs work best on loads carried in the truck bed.

Although I don't have head to head testing to provide you with, I'd recommend going with the StableLoad. The system can be easily engaged and disengaged using a ratchet and extension. The system adds preload to your lower overload springs so they immediately engage which will fight the roll and sway you're experiencing. Mechanically speaking, they're much simpler than the RAS system and their stainless construction means that they'll be much more durable for you in the long run. They also carry a lifetime warranty versus the 2 year offered by the RAS.

I'd also recommend reviewing the setup procedure for the TruTrack weight distribution system you have, just to ensure it's been set up correctly.

I've linked to some product videos that you might find helpful.