Firestone Air Suspension for 2011 Ford F150 Towing Enclosed Car Hauler
Question:
Part Number: F2168 I am considering install this system on my 2011 Ford F-150 FX4. And was worndering what is the true benifits of having this on my truck. I dont think I will be towing more than 10,000 lbs with my enclosed car hauler. I will be hauling a 2011 Shelby GT500 in the enclosed tralier and just wanted to get your thoughts on if I need this system. Your thoughts on this matter would be greatly apprieicated!
asked by: Shaun L
Expert Reply:
An air bag suspension such as one that would be controlled by the Dual Air Command II system you referenced is best suited for suspending weight carried in the bed of the truck. The part you referenced, # F2168 consists of the control, the compressor and an air storage tank. It does not include the spring system itself, part # F2542. The beauty of an air suspension system is that it can be adjusted to compensate as weight is added or removed.
If you were considering an air bag system to combat the rear end squat experienced when a trailer is hitched, a weight distribution system would be a better solution. A weight distribution system will take a portion of the tongue weight applied to the rear truck axle and transfer it to the front axle of the truck, which will level the right height of the front and rear axles. This is important because when considerable weight is applied to the rear suspension of the truck, the headlights become improperly aimed and braking and steering response can suffer.
The various systems are classified by the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer (plus the weight of anything stowed in the bed of the truck behind the rear axle). I have linked you to an FAQ article that describes some methods of determining the tongue weight. Once that is known, you can use the link I have provided to our weight distribution product category page. Once on the page, use the filters on the left side of the page to select the number closest to the fully loaded tongue weight of your trailer. Or if you prefer, you could simply reply with the tongue weight of your fully loaded trailer and I would be happy to make some recommendations for you.
I have also linked you to our Weight Distribution FAQ article which you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Firestone
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor with Tank - Analog - Dual Path
- Air Suspension Compressor Kit
- Wired Control
- Dual Path
- Analog Display
- 150 psi
- Firestone
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Could Air Bag of AL88288 Work in AL88388 for 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500
- Article: Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)
- Q&A: Air Bags For a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4X4 With Adaptive Ride Control
- Q&A: Best Location for Mounting an Air Lift Compressor System
- Q&A: Air Bags & Compressor For 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali 4x4 With Adaptive Ride Control
- Q&A: Differences in Air Lift Wireless Air Compressors item # AL25980EZ and item # AL25980
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Q&A: Availability Of Firestone Ride-Rite All In One Kit 2844 For a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500
- Q&A: Air Bag Recommendation for a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with Adaptive Ride Control
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- Article: Must-Have Flat Towing Components