Recommended Suspension Enhancement For a 1996 Ford F-150 Hauling Loads and a Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a 1996 F150 5.0 4x4 extended cab with a 6 ft bed. I’m trying to figure out the proper solution for towing a 4500 pound travel trailer with a 400 pound tongue weight while carrying approximately 5-600 pounds of gear in the bed. I also wanted it to work for carrying 5-600 pounds in the bed without the travel trailer, basically I go on a dirt bike trip with my son and sometimes will need the trailer and sometimes we won’t but either way I would like to have it be set up to drive in tow comfortably .

asked by: Luke G

Expert Reply:

I recommend the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs # AL88215 for your 1996 Ford F-150. You will need to measure the distance from your frame to the inside of the tire to ensure you have the proper clearance of 8". The air springs are adjustable allowing you to adjust the air pressure in the springs to dial in the amount of leveling needed and also give you a good ride quality with the amount of load you are carrying. The Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System # AL58WQ will allow you to wirelessly control the air pressure in your springs from your smart phone. This will make it easy to adjust from outside your truck or while driving. It also has a smart manifold which will monitor the air pressure while you drive and make adjustments if the pressure changes by more than 3psi.

For the best safety while driving you will want to still use a weight distribution hitch like # FA92-00-0800. This will help to distribute the weight evenly across your truck but also reduce sway caused by winds and the large profile of your travel trailer. It can be still used with the air springs to give you the best ride quality. You will need a 2" # EQ91-00-6080 or 2-5/16" # EQ91-00-6100 ball to match your coupler and Socket # ALL643216 to install the ball on the hitch.