Is anyone else disappointed with the payload in the new F250s? I've got a S/C longbox with a 1,200 lb. dump box in the bed. Right away the truck was riding less than level and when I put 900 lbs. worth of trash in the back it was squatted out on the overloads. I traded in a '99 F250 PSD on this truck and I never had this much trouble with hauling a similar load. Are the longer leaf springs to blame or is the truck just lighter duty?

 

Do you have the an upgraded spring package of some sort on the '08? (camper package, heavy service package)

 

It makes sense that the longer leaf springs tend to sag more but does that mean it is weaker? IDK.

 

My truck doesn't seem to sag anymore than my 2000 F-350 when I hook up my 5th wheel. It has a 2000 pound hitch weight.

 

I know the load ratings are less across the board for '08 than '07, but I figured that was due to heavier frame and/or weight of stuff like the DPF?

my '99 F250 4x4 was nowhere near the capacity of either the '08 or '07, so I'm pretty sure it's a feel thing or appearance thing, and not actual capacity...

 

I have a similar problem. Ford has made their truck into a sissy trying to increase ride quality. I had a 2006 f250 s/c with a 9800# GVW (camper special package basically) and that truck could hall more weight with out squatting than the exact same package 2008 truck can. The 6ft long leaf springs are hurting the truck. They keep going and the Super Duty at this rate will be a Sissy Duty.

 

Unfortunately that the way trucks are going. If you want a big work horse now you're gonna need the 450. Yea the 1 tons and under may sag a little more, but the ride is almost as smooth as a luxury car. They're just keeping up with the competition. As long as Ford keeps their solid front axle I'll be happy. Suspension upgrades don't cost too much.

 

this truck was ordered with what was supposed to be a stronger suspension. For 40K you should'nt have to upgrade anything.

 

Airbags. Fixes it all. My 2004 sagged when I had my trailer on it, I just added airbags to it and it was fine. Also have a 11'5" camper that goes in the back and I pull a 10,000 trailer too. The airbags originally were for this but I found that it helped for any kind of load. You then can deflate them to minimal air and get your ride back. I plan on putting them on my 2008 when it gets here. Oh, I just thought about it, its arriving today.......

 

I should'nt have to add airbags to a truck that was special ordered not to sag like sissy.

 

You need to listen to Chris LeDoux and stop whining. Ford is delivering a very capable truck that is a pleasure to drive. It is slightly heavier than the 07 and the load and towing difference between the trucks is due to that heavier weight. If you want to brag about how you can drop 3 tons on the truck with no sag, buy a heavy duty chassis cab, hang some bull ***** on it, and have it. Ford is manufacturing a truck that appeals to the largest class of users and cannot please everyone.

 

I am with all of those guys who rely upon their trucks for work. The need to chase after the bozos who buy 8,800 plus GVW trucks and have no use for them has really harmed the product. Now we have a softer sprung truck with better ride quality- and the idiots install level kits so IF the truck is ever used for work, it looks like a Pinto pointing to the sky with with 1,000 lbs in the hatch.

So- yeah- the new truck has some impressive numbers. But in the effort to capture the largest consumer market, compromises continue to be made. Now we have trucks that drive like nice cars - and that is of no use to those of use buy trucks for work. The new truck sags more easily- like a dodge. And that sucks.

But I am sure if all you ever haul is a cooler and jet ski in your level-kitted truck, you will be happy.

Sure wish trucks had not become a fashion accessory for the leisure office crowd.

-mike

 

IHBase is right: there are people who buy these trucks with no real need and then complain about the fuel mileage. However, if IHBase was replying to my message, you are not correct. As indicated on another post today in a new thread (which has generated little response as it is positive and most people who post on this site appear to be predisposed to be negative), my truck was just used as intended, to haul and tow a load within a few hundred pounds of the maximum payload rating. The truck was at least 3 inches off the snubber. Gee, I guess there must be something wrong as the truck was down a couple of inches in the rear and not exactly level. Lighten up you guys. If you are so unhappy, buy something else.

 

Do people really expect that when they load near maximum payload in their truck that they won't sag? thats sad. do the springs in you matress compress when you lay down on it? Same thing as the truck spring right. If keeping your truck level is such a problem, buy an air bag system.

 

Bear in mind that 40k truck was designed to please around 300,000 different customers. Not you specifically. You may feel that you shouldnt have to pay for air bags. Make a complaint at your next dealer service - who knows, a lot of other people might have experienced the same problem, and they might make stiffer service springs available. They did it here with both the Falcon ute and the F-Series, where by enough customers complained, and they made an option for all future customers to purchase thier trucks WITH stiffer springs - and made it available (as a warrantable item) to existing customers with a problem.
People used to complain that trucks rode too rough empty. Ford rectified this for the majority of consumers - you obviously don't fall into that group.

The truck market has changed, and now thier are less customers that are purchasing thier truck to use it as a truck... that may frustrate you. But, its what keeps your work trucks (relatively) cheap.