Hey all!

I'm new here and hoping to get some great info and friendships from some fellow Ford lovers.

I have a 2008 F-150 Lariat SuperCrew 4x4, 5.4L, 3.73 rear end, towing package, etc. We just picked up a new toy hauler this weekend. It's a 2008 Thor Vortex, 23ft, weighing in at 5000 lb, dry. I have to say, I'm a "heavy" towing newb. We pulled the trailer home Saturday and have a very large hill to climb over about 5 miles. The truck seemed to perform beautifully, easily pulling the trailer at 55 MPH, AC blasting, 95 degrees outside at about 3200 RPM. Again, seemed good to me.

I guess my main question is how do you know if you need heavier springs, or air bags? The truck naturally squats some, but it didn't seem to bottom out over large bumps. I'm assuming that if you start bottoming out, that's when you have problems. But, I would like to get the opinions from you pros.

Thanks all!

 

Since your truck came with the trailer tow package, you should be fine. I believe the towing capacity is around 9000#, so you are well under that. As to suspension upgrades, you are correct. It will squat a little when you hook up your trailer, but as long as you're not on the jounce bumpers or have excessive rear end squat, I wouldn't spend the money on air bags.

If you plan on doing a lot of towing with this trailer, I would look into anti sway bars for the hitch.

 

Chill66, I tow a 6000lb Grady White boat with no problems at all, from the start or passing. My truck is an 06 F150KR Screw with 5.4, 3:73, the truck squats mybe 3 inches when hooked up, it's almost down to level to the level point. You should be fine.

 

Thanks guys, great info. I am using anti sway bars for the hitch, so it sounds like I'm good to go. We're going this weekend, so it'll be our first trip. I'm sure looking forward to it.

Thanks again!

 

get air bags for the rear it will make a world of difference

 

I tow my 19' toy hauler w/ my 06 F-150 5.4 with no problem. With my motorcycles in the back and all the excess "supplies" my wife manages to stuff inside I'm sure we're close to the towing capacity and it still tows fine.

My truck is equipped with Firestone airbags, Prodigy brake controller, equalizer hitch, and an Edge set on level 2. I towed once without the bags or Edge and after towing with them I would never consider going back. The bags make a world of difference for the ride. Fully loaded I can barely feel the trailer. With the Edge the shift points are much better and it seems I get up to speed quicker and can maintain easier. I like the Edge also because it had a tranny temp gauage.

If I make one more change it will be to a high capacity rear differential cover. That's down the road though.

My friends all tow w/ diesels which is fine but at 4.50 a gallon I'll pass. I have a great around-town truck that happens to tow great.