After a month or so, both the squatting and handling issues have been resolved with the help of a great service department and some advice from a retired light truck engineer. The service department acknowledged the problem and noted a difference in the stance of my truck from another new one. They checked all suspension specs and could not find a related issue. They offered to put in 4" blocks ala "appearance" TSB at their cost. I discussed this with the engineer who told me years ago Ford was getting numerous complaints about the beds and rails being too high for 5th wheel applications. They adjusted the designs to better accommodate the customers. He told me when you have a 5th wheel prep package, the bed is even lower. I wrestled with this decision and politely thanked the dealer for their generous offer and turned it down. The truck is brand new and I didn't what to add replacement parts and further complicate my tall hitch problem further. I had a idea the tall hitch height had something to do with what was going on. I asked the service manager if the dealership would be willing to sell me a Factory Reese Elite 18k at their cost, and he arranged that to happen. I installed the hitch and set it at the lowest adjustment, and I cannot begin to explain what an incredible difference the hitch made. The excessive squat disappeared, and my 5th wheel tows unbelievably smooth. As for the wandering issue, the engineer advised me to have them check the caster out. It was off and they corrected it which made the truck track very well. The engineer told me the shudder I was experiencing was from the driveline splines which move in and out during loaded start up acceleration. There are machining grooves on the splines which cause an erratic movement resulting in a vibration. He told me not to worry about it because the groves self polish out with use.
We have made four trips so far with the 5th wheel and all have been very comfortable and enjoyable driving the truck with the new hitch and the alignment.







6 1/2" bed clearance and the trailer is perfectly level.

 

INSURE that the "shutter" problem and the engineer's response is DOCUMENTED! These word of mouth issues go away when you show them the printed word!

This shutter has been a Ford issue in previous years and has been traced to improper lubing of the splines the engineer spoke about.

 

He did mention if it did not go away after a few thousand miles I should have the dealership lubricate it. I have just turned over 3000 and I can barely detect the vibration. Seems like he was right on this one.

 

Please explain how a drw is better for a bad back. I have an 02 drw and it is a pretty rough ride empty. I have been considering a newer truck but I cannot make the decision wrt single or dually. I too have a bad back but another consideration is the amt of squat in the rear when pulling fifth wheel, cannot imagine amt of squat on a srw. Any insight would be great. I would hate to buy a new srw and be disappointed.

 

DRW loaded ride is better. With the additional wheels spreading the load you don't bounce as much.


Empty they ride rougher than a SRW to me.


Newer trucks will squat more as they have soften the spring rate trying to get a smoother ride. Most SRW F250 will want air bags.


I loose maybe 2" on my DRW without air bags. So much less squat.

 

If you can try driving both..... Our 15 rides great, even with the max tow pkg. it rides a whole lot better than our 04 single rear wheels. Engineers have been listening.
Squat isn't bad. It drops down 2inches when hooking up. Doesn't make the headlights go high.
Mileage is 15 no tow and 9.5 towing 13K

 

Thanks, with your input I think I will give up on a srw and focus on looking at drws. Now I just need to figure out how to afford one.

 

I drove a new srw empty and it was great but I guess I am more concerned about when towing 13 k fifth wheel about smooth ride and stability. Over the last 10 years I have gotten used to parking in a long way fm the store.

 

Stability.... Is great. Cross winds I don't hardly notice. I sure did with our single rear wheel truck. Driving single with duals. Winds don't bother. ride is good for the weight 13K. But you'll notice the bad roads like semis do.
Wife says healthier to do the long walk.