Somewhat Disappointed ?????
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 536
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
Somewhat Disappointed ?????
Earlier this week I had an opportunity to use my truck as a truck. Loaded about 650lbs of loaded boxes into the bed. It did squat the back end down some what. Only had to go 5 miles with it loaded, but the back end felt like it was moving side to side. The picture doesn't really show how low it was, but all of the mirrors were pretty much useless, unless you wanted look at the pavement ! Note the the weight was centered behind the rear axle.
Maybe Airbags and a sway bar is needed ???? What does the Hive say ?
Maybe Airbags and a sway bar is needed ???? What does the Hive say ?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 72
That is not a lot of weight.
You probably already checked, but the first thing I would look at his tire pressure. Maybe with the colder weather, your tire pressure is low? It's also good to increase tire pressure when carrying a load.
You probably already checked, but the first thing I would look at his tire pressure. Maybe with the colder weather, your tire pressure is low? It's also good to increase tire pressure when carrying a load.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,871
Likes: 357
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
Bummer. I will tell you that last summer, I loaded ~~ 2000 square feet of flooring in the back of ours to the tune of ~~ 1,500 lbs. It squatted a bit, but I didn't feel it was excessive, and it handled just fine. We drove ~~ 6 miles across town, and then another 12 miles up the mountain through meandering roads. No problem.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
Agree, that's not a lot of weight. I just have the 2.7 and regularly haul half yards of sand and gravel, which is close to double what you carried. Other than longer stopping distances, it's not that noticeable. I don't drive it like I stole it when I have a load though.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,209
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From: San Antonio, TX
Combo of leveling kit (I'm guilty too), squishy Goodyears not aired up and an improperly loaded truck. I do this too when I go buy 10-15 40 lb bags of salt. I have load range E tires now so it handles well. I don't like the sag, the springs are biased towards a nice unloaded ride.
I'm deciding now between a 1.5" taller rear block, add a leaf or HD payload pkg leaf springs.
I priced some Deaver springs but the cost was over $1k if I understood correctly. I did not contact them.
I'm deciding now between a 1.5" taller rear block, add a leaf or HD payload pkg leaf springs.
I priced some Deaver springs but the cost was over $1k if I understood correctly. I did not contact them.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 536
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I also believe it was the tires that made the back end wander around. The tires had proper air pressure (40psi), but they ended up looking like weak sidewalls. I also loaded it on purpose to see what the springs were going to do. I believe replacement tires will be next on the list.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: 46th State
That was also my first thought. 600 lbs. isn't much but it could have an affect on the tire pressure.
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From: Maine, Virginia
Earlier this week I had an opportunity to use my truck as a truck. Loaded about 650lbs of loaded boxes into the bed. It did squat the back end down some what. Only had to go 5 miles with it loaded, but the back end felt like it was moving side to side. The picture doesn't really show how low it was, but all of the mirrors were pretty much useless, unless you wanted look at the pavement ! Note the the weight was centered behind the rear axle.
Maybe Airbags and a sway bar is needed ???? What does the Hive say ?
Maybe Airbags and a sway bar is needed ???? What does the Hive say ?
A lot of guys do this and come away a bit underwhelmed by the abilities of the F-150's and other half tons. As heavy as these trucks are, they still have higher payload ratings than their siblings of the 80's and 90's.
My 2011 has had a significant amount of weight in the bed and it handled the load much better than any of my older trucks ever did. The first real smart thing that I did to my truck was chucking the OE Hankook tires and leaving the rest of it bone stock.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 941
Likes: 25
From: Port huron MI
I had 900lb of pavers in mine this summer and it sat level and drove normal. That factory rake is there for a reason. The stock shocks are not great either so that may factor into what you felt along with the stock tires.
New User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 11
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Knowing That I tow alot I bought the firestone Air Bags for my truck when I first puchased it. I tow a 30 ft boat every weekend and don't really need the air bags. 500Lb toung weight too!! Tows like a beast with the 5.0
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 182
Likes: 55
From: Middle of Nevada
Best thing you can do with any of these trucks if you'll be hauling/towing any weight at all is to replace those stock tires (designed mainly for a good ride and good fuel mileage) and put on some stiff-sidewalled E-range ones. Makes all the difference in the world - but after that, don't be expected that pillowy ride down the highway....
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 536
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I noticed on your signature line that there was a superduty in your stable at one time. Did you come out of the heavier truck into the F-150?
A lot of guys do this and come away a bit underwhelmed by the abilities of the F-150's and other half tons. As heavy as these trucks are, they still have higher payload ratings than their siblings of the 80's and 90's.
My 2011 has had a significant amount of weight in the bed and it handled the load much better than any of my older trucks ever did. The first real smart thing that I did to my truck was chucking the OE Hankook tires and leaving the rest of it bone stock.
A lot of guys do this and come away a bit underwhelmed by the abilities of the F-150's and other half tons. As heavy as these trucks are, they still have higher payload ratings than their siblings of the 80's and 90's.
My 2011 has had a significant amount of weight in the bed and it handled the load much better than any of my older trucks ever did. The first real smart thing that I did to my truck was chucking the OE Hankook tires and leaving the rest of it bone stock.
Yes I did, My previous ride was a F250, BUT it too suffered from tail dragging. I did install a set of SuperSprings and if fixed that problem, but IT ruined the ride. I'm going to bet on a set of Air-Rides + tires. I was kind of bummed because how low the backend sat and how it wandered. It has to be tires (Since the F250 came with E rated tires and it never had that problem).
To make this truck road worthy, I knew I was going to have spend some $$ Its not a SUPERDUTY !
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