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My first post... So, I just got this wonderful 2019 F250 Lariat, FX4 with 6.2 gas, and I'm starting to "learn" it. It's my first pickup so I have a long way...
Any case, the only "concern" I have at the moment is the rigidity of the suspensions. I live close to a freeway which I take to go in any direction but nearby shops, and they had the great idea to pave it in cement which of course requires joints every three/four yards. It seems that it is the right distance to get into resonance with the F250 and it's really bad, you start bouncing up and down and there's no way to stop it, slowing down or accelerating doesn't make any difference. I did lover the tire pressure to 45 psi (the truck is empty) and that has improved a little bit, but not much.
The problem is my wife, of course, I can manage but she is really not liking it...
What can I do to mitigate the problem? Is it a factor of the FX4 "reinforced" suspensions? I will not do any significant off-road, the truck will be mainly used to tow a 6000 trailer, so not a big deal. I know that when towing with the added weight it will smooth out a bit, but I'd really would like to use it also as daily drive, if possible...
Did you not test drive before purchase? FX4 has nothing to do with beefed up suspension. The FX4 package includes skid plates and heavier duty shocks, not more stiff. The truck is made for work, it is not a 1/2 ton suspension. A 6,000 lb trailer you could have bought the F150 gas engine, or diesel and it sounds like you might have been happier.
''I run 65 psi, btw.
You have a nice truck best to enjoy it since you already bought the farm.
''Note: why do you have your Trailer tires covered in front of the house? Extended stay there? Also tell that person down the street to not park in front of a fire hydrant.
The problem is my wife, of course, I can manage but she is really not liking it...
Originally Posted by iConnect
What can I do to mitigate the problem?
Which problem are you looking to mitigate? My wife was very unhappy when I traded my 150 for a 250. It took her awhile to get used to the ride.
As for F250s, they can ride pretty harsh. That's just the nature of the solid axle. The more weight you can add to the bed the better the ride will be. I've accidently overloaded my truck a few times (2 tons of dirt, 2 tons of rock) and it rode like a Cadillac. Right now I have 800 lbs in sand bags and it helps a little.
Nice truck and trailer! We have a Lance 2075. Since it's your first truck give it some time. My wife was afraid of the big thing at first now she wants to drive it. We don't have the concrete issue here but one of the things that sold me on mine was the stable suspension and bumps were cushioned well, never harsh. Does your truck have a lift, aftermarket suspension? If so maybe that's part of it. We had that harmonic issue with our Early Broncos on California freeways. Maybe try some weight in the back like suggested or do some more tire pressure experimenting.
As previously mentioned, the FX4 package has nothing to do with ride quality. The F250 is a truck first, meant for towing or hauling a load. As a result, the ride unloaded will be stiff but it is all relative. If you are used to smooth riding vehicles, the F250 will feel like a buckboard. It is certainly more truck than you need for a 6,000 lb trailer. The F-150 would do the job and provide a better unloaded ride.
I can't comment on the Sulastic shackles. Lowering tire pressure is the right first step but 45 psi may be a little low. Frankly, its just something you will need to get used to. Adding several hundred pounds to the bed will help but I would suggest weaning off the weight until you have learned to live with the ride unloaded. My wife has used an F250 as a daily driver for 20+ years. She wouldn't drive anything else. I drive it occasionally when towing our horse trailer or dump trailer and sometimes empty. I drive the F250 when my wife needs my minivan to transport more than 3 or 4 people. I don't find the ride unpleasantly harsh but it isn't a Cadillac either.
First of all, very nice truck and camper!. My F-250 rides like a Cadillac...........until you hit a bump. Enjoy the truck, you'll get used to it and so will your wife.
I think the new 250 (previously had a 2015, currently a 2019) rides leaps and bounds better, even with stock FX4 shocks. As stated before, it does. not ride like a 150, however you can help it by changing the shocks. I opted for Bilstein 5100's, others opt for Fox 2.0's.. Also as mentioned, dial down the air. I run 50/50 in mine and it is fine.
My wife does not like mine because she cannot get in, too high.. Definitely higher than my previous 150.
I would recommend to change your shocks....maybe Bilstein 5100. OEM shocks are garbage, really they are.
2nd I would adjust your air pressure..you don't need 80 psi in the rears and 60 psi in the front unless towing at maximum weight.
I think the short bed may be more prone to porpoising going down the road
get the wife some Dramamine....lol
Am I the only one here who sees the obvious solution? ;-)
Originally Posted by srkr
''Haha...too funny"
Originally Posted by muhford
Which problem are you looking to mitigate? My wife was very unhappy when I traded my 150 for a 250. It took her awhile to get used to the ride.
As for F250s, they can ride pretty harsh. That's just the nature of the solid axle. The more weight you can add to the bed the better the ride will be. I've accidently overloaded my truck a few times (2 tons of dirt, 2 tons of rock) and it rode like a Cadillac. Right now I have 800 lbs in sand bags and it helps a little.
Ok, ok, I got myself into this... ;-) I think that after 45 years of marriage I'm kind of used to the wife I have, so I better tackle the problem from the other side... ;-)
Did you not test drive before purchase? FX4 has nothing to do with beefed up suspension. The FX4 package includes skid plates and heavier duty shocks, not more stiff. The truck is made for work, it is not a 1/2 ton suspension. A 6,000 lb trailer you could have bought the F150 gas engine, or diesel and it sounds like you might have been happier.
Well, I did try it, just not on the freeway... And I have to confess that probably I would have bought it any case, it's really nice and I wanted to be completely free from any worry about weights...
''Note: why do you have your Trailer tires covered in front of the house? Extended stay there? Also tell that person down the street to not park in front of a fire hydrant.
Good eyes...! I'm fortunate that in my development the HOA is almost non-existing, so I can park in front of the house no problem. For some reasons it has been there for the past month or so... And, I will go right away to check on that hydrant!!!
Nice truck and trailer! We have a Lance 2075. Since it's your first truck give it some time. My wife was afraid of the big thing at first now she wants to drive it. We don't have the concrete issue here but one of the things that sold me on mine was the stable suspension and bumps were cushioned well, never harsh. Does your truck have a lift, aftermarket suspension? If so maybe that's part of it. We had that harmonic issue with our Early Broncos on California freeways. Maybe try some weight in the back like suggested or do some more tire pressure experimenting.
The 2075 is great! Mine is a smaller 1995, still pretty good for two people...
The suspensions are stock, no lift, this is actually why I was wondering about the FX4 because it's really quite high from the ground. I'm 6' and I'm ok, but shorter people have troubles even using the step...
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Differences between F250 standard and FX4
My wife was very unhappy when I traded my 150 for a 250. It took her awhile to get used to the ride.
I'm fortunate that in my development the HOA is almost non-existing, so I can park in front of the house no problem. For some reasons it has been there for the past month or so...