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Add 1 or 2 degrees caster, maybe .3 more on the passenger side, a Fox IFP steering stabilizer, remove the airbags and consider tremor/2019 rear blocks (or maybe some 1 inch taller from someone like pmf). You probably don’t need airbags for a 12k trailer, its ok to squat some. The airbags always have some air in them.
The fox shocks should help the handling, and ride somewhat. If you just want a smoother ride use Rancho RS7MT.
Run 53 front psi and 45 rear psi unless you are towing.
Yes this is all spoken from experience on several trucks.
Your truck is either too soft and the shocks are too aggressive or your running air in the bags for lift to match the front. Airbags are stiff if running on them.
Your truck is either too soft and the shocks are too aggressive or your running air in the bags for lift to match the front. Airbags are stiff if running on them.
They always have air in them that compresses.
I don’t understand how I can pull a 16k gooseneck in my 2017 that has 1.5” front lift springs on it and other people need airbags. Or a 15k conventional trailer. Perfectly balanced and yes it does squat some.
Base 10,000 gvwr F250 springs, no overloads. Same thing with my 2019 Platinum F250, same trailers same springs.
I don’t understand how I can pull a 16k gooseneck in my 2017 that has 1.5” front lift springs on it and other people need airbags. Or a 15k conventional trailer. Perfectly balanced and yes it does squat some.
Base 10,000 gvwr F250 springs, no overloads. Same thing with my 2019 Platinum F250, same trailers same springs.
It's most likely that they don't need them 'but' want them for a level look when towing even though some sag is not going to hurt at all. Trade off is possible harsher ride when unloaded even at 5# minimum air in the bags.
I know my 16 dually doesn't need airbags towing my 16k # 5th wheel but the 1 3/4" drop when hooked up just touching the overload springs and bottoming out on some rough interstate roads was getting old. Airbags aired to just 12# when hooked up keeps it level and stops the bottoming out on the same interstate roads when loaded. Win win. Aired down to 5# when not hooked up.
I wonder if it’s the shorter wheel base of the shorter beds that some on here complain about. I have a 17 SCLWB 6.2L 4X4, 4800 front springs, 3 leaf rear springs with Sumo Springs and all stock including tires. Best riding truck I’ve ever owned. Also Bilstein’s 5100 with steering stabilizer. Bilstein’s gave the truck a more compliant positive ride. 50/45 psi in the tires. My brother constantly complains about his truck ride and he has a SWB short bed.
At the risk of stating the obvious, many of the major interstate highways out there are in really bad shape. Drive one of the bad ones and yes the Superduty ride is awful.
I find myself slowing down and trying to dodge the potholes, retreads, etc while not vering too far into the next lane or shoulder.
Since I have spent years in a 3rd world country, I can say our roads are well on their way to Central America levels.
They might change/improve the ride some, but I wouldn't expect any shock alone to make a dramatic change in the way it rides. Unless the existing shocks are really bad to begin with.
Just need it to take some of the jarring out of the potholes and I95 issues. The actual ride itself is nice enough.
It's most likely that they don't need them 'but' want them for a level look when towing even though some sag is not going to hurt at all. Trade off is possible harsher ride when unloaded even at 5# minimum air in the bags.
I know my 16 dually doesn't need airbags towing my 16k # 5th wheel but the 1 3/4" drop when hooked up just touching the overload springs and bottoming out on some rough interstate roads was getting old. Airbags aired to just 12# when hooked up keeps it level and stops the bottoming out on the same interstate roads when loaded. Win win. Aired down to 5# when not hooked up.
Since I leveled the truck empty it sits 2 inches low in the back when loaded. Airbags at 30psi bring it to level. We tow a lot, but not enough to make me ok with the front squat from factory the other times. I run with them empty all other times and I'm going to try and put a valve depressor on there to let it empty more on bumps to see if that helps. When I installed the airbags they were a half inch lower and had to be pulled into place with the mounts so I really don't think at 0 psi they are affecting anything when unloaded.
Quality single or daul steering stabilizer from pmf or fox and some shocks would likely help atleast a little I would hope. Rancho xl9000s are a cheap adjustable shock. If your k02's are 80 psi tires 55psi unloaded sounds good. If they are 65 psi tires I'd lower them more.
Yes, they are Load Range E2 so 80psi max. May lower the back to 50 and see how that feels.
Add 1 or 2 degrees caster, maybe .3 more on the passenger side, a Fox IFP steering stabilizer, remove the airbags and consider tremor/2019 rear blocks (or maybe some 1 inch taller from someone like pmf). You probably don’t need airbags for a 12k trailer, its ok to squat some. The airbags always have some air in them.
The fox shocks should help the handling, and ride somewhat. If you just want a smoother ride use Rancho RS7MT.
Run 53 front psi and 45 rear psi unless you are towing.
Yes this is all spoken from experience on several trucks.
I've seen you mention those shocks a couple times in different threads. How many trucks have you ran them on and how long have you ran them? I've ran Bilstein 5100's on several of our trucks / SUV's and do find them a little rough on choppy / sharp edge hits (pot holes, bridge joints, etc). My truck at near 25,000mi still has the stock shocks and I'm not looking to replace them any time soon, but don't want to go with the 5100's on this truck when I do.
If it squats 2 inches low I would run the Tremor blocks and no bags. Only caveat is if you tow a lot at night. Absolutely nothing wrong with a little squat.
Originally Posted by number9xd
I've seen you mention those shocks a couple times in different threads. How many trucks have you ran them on and how long have you ran them? I've ran Bilstein 5100's on several of our trucks / SUV's and do find them a little rough on choppy / sharp edge hits (pot holes, bridge joints, etc). My truck at near 25,000mi still has the stock shocks and I'm not looking to replace them any time soon, but don't want to go with the 5100's on this truck when I do.
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Yeah I love them. I have about 16k miles on them now. I am pretty sure I have ran every popular shock brand/model except King and Falcon. I tow heavy occasionally (just dropped off a 15k conventional trailer right now actually long day). If it was a dedicated tow’r i would use the Bilstein.
You can also try the Rancho 5000 they ride smooth, little step below the RS7MT.
Hi JB,
I'm coming from a 2018 F150 with a Max tow package with LT Cooper RANGE e TIRES. Following Goodyear/Cooper tire inflation to load spec sheet, I am at 42PSI. The truck rides a little tough but manageable. I tow a travel trailer (7550 lb) about 25% of the time.
Two weeks ago I purchased a 2023 F250 Super cab 6.8 ft box 7.3 V8 with a plow package included on the window sticker. This is a Lariat trim.
Toughest riding truck Ive driven since a military 1968 quad cab 4x4 Dodge Power Wagon when I was in the USAF,
I moved up to the 250 for the sake of towing. This sucker rides as tough as a cobb even with the over-stuffed leather seats, Very disappointed, I may sell it and get another late model F150 Max tow with very low miles or maybe new.
Also, I have driven late model GMC 3/4 ton HD pickups recently and they ride much better empty.
I really don't want to go to GM. Dont even mention Dodge/Rami-it to me.
Any suggestions? thinking of dropping a leaf from the rear and adding airbags.
Waste of money??
RadioRon