Question for 2017 or newer F350 SRW owners

[Turtle Tim]

I just purchased a 2017 Ford F350 SRW and want to know if those of you with the same truck towing a 5th have found that airbags or some other suspension helper springs are needed for towing performance.
I have a 355w with between 2800lbs and 3000lbs pin weight. The truck is very capable towing this trailer, but I am concerned that any squat will cause the lights to be pointed up and have other vehicles flashing their brights at me. Also am concerned with porpoising when hitting bumps such as bridge transitions, which can be quite harsh at times.
Have airbags on my current truck, an F250, and ride was great with a bout 40lbs in them.

Thanks

[klassic]

I’m about the same weight as you...the truck sat nice last year when it was new.
Now the springs are starting to break in, the rear settles a little more.

I had timbrens in my previous ‘12 F350. I will get them again. But it to each his own, if your an air bag kinda guy then I say put them on again.
You still need the truck to squat though, it’s too tall. I was nose high, I had to raise the trailer by lowering the axels in the hangers and I put on taller tires...the picture is after the axel lowering.

[DonaandDon]

I had to put both Timbrens and added an extra leaf. Studying hard for Santa to deliver a dually soon.

[Turtle Tim]

Below is a pic of my f250 hooked up to my 355w. I ended up flipping the axels on the trailer to get it closer to level. Should be good with the taller f350.
I'm going to Moab a week after I get the hitch installed on the new f350, and might not have time to hook up to the trailer and take it for a test run to determine if airbags are needed.
I can just order the bags now and install them before I get the hitch installed, just not sure if I'm going to need them.



https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/a...1&d=1525231016

[PlayersZ28]

I don't have an F350 any more but I did find that the Ford squatted where my Chev doesn't. I have ~3300# on the pin and the DRW was obviously lower at the back. The Chev is almost dead flat when hooked up. No bags in either truck.

[hboy]

Originally Posted by Turtle Tim

that any squat will cause the lights to be pointed up and have other vehicles flashing their brights at me. Also am concerned with porpoising when hitting bumps such as bridge transitions, which can be quite harsh at times.
Thanks

Not an F350 owner, but have a 3500 dodge SRW. My camper has a pin weight about 3,000-3,500lbs. After getting high beams flashed at me when loaded I put air bags on. I noticed the bump stops bottomed out which I presumed was from the bridges or other rough roads. The truck didn't look squatty when loaded but I have not been flashed since...

[2naEagle]

Your truck probably has 2 1/2 or 3 inches of rake.
Give it a try you will be surprised.
I don't think you will "have" to have air bags.
Check it with a tape measure at the fenders over front and rear axle you will probably be close to level.

My trailer has a W/D up front (no gen) and fully loaded has a scaled pin weight of 3800 lb. 220 lb. of that went to the front axle. Truck measured level front and back.
My truck is a 2017 F350 CCSB.

This is it new and unloaded.
[IMG][/IMG]

Fully loaded
[IMG][/IMG]

[klassic]

Eagle, I can’t believe you have 3800lbs on the pin and you don’t need extra support.
I’m only guessing my NorthPoint to be 3000 and I wouldn’t want to squat anymore then I am.

[Turtle Tim]

When I'm fully loaded with the RZR and stuff in the garage, my pin weight lightens by about 200lbs.
From what I'm reading and seeing here, might not need bags, at least for now.
Appreciate the replies!

[PlayersZ28]

Originally Posted by klassic

Eagle, I can’t believe you have 3800lbs on the pin and you don’t need extra support.
I’m only guessing my NorthPoint to be 3000 and I wouldn’t want to squat anymore then I am.

And that you're not over on the RAGW. What tires are on the truck and what's the max load on them? My SRW is 100# over on the rear end and I have 3300# on the pin.

[2naEagle]

Originally Posted by PlayersZ28

And that you're not over on the RAGW. What tires are on the truck and what's the max load on them? My SRW is 100# over on the rear end and I have 3300# on the pin.

Tires are Michelin Defender LT295/65r20 max load of 4080 lb each.

Rear GAWR on the truck is 7230 lb. with LT275/65r20

CAT Scale
Steer Axle 5000
Drive Axle 7300
Trailer Axle 10640
Gross Weight 22940

Truck no trailer
Steer Axle 4780
Drive Axle 3720
Gross Weight 8500

[PlayersZ28]

Originally Posted by 2naEagle

Tires are Michelin Defender LT295/65r20 max load of 4080 lb each.

Rear GAWR on the truck is 7230 lb. with LT275/65r20

CAT Scale
Steer Axle 5000
Drive Axle 7300
Trailer Axle 10640
Gross Weight 22940

Truck no trailer
Steer Axle 4780
Drive Axle 3720
Gross Weight 8500

Mine are the OE 18's that are rated to 3525 ea which puts the rear axle GAWR @ 7050. You swapped the truck tires from OE or wore them out?

Hooked up I'm at 5000F, 7160R, 11520Tr, 23680 Tot. This is with the trailer loaded for travel, food on board (and beer), full truck tank, empty trailer tanks.

Unhooked is 4940F, 3900R, 8840Tot

[2naEagle]

Originally Posted by PlayersZ28

Mine are the OE 18's that are rated to 3525 ea which puts the rear axle GAWR @ 7050. You swapped the truck tires from OE or wore them out?

Hooked up I'm at 5000F, 7160R, 11520Tr, 23680 Tot. This is with the trailer loaded for travel, food on board (and beer), full truck tank, empty trailer tanks.

Unhooked is 4940F, 3900R, 8840Tot

I had a road hazard, wire in left rear tire side wall (thank you TST 507 saved the day). So I just got a new set and sold 3 old ones on Craigslist.

You do have the rear maxed out. You can go to a LT295/70r18 or LT285/75r18 and get 4080 each.

[TWP723]

Not all 250's and 350's are alike. Different packages, different springs. Not all F350's will need bags. But F350's with a "camper Package" may need bags. A camper pkg is also a payload downgrade package. They put lighter springs on it and add a sway bar. Some F250's have heavier springs compared to other F250's. With or without tow package, with or without auxiliary springs, tow pack 1 or tow pack 2, etc. So many different variables to consider. I looked at 8 different trucks before settling on the one I have now. I ran VIN's and checked packages. It was worse than buying a house. The kicker? I have to deal with it all day long with people that don't know. Fun fun.

[PlayersZ28]

Originally Posted by 2naEagle

I had a road hazard, wire in left rear tire side wall (thank you TST 507 saved the day). So I just got a new set and sold 3 old ones on Craigslist.

You do have the rear maxed out. You can go to a LT295/70r18 or LT285/75r18 and get 4080 each.

Yes, I'm slightly over on the rear. I moved the stuff out of the box and into the box and into the trailer so likely right at the axle number now. When the tires are done I'll go for more load capacity on them. If we don't sell the fiver this summer I may move the 300lbs of batteries from the genny bay back nearer the wheels.

[Turtle Tim]

So I finally got the hitch installed and hooked up to the 5th for the first time today. I measured squat at the wheel well and the truck squatted 3 1/4". I'm sure I will get brights flashed at me when driving at night.
I'm leaving for Moab this Thurs., I will probably install either airbags or stable loads when I get back.
Pic with the new truck below.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/a...1&d=1526183968

[2naEagle]

Originally Posted by Turtle Tim

So I finally got the hitch installed and hooked up to the 5th for the first time today. I measured squat at the wheel well and the truck squatted 3 1/4". I'm sure I will get brights flashed at me when driving at night.
I'm leaving for Moab this Thurs., I will probably install either airbags or stable loads when I get back.
Pic with the new truck below.

That looks really good Love the white.

Measure from the ground to the bottom of the fenders at the center of the wheels on the front and back of the truck. Level is what you want.
I tried stable loads and did not care for them. I could fill every bump in the road and a lot of work to install.
If your not level air bags will work good. Level is what you want don't go higher than that or you will probably not like the ride. A Hellwig Big Wig rear sway bar will also help a lot with handling.

Again the rig looks relay good congratulation. I think you will very happy with the ride and ability of the truck.

[Turtle Tim]

Thank you 2naEagle.
Measured today and it's 1/4" lower in back, very close to level using those measuring points.
I'll see how the trip goes and decide when I get back if I need to do anything.

[2naEagle]

Originally Posted by Turtle Tim

Thank you 2naEagle.
Measured today and it's 1/4" lower in back, very close to level using those measuring points.
I'll see how the trip goes and decide when I get back if I need to do anything.

That is what mine was also when I first got my North Point. I believe you will be happy with it.
Have a safe and fun trip. Looking forward to hearing how things go.

[Turtle Tim]

Just got back from Moab. Overall, the truck did good towing. Love the exhaust brake! Coming down some 6% grades and didn't have to use the brakes.

Never had any brights flashed at me, and I have the LED headlights.

Only negatives were some porpoising on bridge transitions, and some sway. Didn't get that with my old truck. I think the bags help with the sway, and my old truck had sway bars (camper package) which I'm sure helped too. Bags should help with the porpoising I'm thinking.

It was a great trip. Good weather, and awesome riding the trails around Moab!