towing mods, shocks, RAS?

[flyflotrtim]

I have a 2019 F150 fx4 Ecoboost with max tow package and will be towing a 5,000 lb dry weight TT ( 2020 Rockwood 2205S). I've been advised to replace the factory shocks with Bilsteins and perhaps add a Roadmaster Active Suspension or airbags. I'll be towing at elevation in the Sierra on some paved steep windy roads.

What modifications would you advise? thanks

[SilhouettePenny]

Based on the weight you'll be towing, wait until you put about 25k miles on the truck before changing shocks. Bilstein or Ranchos will be fine then.

Roadmaster Active is recommend but I think bags would be overkill. Just my 02 cents after hauling 6-7k trailers behind F150s since '09.

Weight distribution and sway control on trailer is absolutely suggested and you'll be fine.

[Lins]

Originally Posted by SilhouettePenny

Based on the weight you'll be towing, wait until you put about 25k miles on the truck before changing shocks. Bilstein or Ranchos will be fine then.

Roadmaster Active is recommend but I think bags would be overkill. Just my 02 cents after hauling 6-7k trailers behind F150s since '09.

Weight distribution and sway control on trailer is absolutely suggested and you'll be fine.

Agreed, that trailer is not very long or heavy when loaded. A good WDH is all you should need. Get it dialed in, see how it tows and go from there.

[Boomerweps]

Somebody's trying to make some money off of you.
F150 max tow package? Probably a 6500# GTWR TT. WDH, that's all folks!
You start pulling nearer 10K#, THEN consider those other items.

[kurtsont]

I would do both shocks and RAS. I have Bilstein 4600 and RAS on my F150. The shocks and RAS make a huge improvement in just normal day driving. They make the truck rail around corners and way less bounce. Towing is a night and day difference. Go check out www.f150forum.com. Lots of info in there.

[SailorSam20500]

I've now pulled my 7,000 lb trailer over 25K miles using stock F150 that has Platinum level trim. Haven't seen a need for different shocks, RAS, or airbags. I do tow with a Propride hitch and recommend them. Main downside, they are pricey but I think worth the price.

[Tundra 2014]

I would try it w/ a good WDH hitch like a Equal-i-zer 1st., I think you will be fine if set-up correctly. Adjust her brake controller in a parking lot after loading up w/ the weight load you tow to camp. If you do add shocks later, move up to the Bilstien 5100, $10 more than the 4600 and a much better shock. The 5100 is the same as their higher dollar race shocks w/o the overload reservoir. Handles the load of the trailer better, added to my Tundra. Also, Timbrens if you have too much rear sag, best thing I did for the Tundra pulling 7500 lb. V-front TT. No effect until you put a load on.

[babock]

You don't need to do anything. I tow in the Sierra all the time with as just a heavy trailer as you have.

[flyflotrtim]

Thanks all, I will be using an equalizer hitch with anti sway bars. I've heard that the Bilsteins make an obvious difference even for every day driving. Bilstein says the 4600s are constructed and perform the same as 5100s but personally prefer the appearance of the 5100s.

I appreciate everyone's input

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by flyflotrtim

Thanks all, I will be using an equalizer hitch with anti sway bars. I've heard that the Bilsteins make an obvious difference even for every day driving. Bilstein says the 4600s are constructed and perform the same as 5100s but personally prefer the appearance of the 5100s.

I appreciate everyone's input

The Equal-i-zer WDH has weight bars, not antisway bars. The hitch head provides most of the integrated sway control.
Unless you're talking about a generic WDH. Equal-i-zer is a brand name.

[lewisra]

Is your advisor the same person who would be installing? Just think about that. The only thing you may need is switching out P rated tires for LT tires. Says the guy towing an 8.5 trailer all over the Rockies.

[Theo]

What's the payload capacity of your FX4?

With the GVWR of your TT at 6700lbs, your loaded hitch weight will be just under 1,000lbs. Add to that another 90lbs for the WDH and you've got ~1,100lbs that you need to subtract from your payload capacity. Further, you'll need to subtract your weight and the weights of your passengers and any cargo you will be carrying.

I only ask this because after my truck shopping experience, I found very few F-150 FX4s with enough payload for my needs.

YMMV

[goduc]

Originally Posted by bikendan

The Equal-i-zer WDH has weight bars, not antisway bars. The hitch head provides most of the integrated sway control.
Unless you're talking about a generic WDH. Equal-i-zer is a brand name.

The EQ has 4 pt sway in the head and the bars. The bars are friction driven as is the head.
You're getting confused with the name EAZ-Lift which is just spring bars and no sway built in.
With sway control
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/how-equalizer-works

Without sway control
https://www.eaz-lift.com/product-pag...00lb-elite-wdh

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by goduc

The EQ has 4 pt sway in the head and the bars. The bars are friction driven as is the head.
You're getting confused with the name EAZ-Lift which is just spring bars and no sway built in.
With sway control
https://www.equalizerhitch.com/how-equalizer-works

Without sway control
https://www.eaz-lift.com/product-pag...00lb-elite-wdh

I said MOST, not all. I have owned a 4pt Equal-i-zer for almost 15 years so i know how they work.