I have a 2003 F150 5.6 that I am pulling a 8.5x18ft trailer. I bought the Weight Distribution setup, but my Truck still sags in the rear and I can't get it to level out much. I spent a small fortune on the hitch setup. Is there something I can get to help level the truck out? It seems to pull fine Slow ..lol but still goes without much problem. Also has anyone had any problems with starting on a hill? I had a prob earlier this year with just 2 atv's on a lightweight Trailer. did not seem to want to hit the gear. I dropped it down to 1st and it went but still had hesitation. Truck has about 60k miles on it. I gt all the service done. So it is very mechanically sound.

 

What is a 5.6?

How much does your trailer weigh when loaded, what is the tongue weight, and what are the weight specs (GVWR, GCWR, max towing) on the truck? What engine, transmission, and axle ratio? 4x4 or 4x2?

 

I also pulled a similar setup to what you have. It was a 102"x 18' enclosed cargo trailer that weighed in at 10,000lbs. I went with the hellwig add a leafs on the rear, and a weight dist. hitch. The add-a-leaf are the 2500-3500 lb payload capacity springs(3 leaf). Just remember you arent drivin in the Daytona 500 when you are pullin that thing. and it will be slow. Also, have you considered re-gearing your differential? this will help out consideribally(sp) with towing IMO.
Hope this info helps.

 

Why do you guys need add-a-leafs for open cargo trailers?

 

How do you set your WD bars? What 'size' bars are they?

The correct way is to hitch up the trailer and then raise it all backup with the tongue jack. Keep lifting until you get an obvious 'rake' to the rear of the truck.

Now, set the WD bar chains so that you still need to use the cheater bar to snap 'em in. Lower the jack and this should level you out....

You still need to make sure you have at least 4-5 links of chain left under tension so that the bars don't hit the frame on turns.

Adjusting the tilt of the hitch head helps with this, if it's an issue.

Mitch

 

Ahh, I see you edited your post now. Yeah, 10k lbs will need some additional spring help...

 

I sure wouldn't make a habit of pulling a 10k trailer with a 1/2 ton truck, no matter what you beef up.

 

Out of curiosity - is there a general rule for when your truck needs an add-a-leaf?

 

Maybe others would not agree, but I have used the Firestone air bags on five different trucks and they have worked great. The thing I really like is that you can air them down when you don't have a heavy load and then the truck still rides nice.

I also agree with glc

"I sure wouldn't make a habit of pulling a 10k trailer with a 1/2 ton truck, no matter what you beef up."

That type of load is what I owned the 350 Super Duty for.

 

From what I understand, a 150 with an add-a-leaf has a worse unloaded ride than a stock unloaded Super Duty.....

 

That is a fact. I had a 97 150 super cab long bed 4x4 and I put on the add a leafs and it was great when we had a load in it, but otherwise I hated it.

I also have a 350 super duty crew cab 4x4 and it is far nicer to ride in. I installed air bags on it and on my 98 150 I sold last year. I love the fact that you can adjust the air bags to the load you are carrying.

I just bought the 2000 f 150 I have now three days ago and I will put air bags on it.

 

Yeah, that was only a one time deal to move my stuff. Not a daily hauler. remember the opening scene on The Beverly Hillbillies?

 

Nice...