I have a question for you guys. I have an 08 F150 Reg Cab STX with the 6.5 foot bed and the only thing I haul is firewood and I only do that twice a year. I know that if I load up my truck bed, it's going to sag on my. What are my options other than an AAL to stop this? I want to keep cost as low as possible and I would prefer to not have a rough ride like I will from the AAL. I usually buy a half cord at a time of firewood. Advice?

 

firestone ride-rite bags. i hear they work pretty good. i want some too. for pretty much the same reason

 

How far do you haul it? Is it worth making 2 trips? Personally, I'd ride on the bump stops before spending money for only twice a year.

 

^x2. Trucks are meant to be loaded, thats why they come with rake from the factory.

 

I agree with the last 2, it might actually do it some good to stretch a bit. I've loaded mine good, 1600 lbs or so and nothing came of it, with old shocks too. My dad's loaded his riding on the stops several times, a 1994, and it still drives the same. Don't worry, Ford built you a truck capable of this plus.

 

I don't drive that far for the wood. Maybe 5 miles one way. I just didn't want to hurt anything by overloading it. In prior years I borrowed a relatives Dakota and it made it just fine with half a cord. I don't think the 150 would even be on the bumpstops with a cord. Even though I have it leveled. If you guys think this would be ok, then I won't worry about it. I really would rather spend the money on a different mod. I actually have a set of 1" FX2 blocks that I was thinking of installing to give it 1" of rake over the front. I know it wouldn't help it hold more weight but it may sit more level when loaded down.

 

I'd say let it ride if it's only twice a year and a couple of miles.

 

While I'm a firm believer in staying within the OEM ratings, I've exceeded them occasionally. I've weighed my truck @ 8250 pounds (6750 GVRW) and not been on the bump stops. That was for a 2-mile drive. A 1/2 ton will handle the load better than a Dakota. I had a 2005 quad cab that probably would be on the bump stops with half the weight of my F-150, despite only having a 300 pound payload difference.

 

Good info guys. I will be getting my first load of firewood in September. I will update this with pics at that time. Thanks for the quick answers.