I'm going to be towing a camper this summer with my '99 F150 SC 4X4 5.4L auto. I've got the tow package as well as the 6500 GVWR(not sure what that is). The dry weight on the camper is 5100, so I'm expecting a tongue weight of around 600- 700lbs. My question is will I need any type of helper springs on the rear of my truck to help carry the weight (trailer plus 600+ cargo)? A co-worker said he used to work in a spring shop and added leaves to alot of newer F150 rear springs, but he highly recomended the Timbren rubber helpers. They do not make contact until a load is put on them, so you keep the stock ride. They are not "inflatable" so you don't have to worry about air leaks. What are you guys using?

Thanks,
Bill


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1999 F150 4X4 XLT
Extended Cab, White
5.4L Auto, 3.55 diff.
Michelin 265/75R16
Stock at 65K miles
Future ????

 

O.K. Let's start out a little slower, here.
Has anybody here ever towed anything with an F150 ????
If so, see question above.

Bill



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1999 F150 4X4 XLT
Extended Cab, White
5.4L Auto, 3.55 diff.
Michelin 265/75R16
Stock at 65K miles
Future ????

 

With that kind of weight you need an equilizer hitch like Reese or Draw Tight. These will lighten the load on your hitch and actually raise the rear of your truck up. You shouldn't need any overload springs. If you can't use the equalizer hitch then overloads will be OK.

 

I agree with V10 Man, The equalizer, also known as weight distributing is the way to go. As you can see by my signature, I have a '97 and tow a 18' flatbed w/ a van on it, weighed ~10kip GCW, 55-65MPH through the hills between phoenix and vegas. And, yes, I do use the weight distributing hitch.

I would also reccomend at least a trans temp gauge. I was so surprised with my trans temp (phoenix ~115F summer, trans ~190F unloaded) and the factory cooler.

Tony

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97 F150, 5.4l, E4OD, Towing Package, and every option except leather seats

 

I installed a set of AirLift airbags in the back. They make a big difference and allow the truck to carry the load much nicer. Also, the do not ride bad when unloaded, you just let the air down. It works well. I installed them in a few hours and I also when with the onboard compressor. The whole thing was less than $400 with me doing the work.

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2001 Ford F150 Supercab 4.6L
Airlift Rear Suspention with onboard compressor

 

I should also add that you should check the specs on the hitch. Most likely it is rated for 500/5000 or 1000/10,000 with a weight distributing hitch. And don't forget the brakes.

 

I second (or is it third?) the weight distribution hitch. Only way to go. No ned for any spring work with that. Better trailer stability and sway control will be acheived that way too. You won't get that with the spring job. A 5000+ pound traler requires it.

 

Maybe you might want to look at installing some airbags on the truck.....I hear they are worth their weight in gold and work very well!

 

Hello, go with the air bags.......they are the best thig for haulin' unless you like that butt-draggin' look. When you don't need them just deflate them, when ya need them inflate only as needed. I have hauled alot of stuff and found them invaluable!!!!

 

Thanks for the help, guys. Yes, the weight distributing hitch is indeed a MUST HAVE item with that size of a trailer. It's a 28' Prowler and should be weighing it loaded right at 6000lbs. Just wasn't sure if it would bring the rear of the truck back up into position when properly adjusted.

Bill

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1999 F150 4X4 XLT
Extended Cab, White
5.4L Auto, 3.55 diff.
Michelin 265/75R16
Stock at 65K miles
Future ????

 

Yes, it will. With the right adjustment you are supposed to be back within 2 inches of unloaded. And with the right tension you will be. I pull a 24 foot Prowler (max GVWR of 5600) and it the F250SD is level at 5 links of chain in the racks. It was level with four links on my F150. Takes a little more pressure to depress these F250 springs than it did on the F150.

One thing I find very helpfull on "springing" the bars is a power tounge jack on the camper. Helps you raise and lower the camper to get the spring bars hooked up. Worth the $150 to have one just for this activity.

If you were talking about a Slide in Camper I would say do the extra leaf springs or air bag thing. But with a tag-a-long no need to bother.