TXBobcat

A friend of mine has a 1-ton diesel (Ford F350 auto, 4.10 gears), and she is concerned with the way her 24' aluminum horse trailer squats the truck down. I think the truck is a 2001 or 2002 model.<br><br>What would be the best way to cure this problem? <br>Stiffer adjustable shocks?<br>Different overload springs?<br>Airbags? (I'm not sure on the details and cost of these, but have heard of them) <br><br>Any advice is appreciated.

alabat

Seems like air bags would be the simplest. You can get kits that bolt on on top of the axle over the springs and just pump them up when needed. You will need a small electric air compressor. But with that size truck you have a lot of options as to where you put it.

Santa Feh

The most straight-forward approach would be to have another leaf added to the rear. This will harshen the ride unloaded, but once it's installed she'll never have to think about it again.

P Kennedy

The newer Fords are like most trucks shipped with longer softer springs so they ride like a car. The Ride-Share air bags are the most efficient way to control this without giving up the ride quality, adding to the overloads is cheaper but will become choppier when loaded heavy. An on board compressor is more convenient but not necessary, there cost is fairly high if you want any reliability. Gooseneck stock trailers have the axles set fairly close to the back and will load the hitch up quickly has she ever weighed with a load on and where is the hitch set in relation to the axle? PK

TXBobcat

<br><br>I believe she said the trailer weighs about 11,000 lbs and the weight on the hitch was around 3,000 lbs. I'm not sure about the hitch in relation to the rear axle on the truck. Should it be just a few inches in front of the rear axle?<br><br>What all is involved in equiping a truck with air-bags, and what would an approx cost be for this set-up?<br><br>

dan239

Check out &quot;Roadmaster Active Suspension&quot;<br><br>A web search will produce plenty to look at.<br><br>I have it and am very satisfied. Unloaded ride is actually improved on my Dodge.<br><br>Search on Ford forums or RV forums to see how people like them on Fords.<br><br>Dan

TXBobcat

Dan239,<br><br>I noticed you were from North Central Texas. I was raised in Graham. You happen to be anywhere close to there?<br><br>Thanks for the info.

dan239

Not sure exactly where Graham is, I am in Denison, just south of Lake Texoma.<br><br>Dan

P Kennedy

Check out local truck equipment suppliers, tire shops, or even Walmart. Most of the Firestone kits come complete and if you are mechanically inclined and capable tool wise for changing springs you will be able to do it. Kelderman makes a complete spring replacement air ride system that most are happy with.PK