Forum Discussion

Big-wheel's avatar
Big-wheel
Explorer
Nov 13, 2014

2015 F-350 w/ AF 811, Stable load or Air Bags

So my parents just bought an Artic Fox 811 and a 2015 F-350 ccsb 6.7. So my questions are for that setup what would be the pros and cons of running stable loads or doing air bags? They will do some light off road forest roads.

Thanks
  • Airbags can unload the suspension. Stable Loads engage the suspension sooner. Stable loads first.
  • My 2013 F250 with Camper Package (10,000 pound rated) has the upper Stableloads. The rear pads touch and the front pads are within an 1/8"-1/4" of touching the overload springs when the bed is empty and 75 pounds of stuff in the back seat of the Super Cab. It's a rather rough ride. I also have Timbrens SES (fancy axle bump-stops), which have reduced side-to-side sway, nicely, while the camper is loaded (about 3,000 pounds). The Timbrens have an inch gap to the axle when the bed is empty.
    This discussion has me wondering if I should ditch the upper Stableloads and try the lowers, in conjunction with the Timbrens. Not an attempted hi-jack. Just a thought.
    Air bags sound like a PITA.
  • My F250 with camper package only needed the upper and lower StableLoads to carry the camper. With the camper off the truck, the lower StableLoads can be disabled and the upper ones will not touch the overload springs. They will not need air bags unless they plan to tow something with a heavy tongue weight.

    The crew cab length most likely will not transfer any of the camper weight to the front axle, so get a good idea of how much weight is on the rear axle to make sure you have sufficient capacity tires. I was typically around 7000 lbs on the rear without the trailer.