agesilaus wrote:
Air bags do -not- increase the payload of a vehicle. They may improve the ride but the same weight (plus the weight of the airbag system) is transmitted to the axles.
Thank you.
jus2shy wrote:
I owned a 2010 F-150 Crew Cab 6.5 bed and 5.4 with 3.73 gears and 4x4. My GVWR was 7,700 lbs. Sounds like he doesn't have the max tow package which gives you the upgraded cooling system package. I'm unsure if the regular tow package has the same cooling system upgrades, that's something you'd want to make sure of since you live in a generally warm area of the country. You can usually punch in the VIN of your truck in this web page http://services.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/inventory/WindowSticker.pdf?vin=1FT8W3BT3DEB19230
just change the VIN number after the "=" sign. This will give you a breakdown of what the truck is equipped with.
As for 1. The limitation on my max tow truck was actually the rims. Each rim was rated at only 2,100 lbs. The "P" rated tires were rated at 2,400 lbs a piece roughly. So I only have 4,200 lbs of capacity at each axle. However, there's a rag that noted a capacity of 4,500 lbs for the axle, so the rims were not limiting the axle by much
2. Air bags don't add capacity, they help level the load of your vehicle though so you're not dragging your rear end around.
3. For 3, it's the same as 2. I'll note again that in my case, it was my wheel rims being rated at 2,100 lbs a piece. The 9.75 axle (if your truck has that) can actually handle a little more, right around 4,500 lbs (can't remember, but some 4-wheeler mag did a comparison build between the 9.75 and the Dana 60). I can't say much for the other supporting bits though like the leaf pack and bolts that hold the rear suspension together.
Personally, as long as you aren't exceeding the axle weight of your rig, I'd be fine with it. Only thing to do is scale the setup and make sure you aren't exceeding the axle ratings.
This is helpful. I'll try to get the VIN. As you can imagine, I'm competing against every RV salesperson who says, "Oh, you won't have a problem with that truck" and every person at their Ford dealership that answers the phone and gives partial advice.
I've explained that I have no agenda to keep them from getting the TT they want - I just want them to be safe and happy, but I won't drop the conversation because I feel they are being misled by so many other people who have their ear.
He says he has the Max Tow package, but I don't know for sure. He did not have the integrated brake controller but got it added after the sale (if that's an indicator of which package they likely had). I'm not a Ford guy, so I'm playing catch up in trying to help.
goducks10 wrote:
rhagfo wrote:
Jus2shy's reply is very good covered all but two items.
#1. based on a post the other day current 7,700# GVWR F150's have a 3,750# front axle and a 4,050# rear for a total of 7,800# of capacity.
Given that 7,800 - 6,650 = 1,150, keep in mind that the rear axle is still only 4,050# rated, so you really only have about 900# to play with going by axles.
Doesn't Ford have a 3850lb axle also? I thought depending on GVWR that they came with either 3850 or 4050lb axles. Except for the 8200lb GVW @4800.
I can get the exact axle ratings next week some time.
