Forum Discussion

HydrogenCyanide's avatar
HydrogenCyanide
Explorer
Oct 14, 2020

Which Shocks for 2017 F150 Ecoboost

I've had the tow vehicle since new. Approaching 60,000 miles with roughly 20% of them towing.

My first travel trailer with this truck was a Keystone Cougar28RBS. MY wife got 2 footidice and we upgraded to a Sporttrek Touring 312VBH. A little longer and a little heavier.

This trailer has given me some towing problems. I've since re-adjusted the equalizer hitch and I think I have it setup correctly now. I still can feel the increase in weight even though it is only 150pounds heavier and hitch weight of 1200 vs 1050 of the old trailer.

To be clear, when I say problems, nothing to do with power. I just feel it is a little bouncier and at time feel the trailer is pushing the truck around a bit when it gets bouncing.

Will upgraded shocks help? I assume that they cannot hurt. Any recommendations on which shocks to buy.

Also....I have looked the 3/4 tonne route, but financially it just does not make sense at this time. In the end, if I can't make this work, I'll upgrade, but I'd like to see if something small like shocks will improve things first.

Interested in opinions on this.

Thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2020
    Trying new shocks is an inexpensive option IMO. No reason that engine power would be a factor.
  • blt2ski's avatar
    blt2ski
    Moderator
    Oct 15, 2020
    Could be shocks, I would try first.
    Another, is if you have P metric tires, or the HT ones, Its also possible those are too soft for the heavier hitch weight of the new trailer. So a set of LT C or D tires would help this too.
    Not that i would swag this, but the rear springs may be worn. I doubt it personally. Going to a heavier version, ie instead of say 3000 lb springs, go with 3500 or 4000 lb rated springs. Fords are known for having lighter springs than one thinks they should GM had 3900 lbs for all 15 series versions. Ford has multiple from 3000 up to 4500 or there about.
    ANy of these fixes are cheap compared to a new 25 series truck.

    Marty
  • manley's avatar
    manley
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2020
    I have the Bilstein 5100s on all 4 corners on my ‘18. Also have air bags, sway bar, and LR E tires. Night & day difference.
  • HydrogenCyanide's avatar
    HydrogenCyanide
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2020
    Thanks for all the replies. Would airbags or shocks be a better investment? I don’t really have squat though with the equalizer hitch. Thinking shocks maybe the best way. What exactly is sway bar and how does that work?
  • manley's avatar
    manley
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2020
    HydrogenCyanide wrote:
    Thanks for all the replies. Would airbags or shocks be a better investment? I don’t really have squat though with the equalizer hitch. Thinking shocks maybe the best way. What exactly is sway bar and how does that work?


    Info about sway bars
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Oct 15, 2020
    60k shocks could be shot. Throw something stiff like bilsteins on it.
    But shocks don’t support weight, they dampen the suspension movement.
    In a static condition your wdh can take the right amount of weight off to correct the effect of the load, but in a dynamic situation the spring rate May or does allow more suspension compression than you like.
    So add air bags or an add a leaf or other products to increase the spring rate.
    Sway bar won’t help. It just links both springs together. Not a concern generally, towing.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Oct 15, 2020
    5100's on my 13.. I know it's not a new rig, but they really made a difference in just everyday driving since I put them in.

    Mitch
  • Birdnst's avatar
    Birdnst
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2020
    I have a 2013 king ranch 150 eco boost. I put stiffer sidewall tires on and experimented with different amounts of water in fresh water tank.
    I found 3/4 tank water is perfect. 36 ft outback right around 8500lbs ready to go. Over 20000 miles with trailer works for me.
  • bikendan's avatar
    bikendan
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2020
    HydrogenCyanide wrote:
    I've had the tow vehicle since new. Approaching 60,000 miles with roughly 20% of them towing.

    My first travel trailer with this truck was a Keystone Cougar28RBS. MY wife got 2 footidice and we upgraded to a Sporttrek Touring 312VBH. A little longer and a little heavier.



    are you saying that you're towing this new TT with a F150, WITHOUT a WDH and sway control?:E

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