Forum Discussion

Military_Mobili's avatar
Military_Mobili
Explorer
Sep 06, 2020

NEED ADVICE !Brand New F-450 and Host Mammoth

Hello all,

We are Military Mobility, a 501c3 non-profit which specializes in off-road expeditions and resiliency training; for veterans, corporate, and civilian wheelers.

We've just purchased a 2020 F-450 King Ranch and a 2015 Host Mammoth and will be towing a 16-24 enclosed trailer with a Jeep and equipment inside (not to exceed GWVR of course).

Just drove the F-450 and camper 7 hours on the highway. It handles great but I can see that it is sitting low in the rear and the camper isn't even loaded yet, not to mention towing the enclosed trailer.

Research is showing we'd want:

1) Torklift Stableload Uppers TLA7200

2) An air bag lift with separate lines ran for each side, with independent controls. (I have no idea what brand or model would be the best) ADVICE PLEASE!

3) Torklift Stableload Lowers TLA7310S.

QUESTION: What would you install first the Uppers or Lowers, or both? It seems people favor the uppers but I think it's because the slightly easier install. We're not scared to do installation work if its whats called for. Not entirely sure what the diff is between upper and lower concerning stability/ height.
Truck Campers
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Sep 07, 2020
    Did you actually measure the truck sag?
    I had similar responses over 3 years ago when I was picking up F350 for my 12' camper.
    Turned out that aluminium bed added to rear axle payload and my F350 did carry 6000 lb camper with no modifications at all.
    In my case the rear with camper on was still 2" higher than front.
  • Geo_Boy's avatar
    Geo_Boy
    Explorer II
    Sep 07, 2020
    3 tons wrote:
    pianotuna wrote:
    Add a leaf to the existing springs. Add Timbrins.


    As a former Air Mobility Command Unit Member (RET), X2 - foolproof and no breakdowns = no FUBAR morning after sickness...

    https://timbren.com/

    3 tons

    X3, definitely go with the double convolute model.
  • 3_tons's avatar
    3_tons
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2020
    pianotuna wrote:
    Add a leaf to the existing springs. Add Timbrins.


    As a former Air Mobility Command Unit Member (RET), X2 - foolproof and no breakdowns = no FUBAR morning after sickness...

    https://timbren.com/

    3 tons
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Sep 06, 2020
    I had air bags as only addition on my F450 flatbed and loved them.
    Even when empty I would keep 30 psi in them as that smoothed jerking while crossing freeway joints.
    I used Firestone dual valve, dual gauge assemble and mounted it with inflation valve on the side of driver seat. This way I could observe the pressure each time entering the truck.
    Than I had a compressor with long cord on it. Whenever I needed to add air, I would pull the compressor and hook up to inflation assemble and pump to desired pressure. My system would hold the air for weeks, so I only had to inflate it when I put heavy stuff on the bed (I used to carry 10,000lb).
    This way compressor would stay in clean place and I could use it for inflating tires using long cord and no hassle of complicated lines developing leaks.
    The only thing I had to observe was not to start the compressor while under pressure, as that would burn cigarette lighter fuse.
  • adamis's avatar
    adamis
    Nomad II
    Sep 06, 2020
    theoldwizard1 wrote:
    In general, I am a BIG FAN of air springs. Air them down when driving unloaded. HOWEVER, onboard compressors, lines and automatic controls can give you NIGHTMARES a few years down the road.

    KISS ! Tun a separate fill line for each air spring to a convenient location. Fill the air spring BEFORE adding you load and then remove air to get to your desired ride height.


    I bought my truck used five years ago and the previous owner had installed an onboard air system for the air bags. It is very convenient to adjust the air from inside the cab while traveling if need be. So far mine has been maintenance free so perhaps the quality of the parts has improved since your experience.

    The only thing I am looking at changing out is going to a new ExtrmeAir compressor so I have enough oommph to inflate tired while coming off the sand dunes. I haven't entirely thought this through yet because I don't know if I will add it as a 3rd compressor (already have one for the exhaust brake and the other for the airbags) or if I will remove those two and just go with a single compressor for all of it.

    Back to my point though, if your going to add airbags, I highly recommend having an on board compressor as well. It makes it a non thought to make changes on the fly and I do that all the time.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Sep 06, 2020
    In general, I am a BIG FAN of air springs. Air them down when driving unloaded. HOWEVER, onboard compressors, lines and automatic controls can give you NIGHTMARES a few years down the road.

    KISS ! Run a separate fill line for each air spring to a convenient location. Fill the air spring BEFORE adding you load and then remove air to get to your desired ride height.
  • kohldad's avatar
    kohldad
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2020
    Hopefully you plan on running an equalizer hitch which will transfer some of the load from the rear axle to the front and trailer.

    I would do the upper along with air bags. Make sure you don't put to much in the air in the bags or you will unload the suspension and cause other problems.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Sep 06, 2020
    Your spring pack will be too soft for the camper and trailer. You have the option to upgrade the spring pack or tweak your current pack to take up the sag. How do you want to proceed? I did the tweaks on my previous truck to make it still comfortable unloaded. My current truck is dedicated to camper hauling and has the correct suspension for my load.
  • jimh406's avatar
    jimh406
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2020
    I don’t think you’ll need the lowers. I have a F450 and use Energy Suspension bump stops (they aren’t solid about half the thickness of Stableloads) and air bags. I’ve had my TC full of my stuff including water and pulled a fully loaded TT from Seattle to Yellowstone and back with no issues. Your setup will probably be heavier.

    I would add the uppers first to keep the overloads engaged, and only use enough air to keep the truck level. That may mean as low as 20-40 lbs in each bag. Firestone makes a specific kit for F450s. You don’t need to overthink it, but make sure the person doing the airbag install makes clean connections, puts the valve stem inputs where they are easy to reach, and tightens the valve stem inserts.

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