I see that a few people have both Stabileloads and airbags with their larger campers on their F450s. I have a 2010 Ford F450 4x4 6.4L. Does any have a different idea for the 2008-2010 years?Are any of you running aftermarket steering stabilizers?BTW, my camper isn't huge, but it isn't a lightweight either. I'd rather future proof if possible just in case, I go bigger.

Congrats on the new truck Jim. I have been wanting that same 2010 truck since they changed the F450 in '11 . I have heard from owned on the dieselstop forum that they say the F450 pickups are a little soft in the rear to make them more comfortable to drive, so yo may need some help in the back, but you may be able to reuse some of the goodies from you '06.Post up some pictures of the new rig.

Not that interesting at the moment with a camper, but here it is. :)

kawa900stx wrote:Congrats on the new truck Jim. I have been wanting that same 2010 truck since they changed the F450 in '11 . I have heard from owned on the dieselstop forum that they say the F450 pickups are a little soft in the rear to make them more comfortable to drive, so yo may need some help in the back, but you may be able to reuse some of the goodies from you '06.Post up some pictures of the new rig.It sounds like you well be able to get that truck again as it sounds like Ford is bringing the 19.5 tires and such back in 2015. It is true that the F450 were designed more for towing than hauling and they did have the longer springs for a little softer ride but still I would wait and see how the camper rides before adding anything. If you need Stable Loads most of places can get them to you in a couple of days if you are in a hurry for them.

Can't see any picture if you just posted one. Did you have to add swing-out brackets to the Host, or did yours already have them. Mine doesn't so I was wondering how difficult it might be.

kawa900stx wrote:Can't see any picture if you just posted one. Did you have to add swing-out brackets to the Host, or did yours already have them. Mine doesn't so I was wondering how difficult it might be.Yes I saw that announcement with the F450. Only thing I can't be certain of is if they also brought back the S110 (?) heavier duty rear axle as well. Of course, I was also hoping for the '10 since I would be able to find a used one, I may have to weight again to get a used 2014. Sorry didn't mean to take this off track

Suspension mods for 2010 Ford F450 4x4 for large camper?

DoneItAll
Explorer
Feb 25, 2014
I have a 2008 F-450 and carry a large Lance 1191. The only mod I did to the suspension was to add 2, 3/4" leaves to each side. Truck now rides 4" high when unloaded and squats 4" with the camper on. Drives like there's no load in the rear with the camper on board (although with no load in the rear, it drives like a truck with concrete blocks for tires...) I only off load to get a load of stone, lumber or wood pellets.

John
SugarHillCTD
Explorer
Feb 23, 2014
NICE truck Jim. Very nice.

Happy travels.
NRALIFR
Explorer
Feb 22, 2014
Nice looking truck Jim, I've got the same MY in KR trim.

The camper in my sig typically scales around 5500-5600 lbs. The only thing I've done to the suspension on mine is add some home-made stable loads. I made these out of UHMW plastic that I salvaged from work. I made them as much to get rid of the rubber bumpers as to make the overload springs engage sooner. I didn't like the noise the rubber bumpers made.

I wouldn't do anything to yours until you make a trip or two with the camper and see what it needs.

:):)
gvgeode
Explorer
Feb 22, 2014
Our 2010 F450 is stock with Rancho shocks from Ford as an option. No airbags or other stabilizers added. It rides very well with our Lance 1055 weighing in at about 5200 pounds. We have had no handling problems in over 40K miles with about 3K off paved roads and a fair amount of that off maintained roads.
jimh406
Explorer III
Feb 20, 2014
I just ordered some Energy Suspension bump stops, and I will see how it looks as soon as I have my hinges and stops.
Bedlam
Moderator
Feb 20, 2014
I use a mix of the StableLoads and Energy Suspension stops. The ES stops are softer but allow more compression before fully engaging the overloads which makes the truck squat more. The SL stops slap my overloads on rough roadway when unloaded making the ride harsher than should be. I compromised by using the SL on the rear half of the spring and ES on the front half.
rickeoni
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014
The F450 loves to squat with any weight in the back until it contacts the overloads. I use stable loads in the summer when camper is on the truck and take them off in winter as the ride has a lot more jolt in it when empty when they are installed. going to try the energy bump stops this summer to see if I can soften the ride up a little.
okan-star
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014
Do this ?http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Ford_F450_F550_s/1878.htm
kawa900stx
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014
Gorgeous looking truck Jim. I am jealous. And yes let me know how it goes since I hope to be in the same situation someday.
jimh406
Explorer III
Feb 20, 2014
Sorry, about the pic posting. I ended up linking it instead.

No, I had to order the hinges. I'll let you know how that install goes.