F150 spring helpers with the 5.0 TA that you like?

AL

Al Y

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I have time right now so should probably ask if you 5.0 TA owners have found spring helpers that work well on the F150 or other 1/2 tons? I’ve had Sumos on two previous Class B’s and an additional leaf on another F150 with a 5th wheel. In looking online there’s a ton of spring helpers available. Think I’m looking for something that hooks up pretty quick, to minimize initial sag (when dropping the 5.0 onto the hitch) while not drastically affecting overall ride quality when driving (in a perfect world).
 
I don’t think you’ll need spring helpers on leaf springs, on any 1/2 ton.

We use a GMC Canyon, which is smaller than a half ton, and don’t need any helpers. Your pin weight will be about 700lbs and that will be dead center in the bed, so, it’s probably well under your payload and in an optimal place.
 
splitting_lanes said:
I don’t think you’ll need spring helpers on leaf springs, on any 1/2 ton.

We use a GMC Canyon, which is smaller than a half ton, and don’t need any helpers. Your pin weight will be about 700lbs and that will be dead center in the bed, so, it’s probably well under your payload and in an optimal place.
Click to expand...

That’s what I was hoping to hear ;)
 
If needed: (as mentioned above)

But, what does your Tire Loading sticker state on the driver's door post for "Payload"?

Roadmaster Roadactive Suspension for quick and reasonable $$. I have these on my payload challenged Raptor for an E19 - adjustable and work fine. Pretty easy on / off if needed - I leave on.

https://activesuspension.com/

Or, Deaver replacement leaf springs - highly regarded and can be customized for the use / load in need. $$$

https://deaverspring.com/product-category/leaf-springs/ford/

Or, a local suspension shop to "add a leaf", not as scientific, but many work out great.

Or, rear air bags
 
FWIW the 'empty forward rake' of my truck nicely settles to 'level' when the 5.0 is hitched and using the middle hole on my Andersen ball the trailer rides level.

Truck / trailer / CAT scale weight data
  • 2022 F150 Lariat SuperCab 4x4 6.5ft bed
  • 7050# GVWR
  • 1848# Sticker Payload
  • 5620# Truck weight with aftermarket running boards, Line-X bedliner, Turnoverball+Andersen hitch, 180# driver, misc stuff normally carried in the cab, full tank
  • ~6400# Average loaded truck weight as above + avg. ~780# 5.0 pin weight (average of 3 weights at different times, slightly different loaded trailer / pin weights)
I've had no reason to consider any 'helper spring' or similar :nonono:.

I have installed Bilstein 5100 shocks on all corners which has no bearing on stance / ride height but does (IMO) afford better than OE damping on uneven roads both empty and towing.

The rig rides and handles like a dream :thumb:.

YMMV.
 
Last edited:
Centex said:
FWIW the 'empty forward rake' of my truck nicely settles to 'level' when the 5.0 is hitched and using the middle hole on my Andersen ball the trailer rides level.

Truck / trailer / CAT scale weight data
  • 2022 F150 Lariat SuperCab 4x4 6.5ft bed
  • 7050# GVWR
  • 1848# Sticker Payload
  • 5620# Truck weight with aftermarket running boards, Line-X bedliner, Turnoverball+Andersen hitch, 180# driver, misc stuff normally carried in the cab, full tank
  • ~6400# Average loaded truck weight as above + avg. ~780# 5.0 pin weight (average of 3 weights at different times, slightly different loaded trailer / pin weights)
I've had no reason to consider any 'helper spring' or similar :nonono:.

I have installed Bilstein 5100 shocks on all corners which has no bearing on stance / ride height but does (IMO) afford better than OE damping on uneven roads both empty and towing.

The rig rides and handles like a dream :thumb:.

YMMV.
Click to expand...

Nice. You can’t beat Bilsteins for sure.

Okay, something I won’t worry about for now. Sounds like if nothing else I can deal with it later, if it’s an issue.

Thanks.
 
Centex said:
FWIW the 'empty forward rake' of my truck nicely settles to 'level' when the 5.0 is hitched and using the middle hole on my Andersen ball the trailer rides level.

Truck / trailer / CAT scale weight data
  • 2022 F150 Lariat SuperCab 4x4 6.5ft bed
  • 7050# GVWR
  • 1848# Sticker Payload
  • 5620# Truck weight with aftermarket running boards, Line-X bedliner, Turnoverball+Andersen hitch, 180# driver, misc stuff normally carried in the cab, full tank
  • ~6400# Average loaded truck weight as above + avg. ~780# 5.0 pin weight (average of 3 weights at different times, slightly different loaded trailer / pin weights)
I've had no reason to consider any 'helper spring' or similar :nonono:.

I have installed Bilstein 5100 shocks on all corners which has no bearing on stance / ride height but does (IMO) afford better than OE damping on uneven roads both empty and towing.

The rig rides and handles like a dream :thumb:.

YMMV.
Click to expand...

A little of topic but in reading some of your other advice I am thinking when I pick the 5.0 up (with the F150; 6 1/2’ box; Anderson 3200 rail hitch) that I will first try the hitch with the ball closest to the trailer and the funnel coupler behind the kingpin (furthest from the truck). Safe enough bet?
 
Centex said:
Just curious, care to share a general description of your F150? No worries if no.
Click to expand...

Sure. Its a 2011 4x4 XLT XTR with about 50k miles. Has the trailer package and the 5.0 engine. Call me crazy but I just like this generation of the F150. I have had a few of them now.
 
Al Y said:
A little of topic but in reading some of your other advice I am thinking when I pick the 5.0 up (with the F150; 6 1/2’ box; Anderson 3200 rail hitch) that I will first try the hitch with the ball closest to the trailer and the funnel coupler behind the kingpin (furthest from the truck). Safe enough bet?
Click to expand...
IIRC with your 3200 rail mount Andersen says it can be installed with the ball biased to the front or rear. With my gooseneck mount Andersen stipulates the Andersen ball must be oriented to the rear of the gooseneck ball. So you have an 'OK from Andersen' to experiment that I lack in that regard.

I happen to run with my coupler block funnel behind the kingpin as you describe.

Edit - In my case the centerline of the Andersen ball is 36.5" inside the closed tailgate; the resulting clearances work for me. Not sure how close your pinbox may be to the closed tailgate with the ball oriented to the rear - but that'll be immediately obvious when you first hitch (think about steep gas-station entry ramps with low gutters where the pinbox will drop close to the tailgate) and with the rail mount 3200 very easy to reverse if 'uncomfortably close'.

Al Y said:
Sure. Its a 2011 4x4 XLT XTR with about 50k miles. Has the trailer package and the 5.0 engine. Call me crazy but I just like this generation of the F150. I have had a few of them now.
Click to expand...
That sounds to me like a great tug for your 5.0TA. :thumb:
 
Last edited:
BritCanuck said:
Alan, what pressure do you run your truck tires at when towing?
Click to expand...
After a brief bit of experimenting with higher pressures, I choose to run the placard recommended pressure (always set cold first thing in the morning with a gauge).

With my driving style I couldn't discern a meaningful handling difference with higher pressure when towing, just harsher ride as I approached max rated (on tire sidewall) tire pressure.

I don't set tire pressures using the truck TPMS, but watching indicated TPMS pressure initially increase then stabilize when driving both towing and not towing (very similar) suggests to me that sidewall flex and attendant heating is not an issue at the placard pressure when towing.

YMMV, no worries!

My actual truck tire loads when towing the 5.0 may be of interest:
 

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Centex said:
.........
My actual truck tire loads when towing the 5.0 may be of interest:
Click to expand...

Appears that bottom data is "per tire"?

So, 780# of weight added to the truck while hitched?

And only #40 of that added to the front wheels


Nice!
 
7Gentex said:
Appears that bottom data is "per tire"?

So, 780# of weight added to the truck while hitched?

And only #40 of that added to the front wheels
Click to expand...
Yes to all, per-tire load data is CAT scale per-axle weight divided by 2 (ignores / averages any minor side-to-side bias).
 
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I second the Roadmaster Active Suspension...sure, I don't need them, but I prefer my ride and fuel mileage when I have them on, vs when I don't.
 
Perry Butler said:
I got the proper suspension for our F150, so not needed. Now if you have soft springs it may help with gas mileage, but probably not that measurable if at all.

Perry
Click to expand...

I have the proper suspension on my F-150 (with tow package) and I would not claim the Roadmaster Active Suspension saves fuel (perhaps very minor or major advertising hype) but I will say unequivocally that it does improve the F-150’s handling when I am not towing and also when the 5.0 TA is connected. After putting one on my first F-150 and feeling the difference, I have installed them on my 2nd & 3rd F-150s. YMMV
 
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