Rear Suspension Assist Options

[frozebubba]

I bought a 2020 F-350 Diesel to use for my work. I assumed it was going to be more than adequate for towing my Escape 21C. It tows very well, plenty of power, and with the weight distribution hitch, tracks well. However, I have been very surprised that my hitch drops about 5" when I hook up my Escape, and does the same with my 14' Featherlight cargo trailer. It doesn't seem right to me. When I checked the factory sticker, there was a No Charge line item that read "Payload Downgrade Package". Never seen that before, but it probably explains why the truck rides a comfortably as my 2015 F-150, as well as why it drops so much.

I am looking at two products for rear leaf assist. The Road Active Suspension System, and the Timbren rubber springs that mount to the underside of the frame rails and ride about 1" above the leaf springs until a load is applied.

Does anyone know anything ab out these products, or have another product to recommend to reduce the hitch drop when I load up a trailer? I would love to hear from you. Anybody know what a Payload Downgrade Package really means? Thanks.

I have had the Timbrens on my RAM 1500 for about 6 years towing an RPod 171 and then an Escape 21C. Great addition for leveling. My set has a very slow leak that I cannot find but I just check the pressure regularly and adjust with a bicycle pump. They were a bit of a pain to install (making sure you don't drill into any wires inside the frame, a flat concrete pad to work on is needed and you have to have jacks that will lift the entire rear end of the truck), but worth it.

 

[GinoandLinda]

We have the Road Active Suspension. Pretty much an install and forget deal. They do add a bit of roughness when not loaded but perfect for our application.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

old thread, but...

my 2002 F250 longbed access cab 4x4 7.3 diesel had 2000 lbs payload. IIRC, the trucks' CURB weight was around 7000 lbs.

My E21 would drop the ball less than an inch. I even was using an extra long ball mount so the tongue jack would clear the truck tailgate. this combination towed rock steady under all conditions.

 

[BULLS]

I bought a 2020 F-350 Diesel to use for my work. I assumed it was going to be more than adequate for towing my Escape 21C. It tows very well, plenty of power, and with the weight distribution hitch, tracks well. However, I have been very surprised that my hitch drops about 5" when I hook up my Escape, and does the same with my 14' Featherlight cargo trailer. It doesn't seem right to me. When I checked the factory sticker, there was a No Charge line item that read "Payload Downgrade Package". Never seen that before, but it probably explains why the truck rides a comfortably as my 2015 F-150, as well as why it drops so much.

I am looking at two products for rear leaf assist. The Road Active Suspension System, and the Timbren rubber springs that mount to the underside of the frame rails and ride about 1" above the leaf springs until a load is applied.

Does anyone know anything ab out these products, or have another product to recommend to reduce the hitch drop when I load up a trailer? I would love to hear from you. Anybody know what a Payload Downgrade Package really means? Thanks.

I tow with a f-150 2011 and a 19' Escape. Before and after towing with the RAS is absolutely amazing. Great product that works as advertise. My'd is setup using the #2 shim. Tad bit expensive, but for me it was a done & out...