Recommended Suspension Enhancement for 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor Towing 8,000 Pound Trailer

Updated 01/10/2018 | Published 01/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(2256)

$347.99

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2621)

$24.09

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.42

Question:

If you had to choose between the two which would it be? Id like to have something that can be left on without affecting the ride too much. I will be towing a trailer weighing around 7000 lbs, over 5000 pounds they say to use a weight distributing hitch, but Id like to have the extra support on the rear suspension also. 150 pound tongue weight dropped my receiver 1 inch when towing an empty aluminum trailer. Trailer is rated for 10,000 pounds but I dont plan to tow more than 8000 total.

asked by: R

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor, I recommend going with the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs # SSR-117-47. These jounce-style springs feature progressive load control that will provide you with a much smoother ride when compared to the Timbren springs, especially when empty or hauling a lighter load. They have a 1,500 pound weight capacity so they will do a nice job of reducing the rear sag you are experiencing when hooking up the trailer. It will be a simple, no-drill installation.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product along with the written installation instructions that you can take a look at.

With that being said, I do recommend looking into a weight distribution system. A properly rated weight distribution system will resolve the sag you are having with the trailer attached and will typically eliminate the need for suspension enhancement. Suspension enhancement is designed more to help with sag from loads that are carried on the vehicle, while weight distribution is used to level out the ride when a trailer's tongue weight is the issue. In order to pick out the best system, you will want to determine your setup's total tongue weight, which will include both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer (as if ready for a trip), along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the rear axle of your truck. Ideally, your total tongue weight will fall near the middle of the operating range on the system you choose.

Since you mentioned that you likely won't exceed a loaded trailer weight of 8,000 pounds, we can estimate a loaded tongue weight of 800 to 1,200 pounds. This is because a trailer's tongue weight should typically be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight.

With this in mind, a system like the Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System # RP66561 will be a great option. It has a tongue weight capacity range of 700 to 1,400 pounds and will do a great job of evenly distributing weight over the axles of your F-150 Raptor and trailer. This will give you a more level ride on both the truck and trailer, along with integrated sway control that will limit side-to-side movement. You will just need to add a compatible hitch ball like the 2 inch # A-90 or 2-5/16 inch # 19286.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this system along with an FAQ on weight distribution systems that you might find helpful.