How To Reduce Bouncing While Towing With a Weight Distribution System

Published 04/29/2019

Question:

I have a 2011 Ford F150 Crew Cab 4x4 with a 5.0 V8 and 3.73 rear with the 7350 GVW package. Its rated for towing 9200lbs. We just recently picked up a new Travel Trailer with a GVW of 8600lbs. I have a haul master 10000 lbs. Capacity Weight-Distributing Hitch and a sway bar. I just rolled the setup over the CAT scales this week and weighed in at: Steer axle 3500lbs Drive Axle 4540 lbs Trailer axle 7440 GVCW 15480 The truck has 122,000 miles on it and has been used for Towing and hauling for about 85 of them. When I hit a concrete highway, the truck seems to just bob up and down pretty hard with the expansion joints in the road. WD is setup correctly, I dont know the tongue weight, but I believe Im in the correct range, The truck sits pretty level with the WD hitch. Im wondering if its just time to upgrade my shocks on the truck or if I should get an Airbag system. We have another trip planned in Two weeks and with a 3 month old and my wife complaining about the roads around us and the bumping Id like to solve this. Our old camper was online a 5k lbs GWV and it bounced on concrete too but nothing that was crazy out of control just like normal syncd bumps on concrete. and Im blaming part of that because our WD hitch just wouldnt go low enough to level the trailer.

asked by: Jason M

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but the bouncing feeling you are experiencing is more or less an adverse effect of the weight distribution system. The ride on your 2011 Ford F-150 has become more stiff in the rear as a result of the weight distribution system working to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer. Because the ride has become stiffer, you are going to experience more bouncing.

What you can do is take some of the weight off the weight distribution system and place that on a set of airbags, the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs part # AL57200. This will then allow you to fine tune the airbags and weight distribution system until you get the perfect amount of comfort and support. However, please note that this is not going to get rid of all the bouncing but it will help if setup properly.

In order to determine if your truck's suspension is in good working order you would want to take it into a local repair center for inspection.

expert reply by: Conner L