Recommended Solution to Fight Sag on 2001 Ford Expedition with Timbren Springs Already Installed

Updated 10/01/2021 | Published 09/30/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6332)

$269.36

Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(172)

$1154.04

Reese Weight Distribution System w/ Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW

(51)

$849.49

Question:

I have a 2001 Ford Expedition, 4-wheel drive. In April, I purchased a Coachman 252RBS trailer. I ordered Timbren TFREXPA from etrailer in June. After a recent one-month trip, I noticed the back of the trailer continues to sag. When the trailer is attached, the distance from the rear wheel wells to the ground s by up to 1-3 inches. My concern is that I may be too heavy on the rear axle of the Expedition. The gross axle weight from the door sticker is 4,128 pounds. A recent CAT scale weighing shows the drive axle weight at 4,160 pounds. I would appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you.

asked by: Larry

Helpful Expert Reply:

While the Timbren suspension enhancement for your 2001 Ford Expedition does help fight sag, it looks like a typical Coachmen 252RBS has a GVWR of 7000-lbs or more; any time your trailer weighs more than 1/2 the curb weight of the vehicle, a weight distribution hitch is a good way to help ensure that the trailer's tongue weight is distributed more equally across the axles of the tow vehicle. From what it sounds like based off the weights you mentioned, the weight of the trailer isn't being distributed evenly across the axles. For this reason I do recommend taking a look at adding a weight distribution hitch to your Coachmen 252RBS to help correct this lingering sag on the rear axle.

The best way to choose a weight distribution hitch is based off the tongue weight of the trailer; assuming you're in the recommended 10-15% of the GVWR range then you'll need a weight distribution hitch that can handle 1000-lbs of tongue weight. I recommend taking a look at the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66084, which is well rated for trailer and uses gas charged pistons to help prevent sway events before they happen. A weight distribution system like this will help take some of the stress off the rear axle and gives you the added sway control to make your towing experience much safer.

If sway events aren't common when you're towing this trailer then you could use a weight distribution system like the Reese Weight Distribution System w Shank - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66542 that does not have integrated sway control. This system is also well rated for your Coachmen 252RBS trailer and the trunnion bars help provide better ground clearance with an easier installation.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Erik B