Up or down pulling a 5er?

[Canadian GP]

Still undecided if I will be buying a 2WD or 4WD F150 next year to pull a 5th wheel trailer when I retire. Is lifting a 4WD or lowering a 2WD a bad idea if I plan on pulling a 5er?

TIA :icon_wink:

[Bush_aholic]

Go 4x4 all the way IMO! It will come handy when you are trying to park or get out of tight parking spots.....and sooo many other situations

[Canadian GP]

Go 4x4 all the way IMO!

I appreciate the reply but I'm not asking which truck to buy, I'm asking if it's a good idea to mod the suspension of whichever truck I do buy. :icon_cool:

[fordtough.ca]

Depends on how much do you want to lift it
or you just want to level it.
Both will be OK with in 2"

[Coruptyed]

Still undecided if I will be buying a 2WD or 4WD F150 next year to pull a 5th wheel trailer when I retire. Is lifting a 4WD or lowering a 2WD a bad idea if I plan on pulling a 5er?

TIA :icon_wink:

i wouldnt suggest lower a 2wd and then putting the weight of a fifth wheel trailer on the back, you might run into some problems down the road when the springs settle and the weight pushes down on the back.

[tohi2care]

If you get rear airbags you can lower when not towing and raise when towing for that extra clearence. It's the best of both worlds!

[fordtough.ca]

If you get rear airbags you can lower when not towing and raise when towing for that extra clearence. It's the best of both worlds!
What a great idea
:happy-smiley-541:

[Canadian GP]

Thanks for the info, I really like the airbag idea. Anyone know of a site where I can find info on them?

[tohi2care]

Airbag Helper
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/2350.html

Best brand by far.
http://www.firestoneindustrial.com/north_america/

[Dank_44]

i agree with tohi2care

[Smokefan]

In the case of pulling a 5th wheel keep in mind that the Ford tailgates are among the highest at stock riding height.

[canadian redneck]

If you lift a 4x4 you will likely have a difficult time keeping a 5er level which is best for towing, and with the idea of lowering a 2wd you would likely end up with the front of the 5er low.

Depending on the size of 5er you are looking at and even the ones that claim they are 1/2 ton pullable you are better off with a 3/4 ton. Tag along trailers are much more suited for 1/2 tons as you can use a equalizer hitch to support the weight but a 5er is a nicer unit to pull.

[LayinHp]

also if your looking at the crew cab 4x4 or 2wd make your a 5th wheel will clear the cab they have the shorter bed

a 4x4 leveling kit with over size tires and helper springs is the way id go... if you can swing it go for the diesel

[SKRWZ]

If you get rear airbags you can lower when not towing and raise when towing for that extra clearence. It's the best of both worlds!

Thats exactly the way I would go

and the choice between 2wd and 4wd is up to you but I'm sure you are going to drive it in the winter so a 4wd will come in useful

[Canadian GP]

Thats exactly the way I would go

and the choice between 2wd and 4wd is up to you but I'm sure you are going to drive it in the winter so a 4wd will come in useful

After this weekend I'm seriously leaning towards a 4WD, my Grand Prix has been stuck in the garage since Saturday morning. :icon_rolleyes:

Thanks for all of the input.

[canadian redneck]

also if your looking at the crew cab 4x4 or 2wd make your a 5th wheel will clear the cab they have the shorter bed


You will be ok with a 6.5' bed if you use a sliding 5th wheel hitch, this way you can slide the hitch back while making tight maneuvers backing into camp sites etc and there will be enough clearance during normal driving. You wont be able to have the popular 5.5' bed as there will not be enough clearance between the front of the trailer and the cab for even normal driving.

[Smokefan]

After this weekend I'm seriously leaning towards a 4WD, my Grand Prix has been stuck in the garage since Saturday morning. :icon_rolleyes:

Thanks for all of the input.

My Supercrew has been stuck at work since Monday, I hope it melts before Thursday.....................I don't have a snow brush.

[Coruptyed]

My Supercrew has been stuck at work since Monday, I hope it melts before Thursday.....................I don't have a snow brush.

well i got stuck twice last night driving... i wish i had a 4x4, rwd isnt winning for me in this weather

[deadeye1]

You want to be careful pulling a 5th wheel trailer with a F150. Normally the pin weight is 20% of the GVWR of the trailer. I have a 24 ft Springdale and the pin weight is 990 lbs. I have a 2002 F150 7700 4X4. I would not want a heavier trailer then I have because i'M at the limit of the tow rating. By the time you add in your hitch weight you my be overweight. If you lift the 4x4 or its the new model F150 the box will be to high and the trailer will not ride level unless you put spacers on the 5th springs. If you lower a 2wd you can put the hitch in a higher position but if you are overloaded you may damage something under the truck.

[Z1Krob]

If you lift your truck you can always lift the trailer also. I've seen it done but it can't be the best for stability.

[Smokefan]

If you lift your truck you can always lift the trailer also. I've seen it done but it can't be the best for stability.

or fuel economy, the lower the better on fuel