Uprating rear suspension F150 Lightning

[DrMrSam]

Looking for some advice please.

I have exported a Ford F150 Lightning Lariat ER 2022 to Europe. My partner and I are travelling the continent for the next 2 years in it.

We have purchased a slide-in camper unit for the back (despite Ford not recommending this ? and I'm now learning why).

Our rear GAWR is sitting bang on max.
It's rated to 4950lb, and we are at 4945lb fully loaded. So 5lb 'spare'..

My questions are:

1. I'd like to support the back end the best I can. I'm shipping in some 123/120s load rated tires. What other upgrade can I do to support the axle?
I've seen a couple of suspension coilover kits (e.g Icon or Eibach, I'll link both at the bottom)
Would these help take any of the strain off the axle?

2. Does anyone know of any improvements I can make to the axle itself to protect/improve it? Are there any uprated axle shafts available for the Lightning?

3. I know the GAWR must have some percentage of safety margin designed into it. I have no intention of going over the rated limit. But would I actually be damaging the axle by having it max loaded 24/7 365? Or will it just be a bit more wear and tear? (Can anyone suggest how often I should get the axle checked over, every 10,000 miles?)

Thanks in advance for your time!

Sam


ICON
https://www.iconvehicledynamics.com...5-vs-remote-reservoir-cdev-coilover-kit-rear/

EIBACH
https://eibach.com/eps-search?year=...submodel=Dual eMotor - Extended Range Battery

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[SC_Sparky]

Interesting post. I'd put rear air bags on it for sure. Also, check out Hellwig anti sway bars. I've done both in other trucks for campers and works like a charm. Good luck.

 

[Shawnson]

Interesting post. I'd put rear air bags on it for sure. Also, check out Hellwig anti sway bars. I've done both in other trucks for campers and works like a charm. Good luck.

Have you seen an airbag kit for the lightning? What do they mount it to?

 

[Pioneer74]

Weight rating aren't just about the suspension. You have other things that are limited by weight. Tires, axle half shafts, wheels, and brakes.

Stay safe.

 

[SC_Sparky]

I forgot, independent... Just quick searching isn't great. Looks like there are only helper bags for inside the coil. I'd be curious if you could just replace the current coils with some from an expedition (I checked for any air bags for them, nothing with the independent suspension). Just need the coil rates for both and measuring- it's the only thing I see working. Something like this may help, but I believe the shock is inside the coil on these- I need to check later in the day to confirm. https://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Ford/Explorer/2019/AL60821.html?VehicleID=20191111798

 

[Shodan01]

Any update on this?

 

[Grumpy2]

Back in the day I considered a booster axle for a truck, but decided to buy a motorhome instead. I just checked and they are still advertised. It requires a improved hitch receiver, and I don't know if there is enough room?

https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/new-tag-axle-improves-truck-camper-hauling-options/

https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/camper-beast/smart-axle-could-revolutionize-truck-camping/

 

[DrMrSam]

Back in the day I considered a booster axle for a truck, but decided to buy a motorhome instead. I just checked and they are still advertised. It requires a improved hitch receiver, and I don't know if there is enough room?

https://www.truckcamperadventure.com/new-tag-axle-improves-truck-camper-hauling-options/

https://www.truckcampermagazine.com/camper-beast/smart-axle-could-revolutionize-truck-camping/

Hey bud.

Just wanted to say a big thank you to you. We've decided to go down this route. You've saved us a lot of money, and have allowed us to keep our overweight back unit.

Thank you for the advice!

I'd love to send you over some $ to buy yourself a beer on us ? You've honestly fixed our predicament.
DM me your Paypal or Veno or however you want beer $ sent over ?
That does not apply to anyone else reading this, sorry haha.

 

[Grumpy2]

We've decided to go down this route.

Ha! Great News Sam. I hope you and your partner enjoy the months & years ahead touring. If you eventually publish a booklet of your grand adventure please DM me the link.

Happy Traveling to You.

 

[MatthewP]

How has this worked? What impact on miles per kW or tire wear have you measured? Have you continued to explore other options?

 

[RLXXI]

Well it's been over a year, I hope they didn't break anything doing what Ford told them not to do.

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