2018 SCAB Towing issues. Need help! Clicky here!

[TXRaptor]

I definitely need a solution that is either...

A: makes the truck better all around for both on road, Offroad and towing.

B: is removable EASILY after towing.

I spent a lot of time looking for option A, but came up with nothing that does all three. Deaver HDs are pretty close, but your on road comfort suffers over the standard Deaver +3s I have on my Gen 2.

For option B, the Roadmaster Active Suspension is the best choice for towing and everyday driving with easy on/off. I have the SuperSprings for my Gen 1 and they are also great for towing and everyday driving. However, they are a chore to install and remove for your off-road excursions.

Also, just an FYI, the SCAB is only rated at 6000 lbs max, so you should not exceed that no matter what option you choose to reduce sag. That was part of the reason I went with a SCREW for my Gen 2.

 

[Ocotillo Boy]

This is a bummer to hear because I wanted to put deaver plus 2's for better Offroad manners but it sounds like they will make things worse for towing.

I'm going to call deaver for confirmation.

 

[Kenny008]

A couple of simple ideas:

Hitch Weight: I assume this is all set, but keep the right amount of weight on the hitch. 10-15% of trailer weight should be on the hitch.

Hitch Drop: As mentioned, some people don't take the time to properly level the trailer.

Tire Pressure: The C-rated tires are softer than the normal HD E-rated tires. You'll want to max out your tire pressure to whatever your tire allows. A lot of us like to lower the pressure for smoother ride, less rear-end hop on bumps, etc. This won't cut it when towing. The sidewalls flex way too much.

Weight-distributing hitch: Really made a big difference for me. I have a 6500 lb (empty) trailer, and it sagged quite a bit until I had gotten the WD hitch properly adjusted. My sag is now about 1/2". I still notice a bit of sway when passing a truck, but pretty minor.

I also just bought a simple friction sway-bar to install. Haven't had time to put it on yet, but I'll see if that gets rid of the residual sway.

As far as power, NO ISSUE. Pulls very easy. Just the soft suspension that needs your attention.

When you're done towing, you just pull the hitch, air down the tires a bit, and you're ready for normal on-road ops.

 

[tilltheend]

I pull a 20' toy hauler (4800# Dry) occasionally and when I added this system it helped considerably keeping it inline and feedback into the truck on my Gen1 SCAB.
https://www.huskytow.com/product/husky-center-line-towing-system/

I looked at the bump stop systems and deavers but other than extremely high speed rough roads this takes care of it. I wouldn't sign up to haul my camper cross country but around the state at 60mph it works great. These aren't tow rigs no matter what gadgets are installed, just stay in the limits and respect the trailer and you'll be fine.

 

[sdorn]

I installed the Roadmaster Active Suspension on my 2018 SCREW. It did definitely help a lot with towing. Just last weekend I towed a camper trailer that was probably just under 6,000lbs without any real issues.

As far as being easily removable, it depends on what tools you have available. For me, it is not worth the hassle to take them on and off. They actually improve handling in normal driving as well, and I don't go off road very often. If you were going to do some really serious off roading it isn't that big of a hassle to take them on and off. If you don't have a lift you just have to jack up the differential, place jack stands on both sides, remove both rear wheels, remove the Roadmaster system from the leaf springs (just requires loosening a few nuts and slides right off), then put the wheels back on. Reinstalling is the same process, but you have to adjust the tension on the springs again which requires making sure the suspension is fully hanging loose and then tightening the spring on the Roadmaster.

I adjusted the tension on my Roadmaster set up in about 30 minutes last time, which basically requires all the same steps as removing or reinstalling it. A lift would make the whole process a 10 minute job, easy.

 

[Ocotillo Boy]

That would be a lot of work to do when we get to our destination and unhook the trailer

 

[jabroni619]

Seems like you really would have been far better off with a SCREW.

 

[Ocotillo Boy]

On the towing aspect..... I agree. I had no idea it would be such a squirrelly Lil sucker.

I didn't intend on buying a boat when I bought the truck. Matter fact.... I still don't even know why I bought the truck.

Seemed like a good idea at the time I guess lol!

There's a new Monterey M4 at the dealer with our name on it. Not even sure what a brilliant idea that is.

Sounds fun. But...if my comfy plush Raptor won't tow it....I'm over it.

 

[jabroni619]

If towing is going to be the primary use with off-roading being secondary, you might as well sell the Raptor. They hold their value extremely well. Might be a better option than to try to turn it into something it really isn't.

Buy a regular F150, tow the boat with ease and use the left over $$$ to buy a RZR XP4 to use for off-road adventures... Heck you probably already have one.

 

[Ocotillo Boy]

Negative Ghostrider. I went through a lot of trouble to get a SCAB because I did not want a SCREW. Had to buy it 2400 miles away and have it shipped.

I have a truck for towing and I also have a SXS for Offroad adventures.

We wanted to do stuff like lake Powell, do it in comfort and be able to go play in the dez, Moab etc while we were out there.

I for sure will not do anything to this truck that will make its Offroad ability worse. Will not turn it into something it's not.

I'm a hardcore Offroad guy. Life will continue without a boat for me. That being said, I would really like to get this boat so I'm not throwing in the towel just yet.

Still looking into towing solutions. If that Fox air shock thing will work I may consider that after further research. I feel there's possibly a pretty good leverage ratio going on down at the lower shock mount. Still looking into this.