how to boost tow limit to 7000?

[gerdua]

hello everyone,

I was wondering if anybody had any ideas on how to increase the tow limit of the suspension on the Raptor to 7000lbs? Can I use some sort of air suspension?
Where could I buy one?
Ford recommends 6000lbs only, but I would like to tow a 5th wheel around 6000lbs to 6300lbs, + passengers and gear, I am looking at 7000lbs. Any ideas would help. I don't want to void any warrenty if I do this if possible.

Gerdua
Labrador, Canada
2010 Raptor, 5.4L
Blue flame

 

[whtrapta]

The fifth wheel hitch has weight in the right place, if you can get the weight displaced just right, you could probably pull it off. The next issue is I don't know of any 5th wheels that can be towed with a 5.5' bed. Most you have to have that sliding hitch thing and they are for 6 or 6.5'.

 

[iceman302]

I know a good mod that will get you 8000 pounds without any warranty concerns... the SCrew mod.

 

[AVALANCHE]

Our beloved raptors are not exactly strong in the towing department due to its sensitive suspension. I find it funny it comes with electric trailer brakes when it has low towing numbers but what the hay. Something you may want to look into is a Timbren Kit. They are rubber spacers that bolt on under the frame to suppliment your suspension. easy on and off in 5 minutes. However you cant leave them on for normal offroading because your rear end will be close to resting on the Timbrens which will give you a real bumpy ass ride.

 

[SPRSNK]

Couple of suggestions.

1. Airbags would help. Truck could take it anyways at lower speeds
2. Check your clearances. Chances are the bed is just too small to tow that. I can't imagine pulling a 5th wheel or a gooseneck with my Raptor.

Edit: I just looked at your truck. You are screwed. The 5.4 is such a gimp engine it'll never do it. (Not insulting any Raptor owners, I have a 5.4 in my Expedition thinking it would haul my enclosed trailer..not a ******* chance). Your SCab also does not have the weight to do it in a safe manner. I would not do it.

 

[Madcowranch]

Couple of suggestions.

1. Airbags would help. Truck could take it anyways at lower speeds
2. Check your clearances. Chances are the bed is just too small to tow that. I can't imagine pulling a 5th wheel or a gooseneck with my Raptor.

Edit: I just looked at your truck. You are screwed. The 5.4 is such a gimp engine it'll never do it. (Not insulting any Raptor owners, I have a 5.4 in my Expedition thinking it would haul my enclosed trailer..not a ******* chance). Your SCab also does not have the weight to do it in a safe manner. I would not do it.

Oh shit, you've done it now.

 

[SPRSNK]

Oh shit, you've done it now.

Well, it is in my personal experience. Example: 55mph & 4000# trailer. Couldn't go over 55mph. Up a decent hill, 35-40mph.

 

[linexsa]

i had a 5.4 in my 2008, and towed all kinds of stuff. its not the best tow rig, but it worked. the 5.4 is decently capable.

Ive seen goosenecks and 5th wheels installed in the 5.5' bed before. the problem with them is how far forward the hitch has to mount in the bed, it doesnt leave much room between the trailer and back of the cab. I would choose an active airbag system like the firestone ride rite or air lift before i ever used a timbren system. the timbrens are good, but we only sell them to people that will be in thick brush and could pop an air bag setup.

The airbags would probably have to be uninstalled if you plan on using your raptor offroad. the bags dont let the suspension flex much. something else to consider is that usually the longer the wheelbase of the tow vehicle the more stable the ride. a scab has an extremly short wheelbase, and will probably not have the handling and ride characteristics of a normal tow vehicle.

 

[whtrapta]

Well, it is in my personal experience. Example: 55mph & 4000# trailer. Couldn't go over 55mph. Up a decent hill, 35-40mph.

My 5.4 raptor towed a loaded trailer over 6000lbs from vegas to MO. Thats a lot of long hills between, especially in flagstaff area. I never had a single issue. I had more power than I would ever need. Not one hill pulled me under 70. Plus I had tons of power when I got stuck behind someone slow going maybe 50 and blow past them on steep hills. If your expedition was a 2008 or earlier, the difference in the power is HUGE.

 

[SPRSNK]

My 5.4 raptor towed a loaded trailer over 6000lbs from vegas to MO. Thats a lot of long hills between, especially in flagstaff area. I never had a single issue. I had more power than I would ever need. Not one hill pulled me under 70. Plus I had tons of power when I got stuck behind someone slow going maybe 50 and blow past them on steep hills. If your expedition was a 2008 or earlier, the difference in the power is HUGE.

Yep..it's a 2008. Glad that they changed it up because the one I have just blows chunks.