Suspension when hauling.

[JayRods]

I'm setting up my 2023 37' Gen 3 right now. We bought a Small off road RV. Made by Outdoors RV in Oregon. It is made for off road use and 4 seasons, perfect for some off grid camping.
I have the Geiser springs, so it's lifted a little bit also.
I'm going with the New B&W Continum hydraulic weight distribution hitch. This thing looks like it's going to be a game changer with easy adjustability and ease of use. It all stays on the trailer, just latch it on when you hook up, and pump it up.
I'm also going to install the air bags today. With the taller Geiser springs I made some spacers to put in with the bags.
Hopefully test it all out by tomorrow.

 

[Turbro]

I have 9k of towing miles, 98% of the time in the sierra mountains with my 18 supercrew Raptor. Camper is 6k dry.

If you keep reading the internet you will eventually end up buying an F550 to tow a tear drop trailer.

I had 2 F350 diesels before the Raptor. So have experience there.

I do have Deaver +4HD rear springs, SVC bumps, aftermarket thermostat, E rated tires and Goosetuned Tow tune.

The thermostat is the most important followed closely by the deaver springs. I tried to tow before these items and it was beyond my relatively high comfort/risk level.

I loved my diesels when towing but hated the ride when not.

So of the last 30k miles I towed only 9k of them. The 21k miles not towing is quite a treat in the Raptor. You must pay attention more when towing in the wind but thats true with any 1/2 ton.

If I was towing at least 50% I would live with diesel all the time. But I'm willing and happy to slow down and drive easy like grandpa while towing with Raptor to enjoy everything else the Raptor gives when not towing.

It's so good, the lust for a Gen 3 needs serious towing reviews to give it a try.

If you need more information direct Message me.

 

[JayRods]

Looks like I have everything dialed in perfectly.

The airbags at 30psi and the B&W Continum weight distribution hitch at 1400psi

I'm loving this B&W hitch setup, so easy to hook up and unhook. Almost as easy as my fithwheel hitch.

 

[Raptornador]

Love the comments about ride quality when NOT towing. Many of us buy the Raptor because when you drop off the trailer you can go out on the trail and not get beat up like you would with a 3/4 ton, plus the absolute fun of wailing on a FS road that the Raptor can do.

I just came back from approximately a 300 mile trip into the mountains. 6k loaded trailer, dirt bike, 1 passenger. It pulled the trailer incredibly well. It's squatted more than I want so doing some homework on what I need to do to get more payload without effecting that amazing performance. Previous info very helpful, thanks.

 

[Bozz]

If you keep reading the internet you will eventually end up buying an F550 to tow a tear drop trailer.

 

[JayRods]

We just did a 4000 mile trip with this set up, and it was AMAZING !!!!!
Several national parks and some Epic off road trails. Imagene pass was incredible.

This 2023 Raptor set up with the Geiser springs and air bags. And using the B&W Continum hitch. Everything worked perfectly. The truck handled the RV like nothing was back there. We went over several passes and never slowed down.

Trailer is weighing in at about 7300 lbs loaded

These two were made for each other !!!

 

[Old-Raptor-guy]

That hitch is cool. It would probably getting ripped off hanging down that low were I go. But maybe not.

Either way it is cool, and I can see it's usefulness.

 

[Turbro]

Love that hitch but I can't get in and out my driveway with it.

Do you think the airbags limit the suspension travel offroad even when aired down?

 

[JayRods]

Love that hitch but I can't get in and out my driveway with it.

Do you think the airbags limit the suspension travel offroad even when aired down?

I was concerned with the bags changing the ride. I have not noticed any change, the truck rides incredible. Even with 30psi left in them after I unhook, I've driven around town with 30psi and it still rides great. then aired down to 5 psi I don't think they affect anything. I carry about 500 to 700 lbs of tools and supplies in the bed, so this entire set up is working great for me, On road and off road. I have the Airlift switch and gauge to install still, then I will be able to air them up and down from the cab. Couldn't get that in time when I did the install.

And as for ground clearance, If I pull the pin and take the foot off the jack I bet I have over 12" of ground clearance, maybe more. I will measure it next time I hook up.

 

[RobSpring661]

I got my airlift bags installed yesterday...took maybe an hour and a half total. Very easy job that anyone with a basic set of tools and ability can accomplish. You don't have to remove the spring, just jack it up from the frame so the spring fully expands.

Lower the spare, route your hoses accordingly. I am running maybe 1-2 psi in them around town, I don't notice anything. I have a spot where I can jump my truck a couple feet off the ground at speed in my neighborhood. I jumped it last night, suspension fully compressed , didn't notice any change in dampening or feel.

I have not towed with them or loaded the truck down yet, however, It's obvious it is going to help based on others experience. I think this is a decent bandaid for Raptor owners concerned about squatting. Proper ride is crucial to handling while towing as we all know. Although it doesnt "raise" the tow capacity so to speak, we all know our truck are rated at 8200 pounds due to rear shocks. The motor, brakes, and tranny are all very capable.

At $160 bucks, this is such a cheap investment that if the bags last 18-24 months, I can stomach the replacement bag cost. I will post pics like others have done once I load the bed down with some weight or tow with it.