Do I need air bags on my 2016 F350?

[NorthernNeck_VA]

I bought a 2016 F350 over the weekend to replace my 05 F350. On my 05 I installed air bags. I am wondering if I will need to install them on the 2016. I am pulling a 41 foot Landmark San Antiono.

Thoughts??

Thanks.

NNK

[nremtp143]

rowekmr wrote:
Aren't the the older 450/4500 diesel engines derated? I am not sure about the newer ones.

I once drove a 2008 F450 with factory 4.30 or 4.88 gear that drank fuel like a gasser.

Only the chassis/cab ones are derated. The ones sold as a 450 are the normal power ratings...

[nevadan660]

Adding airbags won't hurt.

[rowekmr]

Aren't the the older 450/4500 diesel engines derated? I am not sure about the newer ones.

I once drove a 2008 F450 with factory 4.30 or 4.88 gear that drank fuel like a gasser.

[Halmfamily]

donnie144 wrote:
On my 2013 f350 I used torklift stable loads on the lowers and it was all that was needed. Pin weight around 3700. https://www.torklift.com/rv/stableload

X2. Installed these on our 08 GMC 3500 DRW and what a difference. Truck only squats 3/4" and ride is much smoother especially over railroad tracks and bridges.

[4x4ord]

I'm not sure what the weight is of the op's trailer but I certainly wouldn't want an F450 for my 16000 lb fifth wheel. I like the 3.55 axle ratio for towing. 4.30 ratio is for heavier work.

[nremtp143]

jerem0621 wrote:
Question, why not just buy a F450/4500 series truck that doesn’t need bags? Is it cost, daily driver performance, availability...etc?

I’m genuinely curious.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

One reason several people have found is that in their state the 450/4500 trucks have to be licensed and insured as a commercial truck even if being used for personal use. Also, if you research this you will find that the mentioned trucks have a harsh ride when unloaded and they only have VERY few choices of tires that they can put on the trucks. Only a couple of all terrain tires available and by usually special order to most places.

[ljr]

JWDryHeat wrote:
I installed air bags on my truck to level the ride. Squatted about an inch, but my truck was never jacked up in the rear like the Chevy and Dodges (not a bad thing) and came stock with a level ride height. I refused to see any sag, and need about 25 psig to level ride.

X2

I have an F-450 with bags. Even with my 98 gal inbed tank full, weight isn’t an issue. I just wanted to level it.

[Cummins12V98]

jerem0621 wrote:
Question, why not just buy a F450/4500 series truck that doesn’t need bags? Is it cost, daily driver performance, availability...etc?

I’m genuinely curious.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Well to put it bluntly pre 17 F450' towing heavy DID NEED air bags. Every Mobile Suite owner with the F450 16 and older has bags that I know of. 17 and newer they upped the suspension.

[jerem0621]

Question, why not just buy a F450/4500 series truck that doesn’t need bags? Is it cost, daily driver performance, availability...etc?

I’m genuinely curious.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

[lakeside013104]

Yes you will.

Pulled 40' Bighorn with 2016 F-350. Sister unit to Landmark. Truck was slightly nose high until I put 18# pressure in the bags. Worked perfectly thereafter.

Lakeside

[donnie144]

On my 2013 f350 I used torklift stable loads on the lowers and it was all that was needed. Pin weight around 3700. https://www.torklift.com/rv/stableload

[ford_truck_guy]

I have a set of AirRide 5000 bags on my “15” F-350 SRW.. I am within ALMOST ALL my weights , and only squat about 1-1/2” or 2” when loaded.. The only reason I run the bags is because I had them from my “09” F-350 that needed a bit of help..

[JWDryHeat]

I installed air bags on my truck to level the ride. Squatted about an inch, but my truck was never jacked up in the rear like the Chevy and Dodges (not a bad thing) and came stock with a level ride height. I refused to see any sag, and need about 25 psig to level ride.

[sbergherr]

Our trailer pin is around 3,000 lbs and I have air bag installed on our DRW 2016 F350, I also installed an on board air tank and compressor to air bike/trailer/truck tires, air horns, and also an air ride gauge and switch on the dash to adjust air bags. Works great and is handy while towing.