Proper tow vehicle suspension setup is critical for safe and comfortable operation. We take a stock Ford F-250 Super Duty crew cab, and put it through a series of tests before and after AutoFlex rear air suspension conversion. This is the first episode of “Project Super Duty” where TFLtruck.com and MrTruck.com use a 6.2-liter gas V8 Ford F-250 and a nearly 10,000 lbs (9,840 lbs) horse trailer to learn everything we can about the benefits of air suspension conversion.
The stock truck is squatting too much when hitched up to this gooseneck trailer. It means that the nose of the truck is pointing up in the air and this is not good on many levels. First, it messes with the aerodynamics near the front of the truck and can negatively affect overall efficiency and engine cooling. Second, it affects braking as the truck is not able to put as much weight on the front axle as it should. And lastly, the headlights are pointed higher than normal with the truck’s nose in the air, and this is a safety concern for oncoming motorists.
The AutoFlex air suspension conversion should correct all these concerns by providing additional support and leveling out the truck and trailer combination. When the tow vehicle is level, then it can function to the full extent of its design. There is another benefit – a smoother ride. You may have read TFLcar.com reviews where we rave about the air suspension on the Jeep Grand Cherokee or a Mercedes-Benz GL550 and how smooth they are. Well, this conversion should have the same affect on the Super Duty. It should provide for a smoother ride for the people in the cab and the horses in the trailer. This air suspension system also provides trailing arms to better control the rear axle. This should show for better acceleration, stopping, and handling.
Watch this first episode, and tune in for more coming up very soon.
BTW: A huge thank you to the help from our friend Kent from www.MrTruck.com and TransWest who helped make this series possible.
Also, watch (Episode 2) and (Episode 3) of project Super Duty.
