Why with weight in truck bed it rides better (sorry posted in wrong category and I can't find out how to move thread)

[paval3]

So I normally take the old Mountaineer to Tractor Supply when I need a few bags of pine shavings and pine pellets for horse bedding (I like to mix it in with the bulk sawdust I buy), it's just easier for me to load and unload because the cargo area sits lower. But yesterday, I was coming home from the Ford dealership where I had the oil change and yearly state inspection done on the Ranger, so I stopped at Tractor Supply to get 3 bags of shavings and 2 bags of pellets, enough to hold me over a few days. I'm figuring that was about a 200 to 225 lb load in the bed. Now I already had the rear shocks upgraded to Eibach 5100 and that eliminated the "kerplunk" in the rear a bit, but with this added weight the improvement in the rear and was much more noticeable when going over bumps in the road.

I am a lil older lady with no car mechanics capability, so I have to ask.... what do I need to have done or replaced to get that better ride permanently that this added weight gave?? And would you only let a Ford dealership do the work or is any reputable local shop ok?

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[_N8_]

Interesting. I have probably put 75% of the 78k on mine with a 220lb dirt bike plus another 100lbs of crap in the bed. I've never noticed a difference loaded & unloaded.

 

[paval3]

Interesting. I have probably put 75% of the 78k on mine with a 220lb dirt bike plus another 100lbs of crap in the bed. I've never noticed a difference loaded & unloaded.

I don't know if it makes a difference that I only have the stock 4x4 XLT Crew, not a FX4 or Sport.

 

[pbethel]

I don't know if it makes a difference that I only have the stock 4x4 XLT Crew, not a FX4 or Sport.

A costly redesigned/reengineered rear suspension would help but the only way to get all the benefits of the greater rear weight bias is to have a greater weight in the rear.

 

[chasvs]

So I normally take the old Mountaineer to Tractor Supply when I need a few bags of pine shavings and pine pellets for horse bedding (I like to mix it in with the bulk sawdust I buy), it's just easier for me to load and unload because the cargo area sits lower. But yesterday, I was coming home from the Ford dealership where I had the oil change and yearly state inspection done on the Ranger, so I stopped at Tractor Supply to get 3 bags of shavings and 2 bags of pellets, enough to hold me over a few days. I'm figuring that was about a 200 to 225 lb load in the bed. Now I already had the rear shocks upgraded to Eibach 5100 and that eliminated the "kerplunk" in the rear a bit, but with this added weight the improvement in the rear and was much more noticeable when going over bumps in the road.

I am a lil older lady with no car mechanics capability, so I have to ask.... what do I need to have done or replaced to get that better ride permanently that this added weight gave?? And would you only let a Ford dealership do the work or is any reputable local shop ok?

Have better shocks put on the back end. It will reduce the bouncy ride the stock shocks give you.

 

[rydfree]

Most trucks will have a better ride quality with some weight in the bed , preferably directly over the axle as too far forward diminishes the benefit. They are designed to carry things in the bed and tow a trailer which does the same thing , levels out the suspension and puts the shocks/springs in a sweet spot. I always kept a couple of #50 bags of corn in my bed right at the back near the tailgate . I had an adjustable bar across the width of the bed that kept things in place. Mine also had a bed cover so wasn't worried about anything getting wet. The truck rode much better on my bumpy road leading to the house with just that #100 back there. Easiest thing to do is just keep some weight back there.

 

[majorv]

I have an FX4 and weight in the back definitely smoothes out the ride! By the way, I’m an older lady too!

 

[dstig1]

Yeah, What rydfree said. You can't easily design something to be able to carry a decent amount of weight in the bed and float like a 70's Buick when empty at the same time as you need enough spring force to hold up the weight it is rated for, and those springs are going to make a bit rough when empty as a result. Pretty much all pickups ride better with some weight in the bed. My previous truck was much bigger - F250 - and it rode like it had solid steel wheels when empty. With a couple-few hundred pounds (or more) in the bed, it was OK. The Ranger is pretty decent riding to me, especially given my previous truck...

 

[paval3]

Have better shocks put on the back end. It will reduce the bouncy ride the stock shocks give you.

Something better than the Eibach 5100s?? I had those put on.

 

[paval3]

I guess the easy answer then is to leave 100# of something back there. Two bags of pine pellets would weigh about 90# and wouldn't take up too much room. Thanks everyone for the input!

 

[Jamie Jack]

I have the same truck; 2021 white XLT. Get a rubber truck mat and leave it in the bed permanently; they weigh about 80 pounds and cost about $50. Added bonus is that they stop things from sliding around and protect the bed.

 

[NotBudule]

I usually make the wife ride back there if it's a long bumpy trip , truck rides better and it's much quieter up front ...

 

[paval3]

I have the same truck; 2021 white XLT. Get a rubber truck mat and leave it in the bed permanently; they weigh about 80 pounds and cost about $50. Added bonus is that they stop things from sliding around and protect the bed.

That's a good idea! We actually sell rubber bed mats in our retail store. I wish WE could buy them though for $50, those days are long gone. Next time I order from the distributor, I'll have them add one for my Ranger to the order.

 

[Dgc333]

FWIW, I have had a truck continuously since 1976. They all road better with some weight in the bed. They also did better in low traction conditions like snow with some weight in the bed.

 

[Jamie Jack]

Wow, what do truck bed mats cost down there? Currently on sale up here in Canada for C$54/US$40. 85 pounds, 5/8 thick, crowned so water runs off.

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