HCFX
Well-known member
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- #1
Figured I would share my progress with my 2023 here. My goal was to build the ultimate daily driver/weekend warrior tow unit with no drivability compromises, and I have succeeded.
Started with a Lariat Black Appearance Package with the 5.0 and max tow package, 3.73 rear end, trailer tow mirrors, moonroof, auto running boards and typical creature comforts. Skipped the onboard generator (already have one onboard my toy hauler), bluecruise crap and any of the onboard scale/ccd stuff that might interfere with aftermarket air springs and towing equipment. I decided to go with the 5.0 as I've had heat related problems with the Ecoboost in the past, and have never been able to do much better than 5.5-6 miles per gallon towing in the windy/hilly terrain of Western Canada with several different 3.5 Ecoboosts over the years. I was nervous I wouldn't like the V8 after having the turbo 6 but I'm pleasantly surprised with it in it's own way. The two are not comparable, have a very different feel and excel in their own ways and that's not what this thread is about.
Started out with the usual protection as this truck will see harsh winters, gravel roads, logging trails and whatever else I encounter finding the best boondock camping spot. 15% window tint all around, 15% brow, paint protection film, Line-x, Gatorback mudflaps, Cquartz ceramic, Fluid Film undercoat. I then installed a Bakflip MX4 and Ford swingcase toolbox. Also installed a set of Boost switchback mirror lights for a sharper more modern look.
Then I moved on to the star of the show, the ReadyAir Logiq airbags made by ReadyLift, combined with an Air Command system made by Firestone. I've owned half tons with typical double bellow 5,000lb airbags before and loved the adjustability but hated the punishing bouncy ride 95% of the time I was daily driving unladen. I started doing some research and narrowed down my desire for the combination of unloaded ride comfort and towing adjustability to the new Readyair bags. They aren't quite as heavy duty as an overkill double bellow bag like Firestones, but also aren't as light duty as something like an Airlift 2000lb sleeve. The result is as expected, a very nice firm but plush ride unloaded and a great ride/height control while loaded. Combined with the compressor you're able to control from your phone it's ideal. Running 10psi unloaded they are hardly noticeable (actually improves cornering and axle wrap), and level the truck and trailer out with about 75-80psi in the airbags and remove any chassis porpoise & bounce. Readylift DOES make a bracket that relocates the headlight level sensor a few inches rearward to allow clearance for the airbags. Install was fairly easy.
Then, finally, a 2" Readylift leveling kit and a set of 295/60r20 Nitto Recon Grapplers on factory BAP wheels, with black lug nuts. The Recon Grapplers look very aggressive but have a nice smooth quiet ride. A very nice addition for a drivability build.
The truck rides great unloaded and tows even better. The V8 has no shortage of power towing my 2013 XLR Hyperlite 27hfs toy hauler weighing in at about 7500lb and I averaged 9mpg in very heavy crosswinds and lots of hills. Rarely exceeds 4500rpm and just generally feels unbothered by the weight.
Started with a Lariat Black Appearance Package with the 5.0 and max tow package, 3.73 rear end, trailer tow mirrors, moonroof, auto running boards and typical creature comforts. Skipped the onboard generator (already have one onboard my toy hauler), bluecruise crap and any of the onboard scale/ccd stuff that might interfere with aftermarket air springs and towing equipment. I decided to go with the 5.0 as I've had heat related problems with the Ecoboost in the past, and have never been able to do much better than 5.5-6 miles per gallon towing in the windy/hilly terrain of Western Canada with several different 3.5 Ecoboosts over the years. I was nervous I wouldn't like the V8 after having the turbo 6 but I'm pleasantly surprised with it in it's own way. The two are not comparable, have a very different feel and excel in their own ways and that's not what this thread is about.
Started out with the usual protection as this truck will see harsh winters, gravel roads, logging trails and whatever else I encounter finding the best boondock camping spot. 15% window tint all around, 15% brow, paint protection film, Line-x, Gatorback mudflaps, Cquartz ceramic, Fluid Film undercoat. I then installed a Bakflip MX4 and Ford swingcase toolbox. Also installed a set of Boost switchback mirror lights for a sharper more modern look.
Then I moved on to the star of the show, the ReadyAir Logiq airbags made by ReadyLift, combined with an Air Command system made by Firestone. I've owned half tons with typical double bellow 5,000lb airbags before and loved the adjustability but hated the punishing bouncy ride 95% of the time I was daily driving unladen. I started doing some research and narrowed down my desire for the combination of unloaded ride comfort and towing adjustability to the new Readyair bags. They aren't quite as heavy duty as an overkill double bellow bag like Firestones, but also aren't as light duty as something like an Airlift 2000lb sleeve. The result is as expected, a very nice firm but plush ride unloaded and a great ride/height control while loaded. Combined with the compressor you're able to control from your phone it's ideal. Running 10psi unloaded they are hardly noticeable (actually improves cornering and axle wrap), and level the truck and trailer out with about 75-80psi in the airbags and remove any chassis porpoise & bounce. Readylift DOES make a bracket that relocates the headlight level sensor a few inches rearward to allow clearance for the airbags. Install was fairly easy.
Then, finally, a 2" Readylift leveling kit and a set of 295/60r20 Nitto Recon Grapplers on factory BAP wheels, with black lug nuts. The Recon Grapplers look very aggressive but have a nice smooth quiet ride. A very nice addition for a drivability build.
The truck rides great unloaded and tows even better. The V8 has no shortage of power towing my 2013 XLR Hyperlite 27hfs toy hauler weighing in at about 7500lb and I averaged 9mpg in very heavy crosswinds and lots of hills. Rarely exceeds 4500rpm and just generally feels unbothered by the weight.
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