Installing Onboard Scale?

[jcaspar]

If I watched the correct video, that truck also had CCD adaptive suspension. The “special” shocks are part of that system. You can order scales without CCD.

There are load / level sensors on the driver rear leaf and driver front upper control arm of trucks with auto leveling headlights. That appears to be what Ford uses to feed the Scales, but also CCD if you have that option. The was a writeup awhile back that stated Ford had figured out how to use existing sensors to implement the scales option.

I think you meant "You cannot order scales without CCD". At least that is what the build seems to show:

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[Ford 3.0 Diesel]

I already purchase Firestone airbag system. What is the bag system you are talking about?

 

[Zyvin]

I already purchase Firestone airbag system. What is the bag system you are talking about?

I don’t know about the Firestone, but someone on here has these, and they do.
https://pacbrake.com/product/hp10402/

 

[ROBB1]

I think you meant "You cannot order scales without CCD". At least that is what the build seems to show:

I have the as-built data for a truck with scales, but no CCD. I remember at least one member reporting ordering a truck with scale ,but no CCD as well.

It seems it’s possible even if Ford wants to make us believe otherwise on the build site.

 

[PungoteagueDave]

I already purchase Firestone airbag system. What is the bag system you are talking about?

the airlift airbag system for the 2021 F-150 is set up to keep the headlight levelers in place. That's why I did not go with the Firestones. I've had both, the Airlifts are fine, and I like the controller better now that I have them.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/vehi...IrBpPgXlPHzaTsu1Fex7timCjxmLBL18aApSPEALw_wcB

 

[Ford 3.0 Diesel]

the airlift airbag system for the 2021 F-150 is set up to keep the headlight levelers in place. That's why I did not go with the Firestones. I've had both, the Airlifts are fine, and I like the controller better now that I have them.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/vehi...IrBpPgXlPHzaTsu1Fex7timCjxmLBL18aApSPEALw_wcB

Would you mind posting a picture of your Airlift bags on your truck were the headlight leveler is? Thanks!

 

[PungoteagueDave]

Here you go. Kind of tough with wheel and tire in place

 

[Ford 3.0 Diesel]

Here you go. Kind of tough with wheel and tire in place

Great thanks for the picture! How I can see what I need to do. Did you put the 5000 Ultimate plus or the 5000 Ultimate on your truck? Thanks again!

 

[LHoffmanjr22]

I did a lot of digging on this with the help of other members on this forum using forscan. The short answer is yes you can if you have one of the higher trim trucks. All of the equipment and software is there, BUT we are missing one module. We need a VDM. I still have plans to acquire VDM at some point and finish the install / validation

Just wondering if you have had any luck getting a VDM? I have a 502A Lariat Powerboost w/ max tow and wanted the scales but could not find one on a dealer lot. Curious if you have made any progress in your search? Where does one get a VDM anyways?

 

[Snakebitten]

Interesting. I'm in a Job1 Powerboost Platinum but have a 2022 KingRanch Powerboost on order. Mainly for the 6.5 Bed and I wanted to see if the CCD was "good enough" to save me the traditional money I inevitably spend on aftermarket suspension on every vehicle that I keep long-term.

We'll see

But I admit that I assumed the scales were tied to the CCD dampers, but it now makes sense that the logic could actually be using the auto-leveling sensors.

That's supported by the Lightning having scales but not Active suspension dampers?

But if it IS the autoleveler sensor driving the cargo weight calculatations, it would absolutely require the oem spring rates to match the math equation. I wonder if the parameters are adjustable via editing in case things like helper leafs, Airbags, or anything else that would affect natural squat dimension per lb of cargo?

 

[ROBB1]

Just wondering if you have had any luck getting a VDM? I have a 502A Lariat Powerboost w/ max tow and wanted the scales but could not find one on a dealer lot. Curious if you have made any progress in your search? Where does one get a VDM anyways?

Interesting. I'm in a Job1 Powerboost Platinum but have a 2022 KingRanch Powerboost on order. Mainly for the 6.5 Bed and I wanted to see if the CCD was "good enough" to save me the traditional money I inevitably spend on aftermarket suspension on every vehicle that I keep long-term.

We'll see

But I admit that I assumed the scales were tied to the CCD dampers, but it now makes sense that the logic could actually be using the auto-leveling sensors.

That's supported by the Lightning having scales but not Active suspension dampers?

But if it IS the autoleveler sensor driving the cargo weight calculatations, it would absolutely require the oem spring rates to match the math equation. I wonder if the parameters are adjustable via editing in case things like helper leafs, Airbags, or anything else that would affect natural squat dimension per lb of cargo?

Unfortunately the news is not great. I reviewed the wiring diagrams in preparation for ordering a VDM and trying to add this to my truck. The auto leveling sensors we all have on the LH side of the truck are indeed used for onboard scales as well. There is a slightly different wiring harness that routes their signal to the VDM instead of the HCM for the head lights as it currently is. Now the the really unfortunate part is that the scales system uses two more of those same sensors installed on the RH side of the truck. We lack those completely, but it appears at least portions of the wiring exist.

So I would say it is technically possible to add scales, the scope of work makes it more than it’s worth for me. At a minimum we need: VDM, 2 additional height sensors, some wiring harnesses or custom wiring, and a boat load of programming.

The height sensors get calibrated using FDRS so it might be possible to address suspension changes by recalibrating after changing a suspension part.

 

[LHoffmanjr22]

Unfortunately the news is not great. I reviewed the wiring diagrams in preparation for ordering a VDM and trying to add this to my truck. The auto leveling sensors we all have on the LH side of the truck are indeed used for onboard scales as well. There is a slightly different wiring harness that routes their signal to the VDM instead of the HCM for the head lights as it currently is. Now the the really unfortunate part is that the scales system uses two more of those same sensors installed on the RH side of the truck. We lack those completely, but it appears at least portions of the wiring exist.

So I would say it is technically possible to add scales, the scope of work makes it more than it’s worth for me. At a minimum we need: VDM, 2 additional height sensors, some wiring harnesses or custom wiring, and a boat load of programming.

The height sensors get calibrated using FDRS so it might be possible to address suspension changes by recalibrating after changing a suspension part.

Even though I am not necessarily thrilled with the news, I appreciate the update and all the work you've put into it! Should have stuck it out a bit longer and found one from the factory with the scales!

 

[ROBB1]

Even though I am not necessarily thrilled with the news, I appreciate the update and all the work you've put into it! Should have stuck it out a bit longer and found one from the factory with the scales!

You are welcome. It was a fun project to look into. I wish I could have come back with better news.

 

[mcl67513]

You are welcome. It was a fun project to look into. I wish I could have come back with better news.

Do you know if having CCD but no scales adds the extra hardware/different harnesses? I have a MY22 502A PB w/ CCD on order, unscheduled so far (hopefully not because of the CCD, but so be it if it is).

Note, I do not have max towing. The MY21 B&P requires that option for scales to be added. Interestingly, CCD is not required to add scales as of today when using MY21 B&P (I had read earlier in the thread where CCD was required).

 

[ROBB1]

Do you know if having CCD but no scales adds the extra hardware/different harnesses? I have a MY22 502A PB w/ CCD on order, unscheduled so far (hopefully not because of the CCD, but so be it if it is).

Note, I do not have max towing. The MY21 B&P requires that option for scales to be added. Interestingly, CCD is not required to add scales as of today when using MY21 B&P (I had read earlier in the thread where CCD was required).

If you have CCD you have the necessary hardware. It's common between the two systems with the exception of the actual CCD struts. The CCD uses those same sensors for its adjustments, controlled by the VDM.

If the scales are not active on your truck you should be able to turn it on via forscan.

When you get your truck if you really do not have the scales, reach out to me and I will see if I can help get them up and running for you. I think I have all of the forscan changes already mapped out.

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