First F-150 - A couple of towing related questions for the veterans

[Dixie]

I just picked up a new F150 after having owned Toyota trucks/suvs for the past 15 years, and I have a few questions that i'm hoping some of you can answer (Thanks in advance!)

-Does the 7 pin connector energize accessory power when parked/idling? I coudln't get my interior trailer lights to turn on when I hooked it up for the first time. Admittedly, it's also a new trailer that I didn't test when I was at the dealer, but I'm assuming the lighting is functional. When I run a 12v source to the wire, they power up. When I plug the 7pin in to the truck, they don't work

-If I level the truck (2" in the front), will the back end squat when towing? I have a Ready Lift 2" level kit on order, but I noticed the truck levels nicely when towing without it installed. My fear is that if I level it, the back end will sag when towing. What is everyone else doing with a level? Live with the squat? Add air bags?

Thanks!

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[Doublet]

I just picked up a new F150 after having owned Toyota trucks/suvs for the past 15 years, and I have a few questions that i'm hoping some of you can answer (Thanks in advance!)

-Does the 7 pin connector energize accessory power when parked/idling? I coudln't get my interior trailer lights to turn on when I hooked it up for the first time. Admittedly, it's also a new trailer that I didn't test when I was at the dealer, but I'm assuming the lighting is functional. When I run a 12v source to the wire, they power up. When I plug the 7pin in to the truck, they don't work

-If I level the truck (2" in the front), will the back end squat when towing? I have a Ready Lift 2" level kit on order, but I noticed the truck levels nicely when towing without it installed. My fear is that if I level it, the back end will sag when towing. What is everyone else doing with a level? Live with the squat? Add air bags?

Thanks!

For the first question, I'm not exactly sure but my 7pin is always active when the truck is on (idling or on battery power) but in terms of accessory power that may be something else needed to be hooked up separately.
And for the squatting, you will definitely see the difference when you level your truck, especially with a heavier tongue weight. I've been towing an 11,000lb water trailer around with my 21' PB and its been great (unleveled) and the squat looks perfect when I have it hooked up!
It also just depends if you would rather have it leaning forward when not towing and looking level when doing so, or it squatting while towing and have a level look when not. Sorry about that last sentence haha.

 

[Dixie]

For the first question, I'm not exactly sure but my 7pin is always active when the truck is on (idling or on battery power) but in terms of accessory power that may be something else needed to be hooked up separately.
And for the squatting, you will definitely see the difference when you level your truck, especially with a heavier tongue weight. I've been towing an 11,000lb water trailer around with my 21' PB and its been great (unleveled) and the squat looks perfect when I have it hooked up!
It also just depends if you would rather have it leaning forward when not towing and looking level when doing so, or it squatting while towing and have a level look when not. Sorry about that last sentence haha.

For the second part, that's exactly my dilemma. Squat when towing or rake when not. I don't HATE the rake, I would just prefer a level look when driving around. I hate squat more than I hate rake. In my old Tacoma i just added airbags and had the best of both worlds, but apparently you can't add bags to a 21 F150 due to the headlight sensors.

 

[blueovalguy]

For the second part, that's exactly my dilemma. Squat when towing or rake when not. I don't HATE the rake, I would just prefer a level look when driving around. I hate squat more than I hate rake. In my old Tacoma i just added airbags and had the best of both worlds, but apparently you can't add bags to a 21 F150 due to the headlight sensors.

That’s interesting. I was just starting to look into air bags as I tow around 7k lb trailer for work around once a month and def have a bit of squat. Where did you see you can’t add them? Appreciate it

 

[Dixie]

That’s interesting. I was just starting to look into air bags as I tow around 7k lb trailer for work around once a month and def have a bit of squat. Where did you see you can’t add them? Appreciate it

You can get them for the 21 f150 as long as it doesn’t have the upgraded headlights. The leveling sensors are where the bag would go

 

[John_C]

You can get them for the 21 f150 as long as it doesn’t have the upgraded headlights. The leveling sensors are where the bag would go

There are several kits available that do not interfere with the auto leveling headlights sensor. If I remember correctly, firestone ride right, and air lift are two that work.

 

[Dixie]

Firestone is the one that specifically says it doesn’t work with the sensors. Airlift doesn’t make a kit for the 21

 

[Dixie]

 

[r-model]

how about getting a load distribution hitch???

 

[blueovalguy]

how about getting a load distribution hitch???

I’ve got that already setup. Def helps. I don’t tow a ton, but figured the air bags would prolong the life of my suspension and reduce long term sagging?
The thing pulls like a champ compared to my 2010 f150. Power and braking are soooo easy. Just looking to level it a tad.
In my eyes the generator was more valuable than going to a 3/4 ton so I understand there are limitations to getting everything.

 

[bobstar]

I just picked up a new F150 after having owned Toyota trucks/suvs for the past 15 years, and I have a few questions that i'm hoping some of you can answer (Thanks in advance!)

-Does the 7 pin connector energize accessory power when parked/idling? I coudln't get my interior trailer lights to turn on when I hooked it up for the first time. Admittedly, it's also a new trailer that I didn't test when I was at the dealer, but I'm assuming the lighting is functional. When I run a 12v source to the wire, they power up. When I plug the 7pin in to the truck, they don't work

-If I level the truck (2" in the front), will the back end squat when towing? I have a Ready Lift 2" level kit on order, but I noticed the truck levels nicely when towing without it installed. My fear is that if I level it, the back end will sag when towing. What is everyone else doing with a level? Live with the squat? Add air bags?

Thanks!

I had air bags on my 2009 XLT, loved them, made the towing experience exceptional, with the WDH.

 

[bobstar]

I have the max tow coming on my 2021 6.5’ lariat, so I will see how it sits with trailer when it gets here

 

[John_C]

Do a search... Both here and on the Facebook page are multiple posts with airbags installed on trucks with the sensor arms. I'm almost positive firestone was the preferred choice.

 

[Dixie]

Do a search... Both here and on the Facebook page are multiple posts with airbags installed on trucks with the sensor arms. I'm almost positive firestone was the preferred choice.

ive done a ton of searches, which is how I came to the conclusion that it’s not possible right now and one of the reasons I started this thread. I’m definitely open to being shown I’m not good at researching this, but I don’t know where else to look. I can’t imagine Firestone is the brand of choice when their website literally says it will not work on that specific application

 

[mnsunset]

How heavy of a trailer are you towing? Tongue weight and how the trailer is loaded makes a huge difference. I always use the WD Hitch. It should bring the rear end up very close to level even with the leveling kit, but it again depends on the trailer and tongue weight. Don't worry about the life of your suspension it will handle towing, over and over again. I towed 6k-9k pounds with my last 3.5 boost about 40000 miles over the last 4 years. Thats the only experience I have. If you start pushing higher weight numbers then it may differ.

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