Sled deck on 1/2 ton?

skegpro

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Well after 15 years of contract operating and running F350's; I took an employee job and also sold my fifth wheel this summer, so my deck is on my 2017 F150 EcoBoost running a 3" BDS lift. I haven't taken my truck and deck to BC in about 4 years; generally haul my sled to Hinton on my deck and then throw in in Snowseeker's trailer from there. Might have two on it around here a few times if we get snow to ride around home this winter. I am putting air bags on just for the rare times I have two sleds on. I can say that with one sled on the deck to Edmonton and back; I noticed no difference in power, and without airbags in as of yet, the rear dropped about the same as my F350's did. I was one of the guys that bashed decks on half tons for many years. But for 95% of my usage I need an F150; just couldn't justify owning a diesel that I need for 5% of the time. Not saying it's right; but after the air bags are in to keep the ride level and the headlights aimed properly, I would have no problem hucking my Axys and my sons Pro on the deck and having full confidence that the little F150 will get the job done that 5% of the time. I guess if I end up needing to take it to Valemount or McBride and get stopped and scaled we will see where the numbers are at. But functionally; driving responsibly, I have no doubt that this truck handles better with one sled up there than my F350 with a 6" left did and as well as my other 5 F350's with leveling kits did. I guess I am one of the guys to be shunned at ridiculed now....so be it. It's what works for me.
I am sorry for your loss.
 

Bnorth

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Well after 15 years of contract operating and running F350's; I took an employee job and also sold my fifth wheel this summer, so my deck is on my 2017 F150 EcoBoost running a 3" BDS lift. I haven't taken my truck and deck to BC in about 4 years; generally haul my sled to Hinton on my deck and then throw in in Snowseeker's trailer from there. Might have two on it around here a few times if we get snow to ride around home this winter. I am putting air bags on just for the rare times I have two sleds on. I can say that with one sled on the deck to Edmonton and back; I noticed no difference in power, and without airbags in as of yet, the rear dropped about the same as my F350's did. I was one of the guys that bashed decks on half tons for many years. But for 95% of my usage I need an F150; just couldn't justify owning a diesel that I need for 5% of the time. Not saying it's right; but after the air bags are in to keep the ride level and the headlights aimed properly, I would have no problem hucking my Axys and my sons Pro on the deck and having full confidence that the little F150 will get the job done that 5% of the time. I guess if I end up needing to take it to Valemount or McBride and get stopped and scaled we will see where the numbers are at. But functionally; driving responsibly, I have no doubt that this truck handles better with one sled up there than my F350 with a 6" left did and as well as my other 5 F350's with leveling kits did. I guess I am one of the guys to be shunned at ridiculed now....so be it. It's what works for me.

Welcome to the club. I went from a one ton dually to a halfer a couple years ago and was also surprised how capable it felt with a sled on the deck.

To own a half of anything is gay,I have a full ton.i am hard core.

Contact baraapp obama to collect your prize!
 

skegpro

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But I was 50lb under my GVW when I left home ocifer.
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deaner

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All jokes aside, I think the weight distribution arguement is the most valid one on this subject. Seeing how far my 165 sticks out of the back of the truck....it makes you realize how much of the weight is behind the rear axle. With a diesel, even if you are right at your max allowable weight, you have that big heavy engine up front balancing things out. I cant see ever putting a deck on my truck.
 

Halon60

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I have a deck on my F150. I am well within legal weight and truck handles it well. I would NOT put 2 sleds on this truck. I am unloaded all summer but deck stays in year round. Reason I bought 1/2 ton? My 2500 Ram got wrote off and I couldn't afford a HD. I'm getting 21 MPG empty and 16 MPG with sled on. I drive from Ft. McMurray to Salmon Arm every 2 weeks. I have weighed the truck with deck. I have yet to weigh it with sled but I will soon.
 

catalac

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//uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171114/60059a244d1728724cfc218743424b3b.jpg I have a deck on my F150. I am well within legal weight and truck handles it well. I would NOT put 2 sleds on this truck. I am unloaded all summer but deck stays in year round. Reason I bought 1/2 ton? My 2500 Ram got wrote off and I couldn't afford a HD. I'm getting 21 MPG empty and 16 MPG with sled on. I drive from Ft. McMurray to Salmon Arm every 2 weeks. I have weighed the truck with deck. I have yet to weigh it with sled but I will soon.
umm what do you need a deck for if you only ever haul one sled? Wouldn't a ramp suffice? And your saying your mileage goes from 21 mpg to 16 mpg when you haul one sled?
 

Halon60

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I have the deck because I won't/haven't always own a 1/2 ton. The ramp stores better in a deck and I also like the space under. I couldn't use my box for anything with the sled in it. Yes. This last trip I averaged 16 mpg. Last trip with out sled I averaged 21. The engine is a 5.0L not the ecoboost
 

FernieHawk

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I have the deck because I won't/haven't always own a 1/2 ton. The ramp stores better in a deck and I also like the space under. I couldn't use my box for anything with the sled in it. Yes. This last trip I averaged 16 mpg. Last trip with out sled I averaged 21. The engine is a 5.0L not the ecoboost

I have a 2011 with the 5.0 and my fuel economy on the highway, with one sled on the deck, hardly changes at all compared to empty.

With two sleds it is a different story...then I see a difference comparable to yours. Is your deck extended 8’’’ foot wide when on the highway?
 
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Chrisp1

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I put a standard Marathon deck (sides dont slide out) in my 17 f-150. Also got rid of 1 ton diesel for same reasons as well. The deck gives me a sealed box cover with security and I can load on it as well. I was as to load my sled and my brothers snow bike for a trip and without airbags it sagged the rear a bit but with just my sled it basically levelled it. I have the 5 liter with 3:73 gears and E range duratracs so fuel economy isn't stellar but handles the load alot better than I thought didn't experience any front end push mentioned at all. Looking to put in a set of tien load springs to help when loaded. Anyone have experience with them. Weight scale numbers are with sled, gear and all of ice build-up on truck.
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Mach1

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I have the deck because I won't/haven't always own a 1/2 ton. The ramp stores better in a deck and I also like the space under. I couldn't use my box for anything with the sled in it. Yes. This last trip I averaged 16 mpg. Last trip with out sled I averaged 21. The engine is a 5.0L not the ecoboost
What's the diff with yours and the eco boost, I heard they like the 5.0 better with less issues.....?
 

doorfx

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Suspension on a 1/2 ton gets saggy after a while if you haul a lot. They will do it no problem but I highly recommend air bags and a good set of adjustable shocks.
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Halon60

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What's the diff with yours and the eco boost, I heard they like the 5.0 better with less issues.....?

I'm not sure if there is a big difference between both trucks. I just like a V8 in truck. I believe the driveline is the same (gear ratios etc).
 
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