Sled deck on 1/2 ton?

skegpro

Active VIP Member
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
9,930
Reaction score
21,329
Location
In them hills.
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
10,771
Reaction score
20,797
Location
Salmon Arm
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
9,930
Reaction score
21,329
Location
In them hills.
But I was 50lb under my GVW when I left home ocifer.
f4ffbb3b8dc74be9d771cca73a936b9b.jpg
 

deaner

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2008
Messages
3,238
Reaction score
11,260
Location
Creston, BC
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2016
Messages
192
Reaction score
345
Location
Canoe BC
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.
 

catalac

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2008
Messages
3,428
Reaction score
13,126
Location
Red Deer
//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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2016
Messages
192
Reaction score
345
Location
Canoe BC
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2008
Messages
1,965
Reaction score
5,563
Location
Fernie, BC
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?
 
Last edited:

Chrisp1

Active member
Joined
Oct 31, 2012
Messages
109
Reaction score
195
Location
Bonnyville
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.
1c7094837bd98fccad7bbab20e00b5ab.jpg
58da9b58b689378e3a2c0f8d88943951.jpg
f8c5990465d29961c368940f61a3265b.jpg
d29cd3a8597e008f91493bfd1e0500e5.jpg
22faf165a0d4b5923f584d89b7ce9c70.jpg
 

Mach1

Active VIP Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2015
Messages
932
Reaction score
765
Location
Kimberley
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

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
10,050
Reaction score
24,523
Location
calgary ab
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.
4e86d780afdb1451ebdd560d3a75ec3b.jpg
 

Halon60

Active VIP Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2016
Messages
192
Reaction score
345
Location
Canoe BC
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).
 
Top Bottom