The StableLoad Challenge: Does your truck have what it takes?

Last year, Torklift International introduced the StableLoad Challenge at the Lance Owners of America Rally in sunny California. Several truck camper and towable owners were given the opportunity to test drive two Ford F-150 trucks loaded down with 2,800 pounds of gravel. The trucks were identical with the exception of one important detail—one truck had the StableLoad suspension stabilizer installed and the other just had the factory suspension. Lance owners were so impressed with the results of the StableLoad Challenge that we thought we would bring the challenge a little closer to home: Everett, Washington. We encouraged Torklift dealers to take the challenge themselves… if they dared.

The experts weigh in…
The goal of the StableLoad Challenge was for attendees to experience first-hand the difference in driving a truck equipped with Torklift StableLoads. We let them take the trucks out for a spin to see for themselves the big difference in the Ford truck’s suspension.

Without StableLoads
“I noticed when I stepped on the brakes, it slid back and forth a little,” one driver commented as he maneuvered the truck around the parking lot course. He’s no amateur when it comes to towing and hauling truck campers. As he careened through the course, he noticed that the factory suspension was “a little on the mushy side.” It’s not exactly the review you’re hoping for when you spend your life’s savings on a brand new Ford F-150 truck. “I know you’re in a flat parking lot here,” he said, “but you kind of feel every little ripple.”

With StableLoads
With a raise of his eyebrows and a surprised tilt of the head, the same driver remarked simply, “Yes—this is a lot nicer,” as he took the wheel of the truck equipped with StableLoads and drove it smoothly through the course.

Another attendee confessed that he was also impressed with the stability of the StableLoads. “It’s kind of cliché,” he said, “but it sounds like there’s no weight back there.”

All of our drivers were fascinated with the results of the StableLoad Challenge. But what is it exactly that makes the StableLoads so effective?

The science of suspension
StableLoad suspension stabilizers are specially designed to help the factory suspension system do the job it was engineered to do, which is to haul and tow a hefty amount of weight.

It is typical for trucks to come equipped with a set of overload leaf springs. Ideally, these would handle a factory designated amount of payload placed in the truck bed. Unfortunately, the leaf spring pack typically need to drop several inches before they make contact or “activate” the lower overload spring, which provides the necessary support for heavy lifting. When lacking this extra support, it causes those problems you feel when driving: sway, bounce and increased stopping time. In order to fix the issues, something needs to pre-activate the power within the overload leaf springs and keep the truck level.

If you haven’t guessed, that “something” is the StableLoad suspension stabilizer.

The precision crafted wedge-shaped design of the StableLoad inserts between the overload leaf spring and the leaf spring pack, maintaining the contact necessary to properly support the weight of hauling without causing the truck to sag. This contact is maintained along all four points of the factory suspension, which gives you added control—something you won’t find in any other suspension upgrade.

How StableLoads compare to other suspension products
Other suspension products like airbags, shocks or a sway bar, essentially turn your factory designed four-point suspension into a two-point suspension, which negatively affects the amount of control you have over your vehicle.

Let’s consider how airbags affect your suspension. While it’s true that they help lift and level out the weight of the truck camper, they unfortunately balance this weight above the upper leaf springs. In doing so, only two points are engaged, which contributes to the side-to-side sway and that feeling of porpoising. Shocks and sway bars work similarly—they do part of the job, but you won’t have nearly the improvement that you will with the StableLoads.

Plus, only the StableLoad suspension stabilizer offers the ability to change the suspension settings in seconds. Engage the lower StableLoad when you’re towing or hauling, and turn it off for a factory ride when you’re not—it’s all done with a simple flick of the wrist and a 3/8 ratchet.

If we haven’t convinced you yet, click here for additional information about how suspension works and why the StableLoad is the best choice for the job.

Don’t leave us in suspense
We want to make sure that you feel safe and secure when you’re driving. That’s why we love this product. It dramatically improves the handling issues experienced when hauling or towing, which makes your life a little more stress-free. If you have any stories to tell about how the StableLoad has improved your hauling and towing experience, we would love to hear about it!

Watch the video below for more rave reviews from our latest StableLoad Challenge or click here for more information about where to purchase Torklift StableLoads.

Written by Jenica Donahue:
Jenica holds a B.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is a freelance writer interested in blogging, copy writing and editing. She enjoys exploring new places and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.