Just curious about 2 parts of the Max Trailer Tow -

Heavy duty front eye bushing - what is this and what is the benefit?

20:1 steering gear - what is the standard steering gear, and what benefit does this have?

 

Aren't those jumbo mirrors included in the max trailer tow package?

 

Yes but is was jsut curious about "2 parts" of max trailer tow.

From what I gather, bushins is just HD s truck would be more likly to be loaded so would not wear out as quick, and this steering gear is more suited to slow loaded situations and "assists you" more than std gear.

 

I've got the 20:1 steering on my F150, and it's a hassle to park.

Read this:

One purpose of the steering mechanism is to provide mechanical advantage. In a machine or mechanical device, it is the ratio of the output force tothe input force applied to it. This means that a relativity small applied force can produce a much greater force at the other end of the device.In the steering system, the operator applies arelatively small force to the steering wheel. This actionresults in a much larger steering force at the frontwheels. For example, in one steering system, applying10 pounds to the steering wheel can produce up to 270pounds at the wheels. This increase in steering force isproduced by the steering ratio.The steering ratio is a number of degrees that thesteering wheel must be turned to pivot the front wheels1 degree. The higher the steering ratio (30:1 forexample). the easier it is to steer the vehicle, all otherthings being equal. However, the higher steering ratio,the more the steering wheel has to be turned to achievesteering. With a 30:1 steering ratio, the steering wheelmust turn 30 degrees to pivot the front wheels 1 degree.Actual steering ratio varies greatly, depending onthe type of vehicle and type of operation. High steeringratios are often catted stow steering because thesteering wheel has to be turned many degrees toproduce a small steering effect. Low steering ratios,called fast or quick steering require much less steeringwheel movement to produce the desired steeringeffect.Steering ratio is determined by two factors—steering-linkage ratio and the gear ratio in the steeringmechanism. The relative length of the pitman arm andthe steering arm determines the steering linkage ratio.The steering arm is bolted to the steering spindle at oneend and connected to the steering linkage at the other.

When the effective lengths of the pitman arm andthe steering arm are equal, the linkage has a ratio of 1:1.If the pitman arm is shorter or longer than the steeringarm, the ratio is less than or more than 1:1. Forexample, the pitman arm is about twice as tong as thesteering arm. This means that for every degree thepitman arm swings, the wheels will pivot about 2degrees. Therefore, the steering linkage ratio is about1:2.Most of the steering ratio is developed in thesteering mechanism. The ratio is due to the angle orpitch of the teeth on the worm gear to the angle or pitchon the sector gear. Steering ratio is also determinedsomewhat by the effective length and shape of the teethon the sector gear.In a rack-and-pinion steering system, the steeringratio is determined largely by the diameter of thepinion gear. The smatter the pinion, the higher thesteering ratio. However, there is a limit to how smallthe pinion can be made.

Or check this out:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering2.htm

That 20:1 ratio will require more turns of the steering wheel to cut the wheels, excellent for towing. The usual 17:1 steering requires a little less turns of the steering wheel, but puts more strain on the tie rods and such.

It's ingenious, really, but simple mechanics.

 

Wow - thanks for that - everything I ever wanted to know about steering ratios!

So, I'm guessing that the different steering ratio helps when turning the wheel while creeping backwards turning a trailer?
Maybe I am missing the obvious, but I am looking for the benefit of this (I do pull a 53' trailer for a living but not with my F-150).

And the bushing - where is this eye bushing?

 

the bushing is the front bushing of the rear leaf springs where the spring is mounted to the frame. the benefit of this heavy duty bushing is the load force put on in when you stop or take off with a heavy load. because all force is applied through that bushing to get the truck moving or stopped.

 

I bought my 09' XLT to use primarily as... well a truck. I have the max tow package. The tow mirrors are very effective, the truck rides great, and it tows my travel trailer and boats very well.

My dad has an 09' with the standard steering ratio. The difference between his and mine is only about 1/2 turn lock to lock so I cant imagine too much difference in a situation such as parking. I've driven both quit a bit and during normal driving I notice no difference at all.

 

Well it wont make to much difference with the steering. Mine gets lighter when i put my trailer on as i guess it takes some weight from the front of the truck.

 

Thank you!
That is what I was looking for.

You guys have settled my curiosity about the steering also.

Now to take some more measurements to hopefully modify my barn doors so I can get the truck in the barn with those big honkin' mirrors!

 

How much wider are trucks with the tow mirrors?

 

The tow mirrors add almost 5" on each side.

 

they act like stabilizing winds on the side of the truck....

And some of my friends have asked if they flap to help with take off....LOL