ctimrun

I really appreciate all the input and ideas from everyone. Next week I am pulling a similar load back home on the same trailer. As of right now I'm unsure which ideas I will have time to get to. I may do one or two and more later unless I get more time before I leave for home. This is what I've come up with from this thread.......

1. Max out the rear tire pressure. (Is this one a good idea?)
2. Shocks (which shock)
3. Rear sway bar
4. BFG KO2 tires, seems counter productive to put a heavier tire to improve towing, but I guess I'm not concerned with power, only sidewall flex (wanted a little bigger tire anyway)
5. Remove level kit (This would suck especially after buying tires)
6. Take it in the shorts and sell it for a heavier duty truck (last resort if we end up struggling with a camping trailer)

Any other thoughts or ideas?

AbitaPro

I've read that some have reported the 2015 F150 has an energetic bed or suspension, don't remember which.

The feedback you feel is likely from the rear suspension, perhaps a call to Stage3 MotorSports could offer some help?

ctimrun

What does an "energetic bed or suspension" mean? I've never heard of this before and at the moment (tired after a long day) I can't figure out what it means. Also ended up with nothing after searching.

DAI6.2

Could it be the lightness of the trailer just being more active due to the road imperfections, Im usually towing around 2500lbs and I can feel the trailer moving around constantly, same with my 2013 F150 that is 700lbs heavier, towed a few loads with a heavier trailer and load with the 13 and I didnt really feel it at all, nor did that 6.2L, my complaint is how terrible the mileage is towing on my 3.5 eco compared to the 6.2. The eco is constantily over 20L/100kms, 6.2 seen it once on a bad slow moving gravel road, even highway driving the eco isnt much more efficient, really miss that 6.2 but the 5.5ft box was useless. 6.2 use to stay in 6th going up a 4 degree hill too, eco drops into 5th, 6.2 did have 3.73 rear end tho but still it was a 6100lbs truck compared to the 5400lb 3.55 eco.

ctimrun

I am also wondering if a slightly heavier trailer would be less noticeable, but I have read quite a few threads here where people with heavier trailers are also experiencing similar to what I am with a 3K lb trailer. Seems like a lot of people are buying rear sway bars to improve these trucks.

caperJ

Have to say hunting season is hear and with my Polaris 500 HO in the back or without, witting washboards on gravel roads and the truck is way less stable than my 2013. Bounces like crazy. All I can compare it to is a short box Bronco on the washboards. I thought the extra weight of my quad would stable it but, no go. IMO Ford gets a fail on this, they made it lighter but failed to control the back end with the decrease in weight.

CaptainAmericaRob

3 questions:
1) does the truck have the "Max Trailer Tow package?
the anti sway control really helps.
2) did you get the heavy duty payload pkg that's available?
3) did you set up the correct trailer in the towing settings menu?

max trailer tow pkg includes:
• 3.55 Electronic-locking rear axle
• 4-pin/7-pin wiring harness
• Auxiliary transmission oil cooler
• Class IV trailer hitch receiver
• Smart Trailer Tow Connector (standard on LARIAT and higher)
• Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
• Upgraded front stabilizer bar
• Upgraded rear bumper

sylvestermax

I have a 22 foot boat that I tow with my truck. It weighs about 4500lbs with boat, trailer, fuel and gear. I used to pull it with my Tacoma and it was always reminding me that it was back there. With the new F150 FX4, I barely notice it at all. I drug the boat from Tampa to Key West last month and at times forgot that the boat was behind me. I did notice that some have single axle trailers while I have a longer tandem axle trailer. That my make a bit of difference.

Radman1

The OPs load should be nothing. Just pulled a tractor and trailer weighing 13-14,000 lbs with my 2015 3.5EB. Yes, I am legal in my state for farm use. Had 08 f250 diesel prior. It is rare I pull that heavy with f150 but it did ok.

The only time it has felt unsteady is with moderate load in the bed (mulch and bags of dirt). I have air bags that are connected. I seemed top heavy and swayed when making turns or changing lanes. I suspect that is due to the air bags and air traveling from 1 bag to the other. I carry 500 lbs in my toolbox at all times and dont notice that weight or sway.

BTW, the mpg was a pathetic 10-11. However, my f250 would have been the same.

AbitaPro

You described what it means, it's the difference you feel or feedback in the truck suspension 2013 to 2015. I'll see if I can find the review/road tests that mentioned it.