Towing problem
#11
Senior Member
I have the same truck as you and my trailer is 33' 7500-7800lbs when loaded. I use the Eqaul-i-zer with 4 way sway control hitch and LOVE it! I have no problems with wind or large trucks passing. If i do get hit with some cross winds the truck and trailer move as one unit. If you are that uncomfortable you can get a Propride or Hennsley hitch. They both guarantee no sway or your $$ back. I'm assuming your truck came with the useless P rated tires just like mine? LT tires will make a big difference and instead of air bags I'm going with a RAS system (Roadmaster Active Suspension).. Keep in mind that the 1900lbs for the Max tow pkg is before truck options.. Look on the yellow sticker on the inside of your drivers door. My truck has 1700lbs payload and once loaded for a trip with the trailer I'm only 160lbs from my trucks GVWR. Good luck, Kevin
Last edited by EcoboostKev; 06-19-2013 at 09:00 AM.
#12
Senior Member
Putting more preload in your hitch will help with the bouncy ride and squishy feeling. It acts to stiffen the rear and reduce deflection. At the same time, you will get more friction to reduce movement but will still act like a TT in windy conditions. Been there... I had an overloaded 08 GMC 1/2 ton with a 26' TT last year. Cranking on the hitch preload helped substantially but still sucked in wind. No sway but would twitch from one side to the other when wind switched.
Also, if you read closely, all Ford tow ratings (F150-F350) are with an open trailer, not a 10-12' high RV. If you have a large frontal area, you need to back down the weight, particularly if it's a long beast, like you have. There are many people with 3/4 tons that complain about a TT that long in the wind.
Also, if you read closely, all Ford tow ratings (F150-F350) are with an open trailer, not a 10-12' high RV. If you have a large frontal area, you need to back down the weight, particularly if it's a long beast, like you have. There are many people with 3/4 tons that complain about a TT that long in the wind.
#13
I turn my own wrenches
Thread Starter
Ok - I've added the Firestone airbags and will try it out this weekend. I'll keep you all posted on my findings and thanks for the tips guys.
Appreciated.
Ed
Appreciated.
Ed
#14
I have a 2013 F150 super cab 4x2 with the 5.0 6 speed trans. It's three weeks old to me and so far, I'm not impressed with the towing capability. I've only hooked up to my 16 foot tandem axle box trailer that I use for the Marine Toys for Tots; so far for stability; I'm all over the road swaying at 65mph. The truck has plenty of power and the trans shifts superbly, but to keep it from swaying? I find it impossible. I'm a very experienced driver from pulling trailers from 14 to 36 foot long with an F250 that I traded in due to age. Only used stabilizers on trailers over 26 foot, and pulled just fine with or without stabilizers. Is anyone else having this problem with the 2013 F150? What do I need to do to minimize or eliminate the swaying?
#15
Senior Member
I have a 2013 F150 super cab 4x2 with the 5.0 6 speed trans. It's three weeks old to me and so far, I'm not impressed with the towing capability. I've only hooked up to my 16 foot tandem axle box trailer that I use for the Marine Toys for Tots; so far for stability; I'm all over the road swaying at 65mph. The truck has plenty of power and the trans shifts superbly, but to keep it from swaying? I find it impossible. I'm a very experienced driver from pulling trailers from 14 to 36 foot long with an F250 that I traded in due to age. Only used stabilizers on trailers over 26 foot, and pulled just fine with or without stabilizers. Is anyone else having this problem with the 2013 F150? What do I need to do to minimize or eliminate the swaying?
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SkidogSemperFi (11-12-2014)
#16
Opinionated Blowhard
1. Towing that weight, get LT tires. P rated pumped to 44psi will tow lighter 6K lbs or less pretty well (it works for me).
2. At what speed are you towing?
3. Go to a local trailer dealer with a wet load like you tow and have them weigh the hitch. They should have the scale to do that.
4. Go by a truck stop and weigh your rig. That will help sort out your GVWR and axle weights.
Before trading for another truck, make sure that you have everything on your truck set up right.
2. At what speed are you towing?
3. Go to a local trailer dealer with a wet load like you tow and have them weigh the hitch. They should have the scale to do that.
4. Go by a truck stop and weigh your rig. That will help sort out your GVWR and axle weights.
Before trading for another truck, make sure that you have everything on your truck set up right.
#17
I turn my own wrenches
Thread Starter
I've figured out a couple things over the weekend with a quick trip.
1. The airbags help quite a bit to stabilize the truck.
2. Adding the second sway control bar helps add stability.
3. I had to lower the trailer weight distribution hitch system as it was set too high.
4. With the airbags set to 75psi, the trailer only drops the truck 1/4 of an inch.
5. The OEM tires are indeed crap but they're wearing quickly. I'll get LT tires next time.
6. First big trip coming up is this weekend. Will figure out if it really works or not. If not - hello F-250/350 6.2L
Some details.
1. Trailer is 8200# wet and 35' long.
2. Tongue weight is between 900-1000l# with weight dist. hitch, twin 30lb tanks and two 6V batteries.
1. The airbags help quite a bit to stabilize the truck.
2. Adding the second sway control bar helps add stability.
3. I had to lower the trailer weight distribution hitch system as it was set too high.
4. With the airbags set to 75psi, the trailer only drops the truck 1/4 of an inch.
5. The OEM tires are indeed crap but they're wearing quickly. I'll get LT tires next time.
6. First big trip coming up is this weekend. Will figure out if it really works or not. If not - hello F-250/350 6.2L
Some details.
1. Trailer is 8200# wet and 35' long.
2. Tongue weight is between 900-1000l# with weight dist. hitch, twin 30lb tanks and two 6V batteries.
Last edited by edreddy; 06-24-2013 at 01:57 AM.