I recently drove my 2008 F-150 on a short trip of 300 miles while towing a small, enclosed, 1/2 filled, U-Haul trailer. Most of the travel was on fairly level interstate highway. I've made this trip (without the trailer) many times without any issues. Ordinarily, I'd travel at 75-80 mph. This time, because of the trailer, I moderated it a bit at about 65 mph. I started having a bit of a problem that was new to me.

I found that when I would turn the steering wheel a bit to the left to negotiate a left-hand curve, I would turn the steering wheel and then it would feel to me as though rather than the front of the truck bringing the rest of the truck along, the entire body of the truck was "drifting" to the right without regard to the steering I did. A scary feeling when you're expecting to go the other direction! Not sure if I'm describing this correctly. It didn't happen every time I hit a left-had curve and it didn't seem to me speed related. It didn't also didn't seem to happen when I turned to the right...only the left. It also didn't appear to be something that I could consistently re-create. It did happen enough, though, to worry me that something severe is going on with my steering box, tie rods, etc that needs attention. Before I took it into the shop, I thought I'd get ideas from the experts here.

Any ideas about what is going on?

TIA for any thoughts.

 

how heavy was the trailer?

 

The trailer was 5' x 8' enclosed trailer, about 1/2 filled. One additional item of note I forgot to mention: the bed of the truck was completely filled.

 

IMO the front of the truck was light, causing the floaty feeling

 

So it sounds like it was a weight distribution issue rather than a mechanical failure somewhere?

 

I would say so, yes.

 

weight distribution especially if heavier on 1 side ....add in low tire pressure (for load weight) also could be a weak or bad shock (usually on rear) ??

 

I've gotten the same suggested cause from about 5 other people...they all agree that it points to a weight distribution issue. Turns out my truck also needed new bearings and hubs and lower ball joints...all together they probably contributed to the "drifting" issue I was experiencing. Having those issues addressed so hopefully that will resolve things.

Thanks for your input!

 

I've gotten the same suggested cause from about 5 other people...they all agree that it points to a weight distribution issue. Turns out my truck also needed new bearings and hubs and lower ball joints...all together they probably contributed to the "drifting" issue I was experiencing. Having those issues addressed so hopefully that will resolve things.

Looks like you were right on the money. Thanks for your input!