How do reduce suck and throw on highway.
 

Hello,

I just upgraded from a 2006 4x4 SCREW Lariat to a 2015 4x4 SCREW STX with FX4 package. I tow a 31ft TT that was rock solid behind my 06, but not so much on my 15. I am using the same equalizer hitch for towing. I have to say that I was very dis-appointed in the amount of rear end sag the new truck exhibits. It's hitch receiver is about an inch higher then the old truck but when the camper is attached it drops a couple inches lower then the old truck. To fix this I got some timbrens and that corrected the sag. Since getting the timbrens and readjusting the equalizer for the timbrens the ride has improved from about a 1 to a 7 on the highway. I would say the 06 was a 10. I can still feel that sideways back and forth and want to know what else I need to do to get rid of it.

One difference is my tires. The old truck had Michellin LTX P275/55/R20 tires. The new truck has Pirelli Scorpion ATR P275/55/R20 111 S M+S tires. The tread on the Pirelli's has sort of a diagonal stripe to it which I wonder if that is catching grooves in the road. I know I probably need to change the tires to a truck tire but since these are new I don't want to spend that money unless it will make a big difference.

Is there anything else that I should look at? I see anti-sway bars for F150's ranging from $50 to $450. Any thoughts?

I also noticed that on the 15 the steering is so sensitive. It seems like trying to drive with 2 hands on the wheel at highway speeds is a no no. I wonder if the steering itself is part of the issue.

Thanks

You need to hit a scale and weigh things hooked up and not. Sounds like too much weight removed from the front axle.

Hmm..Ok. But I know by my measurements for the equalizer that my front end is only about a 1/4 inch or less away from where it was with no weight, so I think I have the weight distribution dialed in.

Definitely something I can look into doing though.

Most likely it is the setup, only a scale will tell you for sure. Just got back from a road test with my 16 and Blue Ox first run. Looks like I nailed it on the first attempt, was able to return the full weight to the front axle for the first time, looks like my Husky was just too light for the trailer with 800 pound bars. My BO has 1500 pound bars instead, and at 10 links was right on the money.

Did diddly squat for the corkscrew handling though on rough roads, it is just the damned truck and nothing can fix it.
The steering is a bit light in the center, even when properly setup. I have had issues since about 16K miles on the truck, prior to that, the truck held the road nice and straight with very little input, just 2 fingers on the wheel, then I towed for the first time and all that went to hell. Hasn't been the same since even after two alignments, and the truck is perfectly in spec, so my guess is it is the EPAS.

The winds today were 10-15 with gusts to 20, so it was hitting me pretty hard and moved everything, regardless of which speed I was going, but passing trucks didn't affect the rig as they did before, so thats a plus.

Go hit up a scale, and do three passes, one with just the truck, suggest do that at any time when it is just you and a full tank and nothing else that normally is not in the truck, then with the trailer hitched up and everything in the truck ready to travel, first pass take the bars off, second pass put the bars on, then compare.

Goal is to return as much back tot he front axle as possible to equal your empty, unhitched weight. The Equalizer should prevent sway when properly setup but will not do anything for when a semi pushes the back of the trailer, which will force your trucks front to move in the opposite direction, thats normal, and they all do that when properly setup. It's just the nature of the beast, but properly distributed it is less of an issue provided the truck itself is tracking properly.

The LTX are better suited. That should be your first upgrade for that kind of load

Read some good reviews on the Hellwig rear sway bar for the 15+. I’ve got timbrens, and a blue ox and I still have that same symptoms you have. Can’t justify chucking good tires just to experiment. Sway bar may be the ticket. See RAM and Toyota’s with them from the factory

Lots of variables with newer Alum F150
 

It would help to know the configuration of your truck, to give the best suggestions. Payload and options and current upgrades that have been made.

Hitch setup and type, antisway features of the hitch, are all vital with the new lighter Trucks, but you need to look at several other things, after auditing your hitch setup to axle weight, tire pressure will help (next biggest change for me) take them up to 45 lbs and you will most likely see a huge improvement. Rate your sway bars and look at airbags or Timbrens, shocks as well. I have also seen a good improvement with wider wheels.

You are swinging a large pendulum with a lighter counterweight. Make small changes and rate your tow after each change.

Enjoy!

My 13 is the first ruck I've had without a rear sway bar. That does seem to make a difference.

Before you buy new LT tires (which will help) try putting more air in the OEM's -- I run 38 front 42 rear when towing. Then I'd look for a better WDH. Then the tires.

That said, welcome to the "my pre 2015 F150 towed better" club :-)

Which WDH do you have? If it has an add on friction sway bar get rid of it and get a better WDH. E load tires will be a big improvement. Hellwig sway bar and new rear shocks. My 2016 steering was sensitive when I first got it but much better now.