jhlfory

I just purchased a new 30 foot travel trailer that will be towed behind my 2013 F 150 with EcoBoost. my truck will not arrive until mid January, and I bought a trailer just this week and Towed the trailer home with my 2003 F 150 4x4 SuperCrew.

I was surprised at the amount of sway I was dealing with on the 10 mile drive up the freeway to home. now I realize the 2013 trucks will control trailer sway much better based on what I've read.

What I am wondering though, is how much do airbags help to stabilize the rear end of the truck. should I put airbags in my budget for 2013?

to help answer that question, here is some additional information for you:

I ordered my 2013 shortbed with max tow less the elephant mirrors.

My trailer weigh 7155 pounds dry.

I can provide additional information if needed.

Thank you in advance for the help!

EcoboostKev

What are you using for a weight distribution hitch??? What is the payload# on the truck and the tongue weight on the trailer? You shouldn't need airbags. When i picked up my new trailer(2012 Outback292BH 32' 6500lbs dry) at the dealer. They installed the Equal-i-zer with 4 pt sway control and the entire ride home was a NIGHTMARE only because it wasn't setup correctly. Once i got it home and had the time i set it up myself and it has been fine ever since.

Raj77

What wasn't set up correctly? I have a 2012 kz spree 32 that is 34ft6in overall and is a complete nightmare to pull with my 2011 f150 crew shortbed Ecoboost. The sway is terrible and the sway control never kicks in. I have the equalizer and the truck and trailer are level, but this trailer pushes the truck all over the road. I'm seriously considering a SuperDuty.

EcoboostKev

The dealer didn't have enough weight on my trucks front axle which made the truck light on steering. The trailer was also nose high instead of level or preferably slightly nose down. I raised the bars one hole which put enough weight on the front to keep the front wheel well height within 1/4" of the normal height when not hooked up. Then I dropped my receiver down one hole to make the trailer slightly nose down. You trailer has 2' on mine and my truck has the longer bed with 157"wheelbase which might make the difference. Also what are the#'s on your trailer??? I would look into getting a Hensley or Propride hitch before a Superduty. They guarentee no sway or your money back!! Goodluck, Kevin

Raj77

The dry weight on the trailer is 6700# and max weight with payload is 8000#. I did notice that your truck is the longer wheelbase and wonder if that helps. I had to add a rear leaf also or the truck would've been nose high. I've been also told the crappy passenger tires aren't helping and get some all terrain tires with a stiffer sidewall. I have been looking at the Hensley, but also my truck is a lease and is up in a year so that's why I'm considering a f350. Thanks for the help.

walts99

Proper set up is the key to towing any trailer. The bigger and heaver the trailer the more important it is. A good WD hitch and proper set up you should be fine. The sway control dosn't stop sway it just helps you control it. So proper set up the key to happy towing.

GM Guy

You don't need to go to the F350 for the 6700 lb trailer. The F250 should be everything the doctor ordered. If you want power to spare, get the F250 diesel.

jhlfory

You bring up a good point about the dealer setting up the trailer improperly. they had the trailer hitch higher than the rear bumper by about 3 inches which is not a good thing for sway control.

Buck50HD

If you are considering a SD, you might be better off going to the F350 instead of the 250. Payload is higher yet the truck is basically the same. The F350 just has the door sticker to match the capability.

Aside from that, I think you have a problem with your WDH setup. The hitch may need to be high to make the trailer level, or slightly nose low. Crank up the weight distribution until the front of the truck comes almost down to the same height it was before you hook up the trailer. It will be much better.

dereku

If you buy new a 350 is an 800$ addon compared to a 250. I would say go for it they have a better resale value and ride just the same.