Towing Sway on 2015
11-12-2017, 12:26 PM
#11
5.0 DOHC V8
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: The southern California sardine can
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I don't know what the deal is with getting these newer F150's dialed in, but until you do they are just plain UNSAFE.
Does anyone out there have any advice on a 2015 that they may have had these issues with and were able to fix?
Does anyone out there have any advice on a 2015 that they may have had these issues with and were able to fix?
Another poster just asked about your front axle wheel alignment, which when toe-in is out of spec can cause stability issues. I'm thinking of something else: There is out there somewhere on the forum a link to an electric power steering system software fix. User acdii would know more about it as I've linked him to it and have forgotten exactly where I can find it. This could be a big fix for you. This electric power steering is software controlled and in some cases needs reprogramming.
Meanwhile, I see another detail in your weight reports (good job, too, on all the work! you've done to find the problem. I applaud you your efforts).
Pass 1 - Truck with Trailer and WD bars.
Steer axle - 3240 lbs
Drive Axle - 3460 lbs
Trailer Axle - 6440 lbs
GROSS WEIGHT 13140 lbs
Pass 2 - Truck with Trailer with no WD bars.
Steer Axle - 2940 lbs
Drive Axle - 3920 lbs
Trailer Axle - 6300 lbs
Gross Weight 13160 lbs
Pass 3 - Truck Only
Steer Axle - 3300 lbs
Drive Axle - 2680 lbs
Trailer Axle - 0 lbs
Gross Weight - 5980 lbs
Pass 4 - Trailer Only to get Tongue Weight
Steer Axle - 840 lbs (Tongue)
Drive Axle - 6300 lbs
Trailer Axle - 0 lbs
Gross Weight - 7140 lbs
Steer axle - 3240 lbs
Drive Axle - 3460 lbs
Trailer Axle - 6440 lbs
GROSS WEIGHT 13140 lbs
Pass 2 - Truck with Trailer with no WD bars.
Steer Axle - 2940 lbs
Drive Axle - 3920 lbs
Trailer Axle - 6300 lbs
Gross Weight 13160 lbs
Pass 3 - Truck Only
Steer Axle - 3300 lbs
Drive Axle - 2680 lbs
Trailer Axle - 0 lbs
Gross Weight - 5980 lbs
Pass 4 - Trailer Only to get Tongue Weight
Steer Axle - 840 lbs (Tongue)
Drive Axle - 6300 lbs
Trailer Axle - 0 lbs
Gross Weight - 7140 lbs
With the trailer there is a 220 lb weight bias to the rear - not enough to great affect handling from a chassis mechanical standpoint... I'm thinking your electronically-controlled steering bo0st is in need of examination and perhaps reprogramming. Again, this is only a hunch, but, do not think lightly of this aspect of your truck's handling problems. Good luck!
11-12-2017, 12:32 PM
#12
Member
Thread Starter
I had similar issues with my 2016 and a 7000lb GVWR TT. I even did the over cranking the WDH "fix" to my regret. Adding Timbrens reduced the bouncing but didn't stop the sway or "on ice" feeling. Upping the air pressures for my OEM P-rated helped but didn't fix the problem (over 60 mph was still a white-knuckler). So I replaced my basic Husky with an Andersen (i.e. added anti-sway) and that helped a lot. The set-up is still very finnicky and dependent on the actual TV and TT loads vs. the WD tension (a drawback of the Andersen since you effectively re-adjust it every time). When it is dialled in it is really good though but I shouldn't have had to all do this with a 7000lb TT (it also had issues with the 6000lb TT I had previously).
I did find that I needed to move load from the truck and the rear of the TT to the front storage of the TT (increase the tongue weight). All the while keeping inside the payload limit if the truck. This meant reducing weight everywhere...do we really need an item? is there a lighter option? I don't have ready access to scales but I estimate my TT weight at 6800lb (dry plus what I put in it) and my truck is at the payload limit (when hooked up).
There is definitely a sweet spot with the newer F150's (my 2010 was way more forgiving) and I think you need to experiment with the loading and distribution of weight.
But given your numbers you shouldn't have to do this. Your experience with other trucks is telling. I am personally fed up dealing with and hearing about this issue and won't be buying another F150 until Ford fixes it.
I did find that I needed to move load from the truck and the rear of the TT to the front storage of the TT (increase the tongue weight). All the while keeping inside the payload limit if the truck. This meant reducing weight everywhere...do we really need an item? is there a lighter option? I don't have ready access to scales but I estimate my TT weight at 6800lb (dry plus what I put in it) and my truck is at the payload limit (when hooked up).
There is definitely a sweet spot with the newer F150's (my 2010 was way more forgiving) and I think you need to experiment with the loading and distribution of weight.
But given your numbers you shouldn't have to do this. Your experience with other trucks is telling. I am personally fed up dealing with and hearing about this issue and won't be buying another F150 until Ford fixes it.
We tried adding more weight to the front of the trailer this morning. I added another 150 lbs which should put me into the 13% tongue weight and it didn't help at all.
The steering seems to be a whole other problem that Ford has and isn't really talking about.
11-12-2017, 12:40 PM
#13
Member
Thread Starter
This may seem somewhat obscure, but your rig seems to exhibit similar symptoms to forum user acdii's truck... especially your steering symptoms. How is the truck when you're not hooked up to a trailer?
Another poster just asked about your front axle wheel alignment, which when toe-in is out of spec can cause stability issues. I'm thinking of something else: There is out there somewhere on the forum a link to an electric power steering system software fix. User acdii would know more about it as I've linked him to it and have forgotten exactly where I can find it. This could be a big fix for you. This electric power steering is software controlled and in some cases needs reprogramming.
Meanwhile, I see another detail in your weight reports (good job, too, on all the work! you've done to find the problem. I applaud you your efforts).
Without the trailer there is a 620 lb weight bias to the front
With the trailer there is a 220 lb weight bias to the rear - not enough to great affect handling from a chassis mechanical standpoint... I'm thinking your electronically-controlled steering bo0st is in need of examination and perhaps reprogramming. Again, this is only a hunch, but, do not think lightly of this aspect of your truck's handling problems. Good luck!
Another poster just asked about your front axle wheel alignment, which when toe-in is out of spec can cause stability issues. I'm thinking of something else: There is out there somewhere on the forum a link to an electric power steering system software fix. User acdii would know more about it as I've linked him to it and have forgotten exactly where I can find it. This could be a big fix for you. This electric power steering is software controlled and in some cases needs reprogramming.
Meanwhile, I see another detail in your weight reports (good job, too, on all the work! you've done to find the problem. I applaud you your efforts).
Without the trailer there is a 620 lb weight bias to the front
With the trailer there is a 220 lb weight bias to the rear - not enough to great affect handling from a chassis mechanical standpoint... I'm thinking your electronically-controlled steering bo0st is in need of examination and perhaps reprogramming. Again, this is only a hunch, but, do not think lightly of this aspect of your truck's handling problems. Good luck!
As far as the steering without the camper, and it is worse with it, it does still exhibit issues. Coming back from the scales yesterday the the truck jumped to the right on my wife on the highway for no reason. The truck wasn't towing at that time because the GMC had our trailer. The steering wheel wasn't that noticeable around town I guess but once I did notice what was going on with the camper I got a little more aware and have noticed it doing it around town without the camper. Once the steering finally centers the truck does drive straight. The wheel may never be totally straight however. It usually is off to the right or left slightly depending on which way we turned last.
I did see that the post about a steering flash and I would be interested in that. IMHO the steering needs to not be so sensitive when in Tow Haul mode and at highway speeds. It's unsafe I think. Especially when trying to correct for the sway I am getting.
11-12-2017, 12:45 PM
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Another friend of mine suggested a Pull-Rite hitch that somehow attaches to the frame and lets you tow a travel trailer as if it was a fifth wheel. The hitch is expensive however and I am afraid that it would just be more money spent to not fix the problem.
Last edited by Ed Kutsko; 11-12-2017 at 12:45 PM. Reason: spelling
11-12-2017, 01:27 PM
#15
Now that I am looking at it, I dont see how it would change the way the weight is applied to the truck from a WDH standpoint. Its still going to lever around the axle and unload the front end. The difference is in how it would turn while towing. Instead of pivoting at the factory hitch/ball, it pivots over the axle like a 5th wheel.
I just wonder if it works with a wdh
Last edited by mass-hole; 11-12-2017 at 01:58 PM.
11-12-2017, 02:59 PM
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Hmm, interesting. It looks like it moved the pivot point of the hitch more towards the center of the bed rather than off the bumper.
Now that I am looking at it, I dont see how it would change the way the weight is applied to the truck from a WDH standpoint. Its still going to lever around the axle and unload the front end. The difference is in how it would turn while towing. Instead of pivoting at the factory hitch/ball, it pivots over the axle like a 5th wheel.
I just wonder if it works with a wdh
Now that I am looking at it, I dont see how it would change the way the weight is applied to the truck from a WDH standpoint. Its still going to lever around the axle and unload the front end. The difference is in how it would turn while towing. Instead of pivoting at the factory hitch/ball, it pivots over the axle like a 5th wheel.
I just wonder if it works with a wdh
11-12-2017, 03:53 PM
#17
Senior Member
I hope you get your issue figured out, that sounds extremely frustrating.
I have the Equalizer 1k/10K as well, and I did experience some sway with my 6800lbs 33ft trailer when the bolts that hold the bars in on the hitch head were loose. They are supposed to be torqued to 45lb-ft.
My tongue weight is heavier than yours, about 925lbs loaded. My trailer also has the wide stance axles, so I don't know if that factors in.
It's super irritating though that all the other trucks you've tried tow fine, yet your F150 seems to be a nightmare.
I will be watching this post to see how it works out for you.
I have the Equalizer 1k/10K as well, and I did experience some sway with my 6800lbs 33ft trailer when the bolts that hold the bars in on the hitch head were loose. They are supposed to be torqued to 45lb-ft.
My tongue weight is heavier than yours, about 925lbs loaded. My trailer also has the wide stance axles, so I don't know if that factors in.
It's super irritating though that all the other trucks you've tried tow fine, yet your F150 seems to be a nightmare.
I will be watching this post to see how it works out for you.
The following users liked this post:
Ed Kutsko (11-12-2017)
11-12-2017, 03:55 PM
#18
Just curious about something on the truck hitch. How is the draw bar receiver fit on the truck? Does it have a lot play? Does the draw bar pass all the through receiver with the pin aligned or is it about an inch short?
11-12-2017, 06:08 PM
#19
The one on the bottom row, middle, labelled "travel trailer hitches" is what I am assuming he was talking about. Everything else looks like 5th wheel.
It looks like its a swinging hitch which changes where the trailer pivots.
The following users liked this post:
Ed Kutsko (11-12-2017)
11-12-2017, 07:06 PM
#20
Member
Thread Starter
The shank for my equalizer is 12 inches long. It's a little sloppy in the receiver, but it was in the old f150 as well. It slides all the way into the receiver as far as it can go.