Nature77

We have towed a TT for years with a 1500 & 2500. After a lot of homework we bought: 2016 F-150, 3.5 Eco, screw, 145" wheelbase, 3.55 axle, 7000" GVWR package, Max tow package.
Scales: Combined weight: 13,580 lbs, TT: 8020lbs, TT tongue: 1,380 (we didn't check this before 150 purchase) Hitch drops 6" when we hook up which seems excessive. Based on these numbers truck with us in it: 5,560 lbs.
Problem: a lot of left to right out of control jerking, feels a like hydroplaning. Have never had anything like it. We purchased new Michelin 10 ply tires plus had airbags added: nothing improved towing. We have weight distribution (old set up that came with the trailer) and anti-sway bars. Trailer: 26' Arctic Fox.
My concern: it seems some people tow with absolutely no problems and I've seen a few have a lot of what seems to be unsafe feeling. Is it some odd configuration with truck that we're missing?
We are considering a smaller, lighter tongue weight trailer but I don't want to spend more money if this will never work. Anyone actually have this problem and solve it?

dlbb

i hope some others will chime in but it almost sounds like the sway control on the truck is fighting the anti-sway bars. try turning off the sway control on the truck?

BCMIF150

Sounds like the WDH is not set correctly. 6" of drop seems excessive.

massspike

That "hydroplanig" feel may be to much lift of your front end (it is too light). You say the rear sag is 6" (I assume that is without the WDH) which is a lot but have you measured the rise of the front? For example: my 7000lb trailer causes 1-1/2" of sag and only 1/2" of rise...my WDH has no trouble restoring it to normal 0" of rise (with 1" of sag). How much is your WDH reducing the rise (transferring down force to the front axle)? There is some disagreement about how much you need as Ford says 50% of it but a lot of the forum "experts" say 100%. You probably need to take your setup back to the scales to figure out the real weight distribution but it could be you need a much better WDH.

BarmanBean

iTrader: (1)

Well right from your details, you are exceeding the listed hitch limit of 1,220lbs with weight distribution. It seems highly likely that the rear axle and payload are also both being exceeded.

Sounds like a lot of trailer for an F-150.

Ricktwuhk

As you noted, your tongue weight is over the rated capacity of your hitch. You don't mention your Payload, and you said Max Tow, so I'm assuming that your Payload - 1,380 - you and your passengers and any cargo on the truck minus the weight distribution hitch minus any mods to the truck is greater than zero?

While I agree with weighing and possibly a different WDH, you have to resolve the fact that your hitch weight is beyond the rated capacity of your truck.

Nature77

I think the payload is 1925 lbs, (yellow sticker). Had not thought of that. I was considering the Gvwr of 7000. With 2 adults & dog in cab truck weight: 5,560 lbs (7000 minus 5,560) leaving 1,440 for tongue; if my numbers are correct we aren't over payload. I guess I've seen posts where people have had a higher tongue weight with not a lot of problems.
Would those that have towed suspect that if we had a TT with a lighter tongue weight we'll be ok? If so I have another question:
If GVWR is 7,000 and with adults and dog we're at 5,560 and we get a shell (about 300lbs) and maybe 500lbs of gear. I'm looking at 7,000 minus 5,560 minus 300 minus 500 = 640lbs left for tongue weight. Does this seem about right? We won't be over GVWR, have a lighter tongue (assuming TT hooked up correctly).

Nature77

masspike: WDH only takes hitch up about 2 inches. I did measure the space around wheels, WDH improved front some but only a little; certainly not enough.

BarmanBean

iTrader: (1)

What WDH are you using and what weight is it rated for?

Nature77

BarmanBean: I don't know the kind of WDH: it came with the trailer (bought used), has heavy bars and chains; probably as old as the trailer. They worked with our last truck.