Is trailer sway control a must have for an f150
08-30-2017, 02:34 PM
#11
No worries. As for needing the locking diff or not, it really depends if you get into some nasty roads or not. I've been offroad and in very deep snow, and I've never needed it to get out of any situation. It came with the truck I got, that's all.
08-31-2017, 08:51 AM
#12
Senior Member
Not to steal this thread but I have the locking diff. why would they use that instead of limited slip?
08-31-2017, 10:01 AM
#13
locking diff is preferable because it's locked when you need it and completely unlocked when you don't... limited slip (besides a truetrac) have clutches to allow the diff to kind of lock and to allow it to kind of stay open (although it seems to never truly be either completely) those clutches are also a wear item. I wouldn't buy a new f150 without an elocker rear since they are so common and such an upgrade from either an open diff or a LS.
the only exception being a truetrac which is kind of like a non-clutch LS that works extremely well... I don't know of them coming stock in anything though.
now even though this turned out to be about a locker... on the anti-sway part, the electronic anti-sway built into the f150's does not eliminate sway or prevent it, it helps you deal with it when it happens, just like anti-sway hitches and friction bars. these are all great devices but none of them should take the place of a properly loaded trailer which would be your biggest deterrent to sway.
the only exception being a truetrac which is kind of like a non-clutch LS that works extremely well... I don't know of them coming stock in anything though.
now even though this turned out to be about a locker... on the anti-sway part, the electronic anti-sway built into the f150's does not eliminate sway or prevent it, it helps you deal with it when it happens, just like anti-sway hitches and friction bars. these are all great devices but none of them should take the place of a properly loaded trailer which would be your biggest deterrent to sway.
08-31-2017, 01:29 PM
#14
It sounds like you're using one of the entry-level friction sway units like what's shown here:
https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...ies/83660.html
If this is the case, you're pretty much at the ragged edge of this unit's effectiveness with a 21 foot travel trailer (especially given how they tend to act like a sail that catches every possible crosswind or wake from passing traffic). Also-many folks aren't aware that the manufacturers of these units recommend disengaging them when you're running on wet or icy pavement.
You might consider upgrading your WDH system to something that provides integrated sway control. Because a full-sized truck has a longer wheelbase than your Edge, sway might not be as big a problem, but if you plan on traveling on north/south highways out in the plains where there's nothing for miles to stop the crosswinds, a better solution might be called for.
You can see more information about sway control by using the link below.
https://www.etrailer.com/expert-113.html
https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Dist...ies/83660.html
If this is the case, you're pretty much at the ragged edge of this unit's effectiveness with a 21 foot travel trailer (especially given how they tend to act like a sail that catches every possible crosswind or wake from passing traffic). Also-many folks aren't aware that the manufacturers of these units recommend disengaging them when you're running on wet or icy pavement.
You might consider upgrading your WDH system to something that provides integrated sway control. Because a full-sized truck has a longer wheelbase than your Edge, sway might not be as big a problem, but if you plan on traveling on north/south highways out in the plains where there's nothing for miles to stop the crosswinds, a better solution might be called for.
You can see more information about sway control by using the link below.
https://www.etrailer.com/expert-113.html
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