Trying to eliminate all issues when towing since I'm going to be hauling a good bit this summer.

First of all, power is all there with 0 issues. Wind and semi is the issue where it was the opposite with my last truck. Last truck wouldn't pull all that great but it was stable. I did add air bags to the last truck but that was because of bounce. My 2017 3.5 doesn't have bounce issues but the wind and semi really push it around. This is all around 60 to 65mph as well so not trying to win any races.

Shocks?

 

Do you have a good hitch with proper sway control?

 

Yes, I have the equalizer 4 pt. I need to weigh it. Here is a pic from the way back. The front and rear were level and the spring arms were also level.

 

Well, one, the new F150 sucks at towing. It is very sensitive to setup from my experiences. Two, the rear shocks are garbage, you would almost be better off without them.

I was able to get the unit to move as a whole with a Blue Ox and 1500 pound bars. You don't need to replace the hitch, but you might want to see if you can get the whole rig weighed, then weigh the truck by itself, or viseverse, Then what you want to do is set the hitch up to return as much to the front axle as it is when empty. This fixed it for me on my 16. I may still have other issues with the steering, but the unit moves as one now with cross winds and semi's. You can also replace the shocks too which will help a lot with stability, but when under load they seemed better than when empty.

 

I'm gonna take a stab with a bigger hitch (have 1000lb payload) to a 1400lb hitch. I've seen a lot of people fix their problems that way. It actually tows really well.

 

 

No doubt, the whole handling thing towing is directly related to the EPAS Drift Compensation, which I am hoping is finally resolved, though have my doubts still. Compared to my 14 though, they do not setup the same. I did not need to return all the weight back up front in the 14 for sway to go away, but I did in the 16. Once I know for sure that I wont be fighting the steering on a bumpy highway, then I am sure the truck will tow OK.

Two things though that show I am stuck with this POS for a while, first, past the LL for a return or swap, and two, trade value/resale value is 50% of MSRP, or a $30K loss in 14 months. I would have been better off playing the lottery.

 

Replace the shocks ASAP, towing or not they suck and you will be happier with just about any other option. Will it fix the unstable feeling? probably some, but if you still have the stock P rated tires they are not helping either. Once you make sure that the hitch is doing its job from the scale reading make any adjustments needed and try it again. There are lots of things that can help, shocks, air bags, sway bars, helper springs, roadmaster active suspension kit but make sure your hitch is right to start with and after any modification.

 

have to agree ..put the weight back to the front and trailer.....I'm old school ..bought this in a 1000lb tongue for my 600lb trailer tongue......and a friction sway....works great for my needs...

 

That setup with 800 pound bars worked great on my 2014, but did nothing for the 2016, just could not move enough weight with it, so instead of buying new bars for $200, I bought a Blue Ox for $514 instead with 1500 pound bars. Nailed it on the first try.