Towing with an F150

[mhill260]

We have a 2018 F150 XLT Crew Cab with a 6.5 bed. It has the 5.0 V8 and the tow package. We're towing a Rockwood MiniLite 2507. It's about 5300dry. We use an Equalize-it hitch with the sway bars.

The truck tows it well uphills, and it stops well. On a recent trip home on the highway, it dealt with trucks passing us and highway speeds ok, but it was our first time towing on the interstates. I noticed it felt like the truck was bouncing a little bit when we went over some bumps. Not sure if it's just a lack of experience, or if we should consider adding airbags or something to stiffen the ride. I haven't felt unsafe, and based on what I've read, we're in the limit of what we should tow with a 1/2 ton. Just wondering if there were any thoughts anyone had.

[Artspe]

If the bouncing makes you uncomfortable, add air bags or springs. Personally, I don’t prefer air bags.

[njfishing]

What you’re experiencing is normal. Air bags will make it a little less bouncy but they’re not necessary... You might also check the tire pressure on your tow vehicle and make sure they are inflated to their max rating. That will help some as well.

[llr]

Some bonce is normal it is impossible to communicate on the forum how much you have.

If you think it may be too much then i would start with scales numbers for any towing issues and go from there.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by mhill260

We have a 2018 F150 XLT Crew Cab with a 6.5 bed. It has the 5.0 V8 and the tow package. We're towing a Rockwood MiniLite 2507. It's about 5300dry. We use an Equalize-it hitch with the sway bars.

Which tow package do you have? The Max Tow package has better specs than the regular tow package.
And do you have the actual 4 point Equal-i-zer WDH or just using the term Equalizer?

[cbetmoose]

You might check your hitch if the porpoise feeling is really bad. Mine was set up (dealer install) with the ball 2.5 in lower than the TT. Found it when I checked the hitch settings on a level surface. Called Equalizer and the first thing they asked was if it bounced badly, and it did. They said to raise the ball to the proper height and it really took out a lot of the bounce. No sway problems but still some bounce on really bad spots at speed on the interstate.. ( I hate I-70 thru Indiana) Feels like being launched into space and when I look back and see how the TT is bounced, I cringe.

[mhill260]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Which tow package do you have? The Max Tow package has better specs than the regular tow package.
And do you have the actual 4 point Equal-i-zer WDH or just using the term Equalizer?

It's the max tow package with trailer assist, and it's the four-point hitch. Thanks.

[Underthedog]

I have the 5.5 bed.
I do not believe it bounces any more or less than other setups we've had over the years. I did have to re-work the hitch from the dealer install.


I've also notice a '?squirlyness?' on starting out new trips, as if the computer were going through a spell of relearning the setup; even though it is saved.

[jd50i]

also verify if the trailer is level or slightly nose down.


From my manual (2016)


Select a ball mount with the
correct rise or drop. When both
the loaded vehicle and trailer
are connected, the trailer frame
should be level, or slightly
angled down toward your
vehicle, when viewed from the
side.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by mhill260

It's the max tow package with trailer assist, and it's the four-point hitch. Thanks.

Show us some pics of your combo. Your Equal-i-zer may not be setup correctly.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by bikendan

Show us some pics of your combo. Your Equal-i-zer may not be setup correctly.

I tow a similar size/weight trailer, with my 2014 F150 and Max Tow package and 4pt Equal-i-zer.
I don't have your issues and don't have airbags.
So I suspect a poorly adjusted WDH.

[67L48]

Ford (maybe all manufacturers) have absolutely dreadful factory shocks. It's not uncommon for them to be ineffective from day 1 or, at least, wear out very quickly. One way to help with the bounce is to use a better shock that will dampen the suspension action. Bilstein 4600 are popular, as are Rancho 9000 and 5000.

[smgelsie]

We saw a significant improvement in our ride when we checked our tire pressure: Brand new Ford F150, came from the dealer with inadequate inflation !!!!

[BigBear0216]

Originally Posted by mhill260

We have a 2018 F150 XLT Crew Cab with a 6.5 bed. It has the 5.0 V8 and the tow package. We're towing a Rockwood MiniLite 2507. It's about 5300dry. We use an Equalize-it hitch with the sway bars.

The truck tows it well uphills, and it stops well. On a recent trip home on the highway, it dealt with trucks passing us and highway speeds ok, but it was our first time towing on the interstates. I noticed it felt like the truck was bouncing a little bit when we went over some bumps. Not sure if it's just a lack of experience, or if we should consider adding airbags or something to stiffen the ride. I haven't felt unsafe, and based on what I've read, we're in the limit of what we should tow with a 1/2 ton. Just wondering if there were any thoughts anyone had.

After you check your WDH and shocks, you might also consider looking at your TV tires. If they are P rated the sidewalls are a lot thinner and more susceptible to the porpoise effect at highway speeds on rougher roads. I switched to an LT tire and it made a very noticeable improvement to the highway ride. They have a much more robust sidewall and it certainly helped how the vehicle rides when towing a large brick behind you.

[CentralMePistol]

You have lots of options here...
Two quick thoughts for you- what size bars do you have on your WDH? sometimes having bars that are too big can cause bouncing.
I personally think SumoSprings are as good as airbags (for the job you are doing). AND they are significantly cheaper and you can install them yourself.

[markb422]

Have you checked how you have the trailer loaded or your tongue weight? Should be 12 - 15% of the trailer weight.

[justpassinthru]

Originally Posted by mhill260

We have a 2018 F150 XLT Crew Cab with a 6.5 bed. It has the 5.0 V8 and the tow package. We're towing a Rockwood MiniLite 2507. It's about 5300dry. We use an Equalize-it hitch with the sway bars.

The truck tows it well uphills, and it stops well. On a recent trip home on the highway, it dealt with trucks passing us and highway speeds ok, but it was our first time towing on the interstates. I noticed it felt like the truck was bouncing a little bit when we went over some bumps. Not sure if it's just a lack of experience, or if we should consider adding airbags or something to stiffen the ride. I haven't felt unsafe, and based on what I've read, we're in the limit of what we should tow with a 1/2 ton. Just wondering if there were any thoughts anyone had.

Hi lookup Timbrens on google and YouTube and this will eliminate your bouncing and control sway and cost is considerably less than air bags. This is new alternative to air bags. Hope this helps

[HangDiver]

I would start with the hitch like others have suggested. I also added Roadmaster Active Suspension to my F-150 and they helped a lot. No more side-to-side rocking while cornering over a bump (unhitched) and helped to maintain the rake of the truck when loaded heavily and towing.

https://activesuspension.com

[Chuck_S]

Ford receivers have a lot of vertical slop and all 3 of mine have needed all the washers I could cram in the drawbar/head before they'd properly transfer enough weight. Roo 23SS of a similar weight to your travel trailer.

-- Chuck

[TheWolfPaq82]

Drop 10k into shocks, tires, springs airbags....or start with the little stuff. Add some air to the TV tires, check TT tire pressure and go from there.