Do I add sway bars to my F-150?

[Komodo]

I’m purchasing a 2016 Ford F-150 this week. It comes with integrated sway control. On my jeep I had the sway bars added to my hitch system. Does this mean that when I use my F-150, I don’t add the sway bars anymore?

This is what the brochure says,

“Trailer Sway Control – works in conjunction with the AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) system to expand the vehicles dynamic stability control capabilities, adding an additional layer of confidence and control while towing a trailer”

I’m pulling a four thousand pound camper. Rockwood HW277

[timfromma]

An integrated sway system like you mention helps your truck control a swaying trailer. A sway bar reduces or stops your trailer from swaying in the first place.

Get the sway bar.

[Swaggler]

I reccomend using the sway bars with the hitch as well. I am not familiar with Fords anti-sway system for the F-150 but am guessing that it would be working overtime without the sway bars on the hitch.


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[jgourlie]

Sway bars are a must with any half ton pickup

[ben31]

An anti-sway bar if faily cheap (not talking about the integrated Weight Distribution Hitch that also takes care of swaying), and they are easy to put on and take off. I would use it, just to keep the trailer from sawying much in the first place. When you get trucks flying by you, you will appreciate that anti-sway bar! You may even get off and tighten it some more!

Really, you will appreciate having it, where if you didn't you'd have white knuckles in no time.

[boondocking]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

Sway bars are a must with any half ton pickup

Another urban myth rears it's head.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

Sway bars are a must with any half ton pickup

A need for a sway bar has more to do with trailer size/length and weight... in addition to TV size.

I have an F250, haul a 38' 11k lbs TT and have a WD system with integrated sway control. I also use a sway bar and consider it mandatory based on my experience with and without it.

Different trailers and WD system combinations may require one and may not require one.

The TV is just one factor.


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[dbarr]

Originally Posted by boondocking

Another urban myth rears it's head.

Yep. Pulling the same trailer with my 150 as I did with my 350. Needed sway control then just as much as I need it now.

[jgourlie]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

Sway bars are a must with any half ton pickup

I didn't look close enough to the trailer the OP is pulling.

It isn't a full size trailer so Sway Bars may not be necessary with a tongue weight of only 400lbs. So yes it would depend on if the OP is getting any squat on his F150. If it were me I would still use a Weight Distributing Hitch with 600lbs "Sway Bars" because you can never be too safe.

So I respectfully change my statement to weight distributing hitch/sway bars are a must for any half ton with a full size trailer.

[windsurfdog]

I recommend a WDH with integral sway control. There are many that operate just fine without a separate sway bar. My BlueOx SwayPro has served me very well and is highly recommonded, IMHO.

Don't count on the truck's anti-sway system alone...stop sway before it begins...and distribute the tongue weight appropriately at the same time.

[txredfish]

The sway control on the F150 will only kick in an over sway condition. I would not depend on it. I would use an external sway control bars (system). Something like Equalizer which is suppose stop sway before it starts and helps the "white knuckle" experience.

[droilerjr]

I have an 2013 F-150 recently replaced my original tires (P series) with new (LT series tires) what sway I had is now more under control. Also have WDH with sway bars pulling a 2703WS and stay around 60 miles per hour.

[kfd82]

I have a 2015 F150 and had a 2012 F 150 prior. Both have the same system you are describing. (Eletronic anit-sway)
It does nothing to prevent sway, it only kicks in to stop it once the trailer starts to sway.

I'd say it depends on your trailer as to whether or not you need to add sway bars. Pull the trailer around and see how it acts. If it starts to sway easily, then get some sway bars installed. If it does OK, then dont worry about it.

[KMANUEL74]

The f150 integrated sway control uses a sensor in the rear of the truck to sense the truck being pulled a trailer that is swaying. It then uses your integrated brake controler to apply the trailer brakes. While doing that it also will activate your trucks brakes on alternating sides to put the truck in a straight line. Mind you, this could all happen with out you even recognize it happening.

So the integrated sway control doesn't prevent sway, it will pull the truck and trailer out of it (it corrects small amounts of sway before it's gets bigger).

I look at the sway control as an insurance policy and still use a sway bar.

************ For those with a 2015 f150************** beware. I was traveling from Cape Cod MA to South Carolina. In NY my trailer brakes locked up and would not release. Could not change the gain as the truck said trailer was disconnected. I ended up pulling the fuse for it and finished the trip with NO TRAILER Brakes. Brought truck to Ford and they said this is a common problem. The IBC was being redesigned and had to wait months for a new one. For those mechanics out there, it's the same part number, but a different series.

[Tom48]

Originally Posted by jgourlie

Sway bars are a must with any half ton pickup

Compared to the 4000 lbs you plan to pull this poster pulls huge.

If you have a WDH already pull it and see what you think. Even for 4000, with less than 3/4 ton truck, I think I would want a light tongue weight WDH. Look on E TRAILER.com. get the Easy Lift Elite or any one of half dozen knockoffs that can be had for less than $200. The sway control can be added later.

[Komodo]

Thank you for your suggestions, as a result I decided to keep using my sway bar with my new truck.

[pdqparalegal1]

Originally Posted by Komodo

Thank you for your suggestions, as a result I decided to keep using my sway bar with my new truck.

There is an anti roll/sway bar that attaches to the truck's rear axle. Not to be confused with the sway control attachment to the Hitch. Both can be useful at times. Some trucks come equiped with front and rear "anti roll" bars. Some people replace the factory bars with bigger aftermarket bars for more control. Anti roll bars do not make the ride rougher, thay only come into play if the truck leans one way or the other.

Both the truck bar and the hitch bar would be a good addition.

[BobandAnitaK]

Just to add my two cents. I also own a 2010 F150 with the electronic anti-sway control; from my experience the size of the trailer, along with the road conditions warrant the addition of a anti sway bars/brake. On my previous travel trailer 3200 dry weight, I did not need the anti-sway with my current vehicle. But with my current Apex 215 RBK (dry weight 4500) there are many situations anti-sway bars add more control and are necessary. If you are on the north south goat trail in Idaho with lots of curves or on the free way in in southern Idaho, Wyoming, Montana etc. (where it seems like the wind always blowing about 100 miles an hour-- ok seems like that) I would not drive with out some sort of anti sway brake.

[timfromma]

Originally Posted by kfd82

I have a 2015 F150 and had a 2012 F 150 prior. Both have the same system you are describing. (Eletronic anit-sway)
It does nothing to prevent sway, it only kicks in to stop it once the trailer starts to sway.

I'd say it depends on your trailer as to whether or not you need to add sway bars. Pull the trailer around and see how it acts. If it starts to sway easily, then get some sway bars installed. If it does OK, then dont worry about it.

Even if it doesn't sway on a regular basis, a sway bar still helps for the occasional windy day or speeding 18 wheeler.

[Bearface]

I picked up a 2016 F-150 in February and we replaced our 23' Kiwi with a 29' Salem in June. I had been using a weight distribution hitch previously and added a sway bar after the first couple of times out with the new TT. Aside from the improved safety aspects, it just made the ride smoother. I'd add one if you can just to have less of the feeling like you're driving a tractor.