Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-16-2017, 09:02 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 10
Swaying at 60

Need some help please I'm in new member. I bought a Forest River Salem trailer I have a 2007 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer El was told by the dealer that the truck would be able to pull the trailer with no problem and it does just at 60 miles an hour whenever a truck goes past me the whole unit sways I was told I needed tires 10 ply I went out and bought four brand new tires Bridgestone and the truck still sways I have load levelers and sway bar as well and can't adjust it someone says the truck is not set up to tow. They installed the brake at the dealer. The trailer was pulled with another truck too see if it was the moible,it went straight as an arrow no sway.. I am new to this,learning and spending money like I am printing it. Please I need some advice, some people say get another truck that's not gonna happen now, so if anyone has some ideas, that can help
I will try them. Thank you..
Travelerallusa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:24 PM   #2
Moderator Emeritus
 
acadianbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Posts: 3,365
To get much help, we'd need the payload capacity of your tow vehicle and the model of trailer.
__________________
https://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp297/acadianbob/IMG_2757.jpg
2021 F350 Lariat 7.3 4X4 w 4.30s, 2018 Wildcat 29RLX
2012 BMW G650GS, Demco Premiere Slider
1969 John Deere 1020, 1940 Ford 9N, 1948 Ford 8N
Jonsered 535, Can of WD-40, Duct Tape
Red Green coffee mugs
acadianbob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:27 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 108
Posting the model and specs (weight/length) of your trailer and hitch information (brand, specs) will help people start to provide input. Was your hitch set up by the dealer? If so you may want to get the manual and verify the setup. Dealers very often install them incorrectly. How is the trailer loaded? Too little tongue weight is a common cause of sway. You said the truck has new tires but being a 2007 have the suspension components been maintained?
__________________
____________________
2017 Silverado 3500 Z71 CC / L5P Duramax/Allison
2018 Grand Design Reflection 311 BHS
2015 Coachmen Apex 259BHSS 50th Anniversary (sold)
rjc1024 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:32 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
You can tow around 9000 lbs with that truck...

Do you have a weight distribution hitch?

Is it set up properly?

What tires did you get? If they are LT tires what air pressure are you putting in them? I filled to max psi when I had LT's on my s10 chevy... 50 psi was max... Otherwise the tires were so tall I would get pushed by trucks too unless I maxed the PSI..

Even with the P rated tires on my silvy I keep at 40 psi..

If WD hitch aint set up right you may be light on the front end of the truck.

Yes year and model of trailer will help
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
Lawrosa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2017, 09:45 PM   #5
Site Team
 
bikendan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,554
You definitely need to provide WAY more information.
Need year/model of Salem, make/model of WDH and more info on your Expy.
Also were the tires Passenger tires or LT tires?
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
bikendan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2017, 09:15 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 176
Ps never rely on dealers for good information on what you can tow. I have a 2000 F350 SRW 7.3 and they have always told me I can tow anything on their lot, including the triple axel trailers. Find out for yourself. Rv sales are for selling, not to tell you your vehicle cannot tow it.
Rdeejr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2017, 09:55 AM   #7
Grammar Pedant
 
67L48's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Frederick, CO
Posts: 1,580
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrosa View Post
You can tow around 9000 lbs with that truck... [...]
I'm not sure that's a true statement. The OP needs to start here: 2007 Ford Towing Guide.

Page 20 states that the standard Expedition EL tows 6,000 lbs. With the heavy duty tow package, it will tow 9,000/8,750 lbs (lower for the 4WD).

So, again, we're at the point where we need to know what the OP actually has.

If his rig has the tow package, then he should be fine. If he doesn't, then probably isn't. Easiest way to tell would be to check the factory trailer wire harness. If it's the 4-pin only, then no tow package. If it's the 7-pin/4-pin combo, then tow package.
__________________
Every time you use an apostrophe to make a word plural, a puppy dies.

TV: 2019 F-350 Lariat 4WD CCSB 6.7 PSD 3.55, 3,591 lb payload
Former RV: 2018 Rockwood Mini Lite 2504S
Former RV: 2007 Fleetwood/Coleman Utah
Former TV: 2005 F-150 King Ranch 4WD SCrew 5.4L Tow Package
67L48 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2017, 12:01 PM   #8
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 10
First thank you for the response all they told us was what we really needed where tires. So I got Bridgestone tires and I have to say it did slow a lot of the sway down. which brings me up to the point of where I am now. anything over 50 miles an hour I have to be very careful if somebody is going past me in a truck. I will get all the information you have asked for and hope that something can be worked out. I am new to this approximately 2 months and learning as I'm going. So give me a little bit of time so I can gather all this up and pass it on again thank you all very much
Travelerallusa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2017, 12:14 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Chaplain Kent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Milwaukee
Posts: 248
Welcome to the forum and to the wonderful world of RV recreation. I would highly recommend that you spend some time learning about your trailer and towing. There are many good articles on line along with videos. You might want to start with a video article put out by Hensley. I am not saying you need to invest the money for one of their hitches but this will educate you on what sway is and how to eliminate it. I know people who tow heavy vintage trailers with vintage station wagons and sedans with no sway. Your truck is more than adequate even if it did not come with the tow package.
Again welcome and good luck.
__________________
Chummy V
2014 Forester 2501TS
Ford E-450
Chaplain Kent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2017, 12:43 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: CT
Posts: 306
https://www.propridehitch.com/propri...iAAEgJ0FPD_BwE


this would eliminate any issues you have, just comes with a price.


or
PullRite - Worry-free Travel Trailer Towing | Fifth Wheel Hitches by PullRite


but with the pullrite you would need a custom install as they don't make a specific install kit any more for your application

*I have used a pullrite on a 97 Explorer 2dr, and it towed as good as a 5th wheel! No sway ever
kamper00 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2017, 01:34 PM   #11
Just as confused as you
 
Scrapper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: south central Wisconsin
Posts: 5,108
Don't believe statements such as "Your truck is more than adequate even if it did not come with the tow package."

Vehicle with tow packages come with larger radiators, larger transmission coolers, and some even come with a engine oil cooler for the extra stresses that towing puts on your vehicle. Even then you have to monitor the higher temperatures towing causes.
__________________
Richard & Jill
2014 Flagstaff 832IKBS Classic Super Lite
2018 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Z71 4WD All Star Edition
Camping since 1989, Seasonal since 2000.
Car Shredder Op/Tech, Scrap Metal Recycling - retired
Scrapper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-17-2017, 07:06 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
Quote:
Page 20 states that the standard Expedition EL tows 6,000 lbs. With the heavy duty tow package, it will tow 9,000/8,750 lbs (lower for the 4WD).

So, again, we're at the point where we need to know what the OP actually has.
He said he had the edie bauer... All the eddies come with tow package as standard equipment AFAIK...

Sounds like its just his WD set up incorrectly...
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
Lawrosa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 05:31 PM   #13
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 10
I have 2017 Salem Forest River. I was told it's 33ft from the hitch to rear bumper. Model number 28CKDS The truck is a ford expedition 2007 eddie bauer el. The hitch was on the truck. The RV place installed the load leveler. I just bought Bridgestone tires only ones made for this truck 10 ply LT. They said at the RV that my truck is rated for 9000lbs. I read somewhere that's if it's trailer package, if not then it's 6000lbs. They had to hook up the brake system in the truck. No one said it wasn't a tow package. I was told tires, so I got them, can't safely travel over 60mph.
Travelerallusa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 06:05 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelerallusa View Post
I have 2017 Salem Forest River. I was told it's 33ft from the hitch to rear bumper. Model number 28CKDS The truck is a ford expedition 2007 eddie bauer el. The hitch was on the truck. The RV place installed the load leveler. I just bought Bridgestone tires only ones made for this truck 10 ply LT. They said at the RV that my truck is rated for 9000lbs. I read somewhere that's if it's trailer package, if not then it's 6000lbs. They had to hook up the brake system in the truck. No one said it wasn't a tow package. I was told tires, so I got them, can't safely travel over 60mph.
OK load levelers... What are they air shock?

Do you have a weight distibution hitch?

Something that looks like this that you hook bars too

__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
Lawrosa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 06:07 PM   #15
Grammar Pedant
 
67L48's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Frederick, CO
Posts: 1,580
Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelerallusa View Post
[...]They had to hook up the brake system in the truck. [...]
This would be normal, regardless of a tow package. Though newer trucks have integrated brake controllers, trucks and SUVs from 2007 didn't.

So, you should have had a wiring harness under the dash specifically for a brake controller. The dealer should have tied into that harness when he installed a brake controller (probably a Tekonsha brand).

Did your hitch already have a 7-pin wiring harness out back at the hitch (round plug)? If so, it probably had the tow package. If your dealer was running additional electrical wiring, then probably no tow package. However, I'd expect that the previous poster is probably correct that the EB trim level included tow.

Even if it didn't have a tow package, I wouldn't expect sway. Maybe it would be unsafe, your tranny would overheat, and so on ... but it should pull in a straight line. Suspension components and WDH set up are your most likely bets.

I'm guessing you might have had P-rated tires on your SUV from an earlier tire change. These would have been cheaper, smoother, and provided better gas mileage -- it's not uncommon; I ran P-rated tires when I wasn't towing with my F150. You need LT for towing, so it's good you got that taken care of. It wasn't a scam ... you do need those tires.

Finally, you keep mentioning things that other people told you, including basic specs of your trailer. You need to change that script. Google is your friend. You need to investigate your own rig and stop taking other people's opinions as fact ... including mine. Check your door jamb sticker for ratings, check your VIN for ratings, and start looking these things up. We can help you to a point, but you need to roll up your sleeves and pull some of this hard information from your vehicles.

Good luck.
__________________
Every time you use an apostrophe to make a word plural, a puppy dies.

TV: 2019 F-350 Lariat 4WD CCSB 6.7 PSD 3.55, 3,591 lb payload
Former RV: 2018 Rockwood Mini Lite 2504S
Former RV: 2007 Fleetwood/Coleman Utah
Former TV: 2005 F-150 King Ranch 4WD SCrew 5.4L Tow Package
67L48 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 06:11 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
Your advertised hitch weight on that camper is 838 lbs... With propane and battery, and gear you may at 1040lb TW.. Thats heavy..

Your EL has a payload of 1800 lbs I believe... That leaves <800 lbs for passengers and gear in the truck...

Ill wait until you let us know about the WD hitch...
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
Lawrosa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 06:13 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
017 28CKDS Specifications
Sleeps 10
Slides 2
Length 34 ft 6 in
Ext Width 8 ft
Interior Color Mineral Decor
Hitch Weight 838 lbs
Gross Weight 9638 lbs
Dry Weight 7660 lbs
Cargo Weight 1978 lbs
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
Lawrosa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 06:19 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
Whe I hear load levelers I think of these...



What we will need if we are to help is a pic of the truck and trailer hooked up...

Clear pics from several angles near and far... Also some close ups of the WD hitch...

We can help once we see it... A Lot will be told from those pics...
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
Lawrosa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 06:32 PM   #19
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 10
YES weight disturbuter sorry was told load levelers
Travelerallusa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-18-2017, 06:36 PM   #20
Site Team
 
Flybob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,243
Get the following information from the stickers on your vehicle and trailer.

TV
Load capacity ( door jamb on drivers door Need to open door)

Trailer: Max trailer weight.
__________________

2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
Flybob is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
sway

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:46 PM.