Improving F150 handling

davechamp · 12-31-2018, 03:03 PM

Purchased a new F150 with ecoboost turbo and HD tow package. Sales person said it could tow 13,500 lbs. New Tt is 30' Wildcat. Sway and handling is very bad. WDH AND SWAY control seems to be adjusted correct? Is this F150 enough truck for this trailer. Power is great but handling is very bad. Anything can be done or installed for this issue.?

Canadiancrew · 12-31-2018, 03:10 PM

The first step is get LT rated tires or at least pump the p rated ties up to 44 lbs when towing. If your truck came with the OEM Goodyear jello balls you can push and pull on one of the back corners of the truck box and watch the sidewalls roll. Make sure your wdh lets the back of the truck squat a little. Your suppose to eqaulize the weight but if the back of the truck is a little light it becomes a white knuckle drive.

JohnD10 · 12-31-2018, 03:12 PM

How much does your trailer weigh (not dry weight)?

Delnari · 12-31-2018, 03:16 PM

I have a 2017 F-150 with tow package for my lighter and shorter 2507S (6800 lbs when loaded). What I found on my first trip was getting the weight distributed properly helped it handle better. Bought a tongue scale that let me get more of my weight (10-15% total of trailer weight) on the front tongue which really help eliminate the little sway I was getting.

If you haven't already, go to a CAT scale with the trailer attached for a weigh and see how much your trailer is weighing loaded. Second, check your front and rear truck height before and after attaching the trailer with the WDH to ensure you are good there as well. Hope this gets your sway issue resolved.

davechamp · 12-31-2018, 03:17 PM

Estimated loaded weight about 9000 lbs, dealer changed stock tires to LT rated because stock tires were not rated anywhere near what the truck was rated to tow. Am thinking about suspension addition or modifications?

**bikendan** · 12-31-2018, 03:18 PM

First, don't think the F150 has a HD tow package.
It has the standard tow package or the Max Tow package.
You can get the HD Payload package though, on some models.
Second, what is the truck's payload capacity?
Third, what WDH system do you have and do you have pics of the combo?
Fourth, are the tires P series or LT series and what psi are you running them at?

Lastly, NEVER believe what comes out of a salesperson's mouth. Always verify on your own.
You'll always run out payload capacity before ever coming near the 13,500lbs max and that number is ONLY for specifically spec'd F150s.

By the way, folks, the OP appears to have a Toyhauler, even though it's not listed in their profile. How they have it loaded may be the cause of their issues. Could be light on tongue weight.

Kimber45 · 12-31-2018, 03:28 PM

any salesperson that says a 1/2 ton truck can tow 13k is a true sales person and a few terms I cant say here

davechamp · 12-31-2018, 03:40 PM

My Xlr 29 hfs is being towed by my Silverado 2500Hd, perfect!! New TT and F150 is new.

acadianbob · 12-31-2018, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davechamp

Estimated loaded weight about 9000 lbs, dealer changed stock tires to LT rated because stock tires were not rated anywhere near what the truck was rated to tow. Am thinking about suspension addition or modifications?

A rear anti-roll bar is a great addition and is inexpensive. Hellwig makes a good one.

MR.M · 12-31-2018, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davechamp

My Xlr 29 hfs is being towed by my Silverado 2500Hd, perfect!! New TT and F150 is new.

let me get this right you have a 29hsf and a chevy 2500hd . why buy a ford you just took a huge step down . can you not tow your new tt with the chevy ?

davechamp · 12-31-2018, 04:05 PM

Wildcat TT and F150 was purchased by a close family member. Wish I were there when he purchased that truck. Sales person sold him it would handle the trailer. I am trying to help him with the handling issues.

Kimber45 · 12-31-2018, 04:10 PM

let him borrow your truck when ever he ask would be the best help.

llr · 12-31-2018, 04:14 PM

scale weights, truck payload after loaded for travel and type of hitch will all help. They are at least pushing the limits and a good chance well over but without details its a guess.

Chuck_S · 12-31-2018, 04:22 PM

Consult the Ford Towing Guide (this is a link to the 2018) for the model year.

According to that guide (page 19) only a very specially equipped model will tow 13,200 pounds: Supercrew 4x2, 157" wheel base. Max trailer tow package, 20" wheels, 3.55 ratio axle. This what you have?

-- Chuck

MR.M · 12-31-2018, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davechamp

Wildcat TT and F150 was purchased by a close family member. Wish I were there when he purchased that truck. Sales person sold him it would handle the trailer. I am trying to help him with the handling issues.

Ok that makes sense . lol . sales person suckered your family member in . same ole bs of course it can tow that . . now it's trying to make it work for them and it's going to be some trial and error . Good luck

moose074 · 12-31-2018, 05:36 PM

The trl weighs more than my TT but not as long as the one I towed with my 2014 f 150 eco boost never towed without my equalizer WD but I never had any problems with sway. Shortly after I bought the truck i bought timbren airless airbags because of how far the 150 squatted before the WD was hooked up. Never had lack of power even before the roush 1 kit I installed. Like previous post check load distribution if toy hauler also double check if WD is set up properly

Roberte52 · 12-31-2018, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimber45

any salesperson that says a 1/2 ton truck can tow 13k is a true sales person and a few terms I cant say here

I would not tow a 13,000 lb trailer with a half ton!

Beachbourbon · 12-31-2018, 06:18 PM

X3 on replacing the Ford with the Chevy

Orlando bull · 01-02-2019, 01:20 PM

Make sure the trailer is level, or, even a bit lower in the front. If it's tongue high, that can make a big difference. Truck is probably overloaded, but, there should be enough adjustment to get it closer to feeling comfortable. I pull about 7000# with my F150 and it feels mostly OK. I run 50psi in my rear tires when towing.

When I bought the trailer, I had to set up the hitch based on a level measurement from the dealer, no surprise, but, it was wrong and I was tongue high, that experience was poor.

merrykalia · 01-02-2019, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

First, don't think the F150 has a HD tow package.
It has the standard tow package or the Max Tow package.
You can get the HD Payload package though, on some models.
Second, what is the truck's payload capacity?
Third, what WDH system do you have and do you have pics of the combo?
Fourth, are the tires P series or LT series and what psi are you running them at?

I special ordered our F-150 with the HD Package and the Max Tow Package. It had MORE payload than our F-250 did. It beat it by about 350 lbs.

I would guess that the WDH system is not set up properly and perhaps the trailer is back heavy.

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