Sway/WD control question

[guyofthewest]

I've just retired and want to get into the lifestyle, and would appreciate your sage advice!

My selected rig:

2015 F150 3.5 Ecoboost Scab with Max Trailer Tow Package
Payload:2,170 Towing: 10,700

Creekside 20FQ Dry weight: 4,200 Max GVW: 6,200

Since I am BRAND NEW to towing, and have no experience all all to draw upon, would you suggest any type of sway or weight distribution hitch for this combo, or will I be ok with what seems to be a comfortable margin?

If you do see a need, which one do you reccommend? The Hensley and ProPride are very compelling. However they are expensive and seem to be challenging to hook up-I'll be solo a lot so that is a consideration. Also there is the issue of storage lot maneuvering by tractor, etc.

As a side note, I didn't want to be undertrucked and so chose the Ford over the Ram 1500, as it had much higher payload and towing capacity.

Thanks yall

[Loraura]

Sway for sure. You may not need a WDH.

[Loraura]

Actually with 700 lbs tongue weight I'd do both.

[guyofthewest]

Originally Posted by Loraura

Actually with 700 lbs tongue weight I'd do both.

Thanks for your reply.

Which do you reccommend?

[justafordguy]

You do need a WD hitch for sure. I had very good luck with the Equal-i-zer hitch. It has sway control built in which makes it much easier to hookup.

[Air Lift Company]

For a little extra support I would suggest looking into air bags as well. 2015 Ford F-150 Pickup 4 WHEEL DRIVE Air Bag Suspension Kits | Air Lift Company

[brulaz]

Wow, nice payload on that truck. But is that what's on the yellow sticker on the Door Jamb or in the catalog? The catolog is a maximum number and is reduced by any options in the actual truck.

You will need a WDH as the 2105 Ford MaxTow Hitch Receiver is only rated for 500# tongue weight without one. And if you load your trailer all the way up to 6200# (its GVWR), you should have 12-15% tongue weight. Say 15%, so possibly 930# of tongue weight. The higher the % TW, the less chance of sway; the more stable the tow.

With a WDH, the hitch receiver is rated at 1220# tongue weight and 12200# trailer. So you wil be good there with a WDH, and if the truck's payload really is 2170#, you shoud be all set.

I would get a WDH with 1000# bars. I have the Equl-I-Zer brand with built in sway control, but there are other brands out there just as good.

[guyofthewest]

Originally Posted by brulaz

Wow, nice payload on that truck. But is that what's on the yellow sticker on the Door Jamb or in the catalog? The catolog is a maximum number and is reduced by any options in the actual truck.

You will need a WDH as the 2105 Ford MaxTow Hitch Receiver is only rated for 500# tongue weight without one. And if you load your trailer all the way up to 6200# (its GVWR), you should have 12-15% tongue weight. Say 15%, so possibly 930# of tongue weight. The higher the % TW, the less chance of sway; the more stable the tow.

With a WDH, the hitch receiver is rated at 1220# tongue weight and 12200# trailer. So you wil be good there with a WDH, and if the truck's payload really is 2170#, you shoud be all set.

I would get a WDH with 1000# bars. I have the Equl-I-Zer brand with built in sway control, but there are other brands out there just as good.

I haven't taken delivery yet, so yes I am looking at the website specs. They picked up a lot of payload by switching to aluminum body this year. Thanks for your info about the receiver, I did not know that. Many seem to use the Equal-i-zer. The Andersen is pretty appealing as well. Quiet, simple, low profile. Hmm

[timetogo]

Check out Blue Ox Sway Pro Hitches. Good stuff.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by guyofthewest

I haven't taken delivery yet, so yes I am looking at the website specs. They picked up a lot of payload by switching to aluminum body this year. Thanks for your info about the receiver, I did not know that. Many seem to use the Equal-i-zer. The Andersen is pretty appealing as well. Quiet, simple, low profile. Hmm

The problem I've heard about with the Anderson is that it can't transfer enough weight back to the front axle when you have a high tongue weight.

Despite what the Manuf. says, *think* the max TW most people recommend is 500-600#. There's been quite a bit of discussion about it on rv.net in the past.

[tuffr2]

Since that whizz bang truck is very powerful and is loaded with it's own anti-sway technology I would get WD for sure. That will also help with sway. I towed about the same weight with a 2011 F-150 and a Draw-tite WD hitch.

I did not have sway and the truck controlled the trailer fine. I could pass semi's without needing to make steering corrections.

I would say you only need a WD hitch.

[RVGuy1966]

I personally bought a used Hensley and got very good support on a sunday night from the owner.

I had back surgery and I installed it myself.

a used one could run upward of 2 large I think? but ebay might be a good start.

if you go that route,

it cost me alot but I would not tow with anything else.

IMHO....

[jesilvas]

Sway control for sure to keep the trailer from moving on it's own.
Weight distribution for two reasons: to keep the truck from sagging but mainly to transfer the weight to the front axle and not all on the rear, and it helps the ride.

Some will suggest or sell you air bags because if you use them, it keeps the truck from sagging, like a WDH. True. BUT those air bags only do that. A WDH keeps the truck from sagging because it transfers weight to the front axle too. Airbags just keep it all on the rear axle. Not a good idea.

A WDH w/integrated sway will be fine.
Husky Center Line TS | Husky Towing
The Husky 32217 is nice, and is the weight rating you need.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by brulaz

The problem I've heard about with the Anderson is that it can't transfer enough weight back to the front axle when you have a high tongue weight.

Despite what the Manuf. says, *think* the max TW most people recommend is 500-600#. There's been quite a bit of discussion about it on rv.net in the past.

Althought I have an Andersen and love it, I also have a 3/4 ton with Air Bags. I say this because I have also read a lot about the Andersen not working real well with 1/2 tons and heavy TW. I have absolute nosway, but you really have to crank down on the chains, which Jason at Andersen Hitches says is no problem. Works for me. Hitch is very easy to set up, quite and eliminates the bounce.