Community Forums

Metallicat · 02-11-2019, 06:28 PM

So here's the deal. I recently bought a TT and it came with a Husky WD hitch with add-on sway control. Not wanting to drill the trailer tongue and understanding that these types of sway control devices are inferior, I decided to go ahead and buy a WD hitch with built in sway control. For the record, it's a Husky Centerline TS.

Now.....here's the (BIG) problem. When I tow using this new hitch, my 2017 F150 starts throwing all sorts of warnings on the display screen. Steering, Advancetrac, and Hill Decent Control warnings. And yes, it definitely has to do with this hitch because 1) I towed several times with the other hitch with no sway control and it was fine and 2) an internet search revealed an inherent problem with current F150's and the use of hitches with built in sway control. It seems that when you turn, the truck senses that something is awry because things aren't as the truck should sense when turning due to the forces created by the friction in the trunnion/sway bars. For that reason, it throws warning lights and even shuts down certain functions (such as cruise control) for the sake of safety. After you disconnect the hitch and re-start the vehicle. All is perfectly fine and back to normal. No more warnings or dummy lights.

Has anyone around here experienced this and if so, what have you done to remedy the issue? While I've located plenty of complaints about it on the internet, I've turned up no resolutions to this point. This is ridiculous.

TechNot · 02-11-2019, 06:54 PM

I would recommend calling Ford Technical Support. Tell them what is going on and a technician will call you back and answer your questions. I would be surprised is there is not a technical bulletin about this issue. 1 (800) 392-3673. Best of luck.

Metallicat · 02-11-2019, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Techn0

I would recommend calling Ford Technical Support. Tell them what is going on and a technician will call you back and answer your questions. I would be surprised is there is not a technical bulletin about this issue. 1 (800) 392-3673. Best of luck.

I appreciate the info. You can bet your azz I'll be calling. This is nonsense.

jlckmj · 02-11-2019, 07:42 PM

I would also ask on the Ford truck forum, look for the 2015 to current section.

https://www.f150forum.com/f5/

Jim

Arch Hoagland · 02-11-2019, 08:38 PM

Let us know what you find out.

tuffr2 · 02-11-2019, 08:39 PM

Is the truck in 'Tow Haul' mode? That might help.

elite wa · 02-11-2019, 10:37 PM

Can you turn off the stability control? My Silverado has that as well and I would have to turn that off if I used the sway control on the hitch. I liked the way it worked with trucks sway control so I would just use that instead.

Demiles · 02-12-2019, 03:08 PM

You’re using too much tension on the WD bars.

Reevesfamily · 02-12-2019, 05:08 PM

Same hitch, towed three years with our 2010 F150 King Ranch, no similar issues, no issues at all, love the hitch set up. Now towing with my 250 and tows like a dream. Sorry, not much help. Smarter folks on this forum will help you I am sure.

KM Rolling · 02-13-2019, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metallicat

So here's the deal. I recently bought a TT and it came with a Husky WD hitch with add-on sway control. Not wanting to drill the trailer tongue and understanding that these types of sway control devices are inferior, I decided to go ahead and buy a WD hitch with built in sway control. For the record, it's a Husky Centerline TS.

Now.....here's the (BIG) problem. When I tow using this new hitch, my 2017 F150 starts throwing all sorts of warnings on the display screen. Steering, Advancetrac, and Hill Decent Control warnings. And yes, it definitely has to do with this hitch because 1) I towed several times with the other hitch with no sway control and it was fine and 2) an internet search revealed an inherent problem with current F150's and the use of hitches with built in sway control. It seems that when you turn, the truck senses that something is awry because things aren't as the truck should sense when turning due to the forces created by the friction in the trunnion/sway bars. For that reason, it throws warning lights and even shuts down certain functions (such as cruise control) for the sake of safety. After you disconnect the hitch and re-start the vehicle. All is perfectly fine and back to normal. No more warnings or dummy lights.

Has anyone around here experienced this and if so, what have you done to remedy the issue? While I've located plenty of complaints about it on the internet, I've turned up no resolutions to this point. This is ridiculous.

I have the same design hitch (different brand) on my 2018 F150. I get not codes or warnings when pulling trailer. All aspects of the vehicle work.

I tow in Tow/Haul mode, BUT, I have also spent a bit of time in ECO and Standard mode (just to test it out) and all functions fine.

Don't know how different a '17 is from and '18, but perhaps something is awry with the vehicle...Unless you've put to much weight on the vehicle via the WD system. If I recall correctly, I'm using 1000 lb. spring bars.

Metallicat · 02-14-2019, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demiles

You’re using too much tension on the WD bars.

No. I'm not.

Metallicat · 02-14-2019, 06:20 AM

The problem is solved. Thanks for all your replies.

Wrktfsh · 02-14-2019, 06:23 AM

What was the problem?

Metallicat · 02-14-2019, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrktfsh

What was the problem?

Because this hitch, like the Equalizer, has 4 points of contact with regard to sway control, naturally it works more efficiently at keeping the trailer straight. In my case, when I would make turns, after the turn, it would appear that the trailer was tracking straight behind the truck when it fact, it was not. The bars were not totally straightening out and therefore, putting sideways forces on the rear of the truck. The truck recognized this and didn't like it, triggering all sorts of faults. I'm not the only one that has had this issue. An internet search determined that. So, Equalizer manufactures a nylon "sleeve" that sits atop the trailer brackets for the bars to rest on and slide across. I simply manufactured my own version and installed them. Not only has it solved the problem, but the sway control still works exceptionally well and there is absolutely zero popping and creaking.