New addon purchase

waltheraustin · 02-06-2019, 11:15 AM

So I'm trying to fix the wind and semi push pull on my 2017 f150. I've got an equilizer 4pt and timbrens so far which both helped but could be better.

I'm thinking of either new shocks, rear sway bar or new tires (currently have p rated tires). Which of these 3 would you do first? I could do rear shocks and rear sway at the same time or tires. Which would help my situation do you think?

Appreciate it!

66joej · 02-06-2019, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltheraustin

So I'm trying to fix the wind and semi push pull on my 2017 f150. I've got an equilizer 4pt and timbrens so far which both helped but could be better.

I'm thinking of either new shocks, rear sway bar or new tires (currently have p rated tires). Which of these 3 would you do first? I could do rear shocks and rear sway at the same time or tires. Which would help my situation do you think?

Appreciate it!

Good E rated tires really helped the F150 we had.

**JRTJH** · 02-06-2019, 11:37 AM

ANY recommendation on how to improve sway/controllability of a rig MUST consider not only the vehicle and hitch but also the trailer. There are some "rigs" that simply will NEVER be safe and controllable based on the physical limitations. You don't list what you're towing and there's "precious little information" about how your F150 is currently equipped.

In this situation, without knowing if you're towing a 18' single axle camping trailer or a 35' double axle toyhauler, it's really difficult to provide any relevant, meaningful recommendations.

waltheraustin · 02-06-2019, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

ANY recommendation on how to improve sway/controllability of a rig MUST consider not only the vehicle and hitch but also the trailer. There are some "rigs" that simply will NEVER be safe and controllable based on the physical limitations. You don't list what you're towing and there's "precious little information" about how your F150 is currently equipped.

In this situation, without knowing if you're towing a 18' single axle camping trailer or a 35' double axle toyhauler, it's really difficult to provide any relevant, meaningful recommendations.

It is a keystone hideout that is 29 or 30 feet. Dry weight is 6400lbs and I have a 2017 3.5 ecoboost with 2048 payload.

waltheraustin · 02-06-2019, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66joej

Good E rated tires really helped the F150 we had.

I was thinking the same but wanted to see what others thought. Thank you

66joej · 02-06-2019, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltheraustin

It is a keystone hideout that is 29 or 30 feet. Dry weight is 6400lbs and I have a 2017 3.5 ecoboost with 2048 payload.

I find it interesting that Ford put the P rated tires on trucks with higher payloads. My 2015 had a 2040# payload with the car tires.

**sourdough** · 02-06-2019, 01:07 PM

6400 dry. What's gvw? 8000-8500? If the gvw is say 8500, you're looking at a tongue weight that would probably be over 1100 lbs. I think the first thing you do is get rid of the P tires and put LTs on there. The P tires let so much "squash" and "wiggle" go on with that kind of weight on them (and the pull/push of the trailer) that I doubt you will ever get it to act right until they're gone. The LTs are built heavier with stiffer sidewalls and carry more air pressure to help stabilize the load. When you pull those P tires off compare weights with a good LT and I think you'll see/feel the difference. I did it on my 1500s and there was a marked improvement. You will hit a point in weight with a 1/2 ton that you can do all the things you mentioned and it won't be fixed. I think in your case it is probably doable but may take the tires, shocks, either timbrens or air bags AND the heavier sway bar. The only way to know is to start chipping away at them one at a time - tires first IMO.

KimNTerry · 02-06-2019, 03:39 PM

the 2018 HDPP F150 come with C rated LT tires. IMO for your stated payload/GVWR, anything higher than a c rated is added weight and expense. I have the C rated on mine and it tows great

Wyldfire · 02-06-2019, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltheraustin

So I'm trying to fix the wind and semi push pull on my 2017 f150. I've got an equilizer 4pt and timbrens so far which both helped but could be better.

I'm thinking of either new shocks, rear sway bar or new tires (currently have p rated tires). Which of these 3 would you do first? I could do rear shocks and rear sway at the same time or tires. Which would help my situation do you think?

Appreciate it!

I fixed mine real quick. Traded it for a F350. No wiggle even if I don't use an equalizer hitch
So nice to pull even wife hooks it up an drives it while I sleep.

linux3 · 02-07-2019, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltheraustin

It is a keystone hideout that is 29 or 30 feet. Dry weight is 6400lbs and I have a 2017 3.5 ecoboost with 2048 payload.

Do you have the Max Tow package and what's the rear end gear ratio?

IMHO much too often helpful folks on this forum try to push trucks that are way over what is really needed.
That being said, even with the max tow package which in theory is rated for your load I think you are asking too much of a 1/2 ton truck.
That's a mighty long trailer, and heavy, for your suspension. If you plan short trips add tires and suspension bits and live with it.
If you plan long explorations I'd go with a bigger truck.

It's all about one uping the other truck manufacturers but just because they say you can doesn't mean you should.

waltheraustin · 02-07-2019, 06:51 AM

I was wondering when a half ton hater would show up.

No doubt a bigger truck would help but I've driving this thing on some big trips and it does fine. I'm just wanting to firm it up a little more which would be what any 3/4 ton driver would also want to do, no?

Carrottop · 02-07-2019, 07:07 AM

I have a 09 F-150 older version but similar sized trailer with Timbrens installed as well as a 4pt Equalizer hitch. I have LT tires and have no issues when being passed by a semi or in strong winds which is most of the time in Manitoba. Start with the tires and ensure your hitch is setup properly. You should be fine.

waltheraustin · 02-07-2019, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrottop

I have a 09 F-150 older version but similar sized trailer with Timbrens installed as well as a 4pt Equalizer hitch. I have LT tires and have no issues when being passed by a semi or in strong winds which is most of the time in Manitoba. Start with the tires and ensure your hitch is setup properly. You should be fine.

Awesome! Good to know!

itat · 02-14-2019, 10:58 AM

When I had my '09 F-150 towing a 5200# hybrid TT, I switched to LT tires and added another leaf spring on both sides in the rear. It definitely helped take the bounce out of it.

You're using the Equalizer 4 pt. Is it a 10K or 12K hitch?

If you are within your GVWR and still have some sway issue, the only 2 solutions would be a Hensley/ProPride hitch or a bigger truck.

waltheraustin · 02-14-2019, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itat

When I had my '09 F-150 towing a 5200# hybrid TT, I switched to LT tires and added another leaf spring on both sides in the rear. It definitely helped take the bounce out of it.

You're using the Equalizer 4 pt. Is it a 10K or 12K hitch?

If you are within your GVWR and still have some sway issue, the only 2 solutions would be a Hensley/ProPride hitch or a bigger truck.

Picked up some LT tires and have some bilsteins on the way. The past week we've had some high winds but the tires are keeping me on the straight with no effect.

We leave tomorrow for a weekend trip so I'll get to at least test the tires. I'll have the shocks next week so those will be next.

I have the eq 4 pt 1200 I believe. Had the 1000 but upgraded when the new trailer came. I'm sure there is improvement that can be made there but I should be set I think. Just have to keep the ecoboost cool which can be a struggle. Those turbos heat up quickly!

rhagfo · 02-14-2019, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waltheraustin

Picked up some LT tires and have some bilsteins on the way. The past week we've had some high winds but the tires are keeping me on the straight with no effect.

We leave tomorrow for a weekend trip so I'll get to at least test the tires. I'll have the shocks next week so those will be next.

I have the eq 4 pt 1200 I believe. Had the 1000 but upgraded when the new trailer came. I'm sure there is improvement that can be made there but I should be set I think. Just have to keep the ecoboost cool which can be a struggle. Those turbos heat up quickly!

I think the biggest weak point in an F150 is the P rated tires. Personally I believe this next trip will be much better.

Carrottop · 02-14-2019, 01:17 PM

I wonder if it is the new generation that they are putting P rated tires on or is it option based. My 09 came from the factory with LT tires.

Hamlej · 02-14-2019, 01:23 PM

Fought this battle with a Jayco 33ft trailer behind our F250. Traded the Jayco for a 3820FK fifth wheel and now it’s one hand on the wheel regardless of the wind. Never again will I have a bumper tow.

**sourdough** · 02-14-2019, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrottop

I wonder if it is the new generation that they are putting P rated tires on or is it option based. My 09 came from the factory with LT tires.

I'm not sure what drives the type of tire on the pickup if not designated with some sort of elevated towing package. Every 1/2 ton I've owned (as far back as I can remember - say....2000) has had P rated tires or their equivalent. On some I upgraded, on others I didn't depending on what the truck was used for. I would think and manufacturer that called a vehicle a "truck" would put LT tires on it but that's JMO and obviously doesn't carry much weight with them.

BadmanRick · 02-14-2019, 01:31 PM

The first thing you should do is get rid of the P rated passenger car tires. Go to a good light truck tire. Had a E150 van with P rated tires swayed all Over the place. Put on Michelin LT tires NO MORE SWAY PERIOD. A GOOD SWAY BAY MAY HELP but replace the shocks first.

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