Getting wagged...wind or setup?

[tommy_z]

29' trailer behind a 2007 Ford Expedition (SWB) using a Pro Series WD system (1000# TW) with 1 friction sway bar as installed by dealer.

I've been learning about weight distribution, sway, etc, so I don't have any scale weights or measurements to share yet. Vehicle and trailer "look" level.

Pulling 60mph I notice the truck gets wagged with light wind gusts. Trailer seems to track fine.

My experience is only towing boats. Is this somewhat normal?

Will I be able to overcome this with setup adjustment or other changes, or am I doomed with the Expy?

[jamesmc321]

wind will always push ya around a bit, especially with a cross breeze - dont forget you are towing a 28ish foot wind sail.

[Laredo291OH]

I tried towing a similar size trailer behind a 2009 GMC Yukon and had lots of sway problems. The biggest problem you have is your lack of sway control. The friction bars, IMHO, are about useless on any trailer. Everything I have read says you need 2 of them for any trailer over 25', but even then I wouldn't trust them working very well. In the reading I did about the different sway control products, something stuck with me about the friction, yes, they are trying to keep the trailer straight using friction, but if the trailer does get a little sideways then it also has to overcome that same friction to get straight behind the TV again. The Reese Dual Cam is always trying to keep the trailer straight and won't let it get sideways. I used Reese Dual Cam and have been very satisfied with it, others will swear by the Equalizer, or the Hensley / Propride (if you have enough money for either of those). I never could get the Yukon to tow very well even switching to LT tires and using the dual cam sway control, ended up switching to a GMC 2500 HD TV and that cured 98% of all the sway problems.

[{tpc}]

I have a very similar setup. Slightly smaller wheelbase TV, shorter and maybe lighter trailer. Mine runs a tad nose high...if yours is running nose high, try to get it level, it will help.

I will say that the hitch they set you up with, while capable, its one of the more basic setups out there. I was set up the same way, 1 friction bar, same hitch. I have since added a 2nd friction bar, because I didn't want to shell out what it was going to cost to go with the dual cam.

The 2nd sway bar helped me alot! Its not perfect by any means, but its much more tolerable. They are cheap to buy and easy to install, plus you have one side installed already so you can use it as a template.

If cost isn't an issue however, I would go with the dual cam.

For me at the moment, cost is somewhat of an issue, so I opted for trying the 2nd sway bar. I'll probably still get a dual cam, but with only a couple more trips lined up this year, I can push it off until next year.

You might also consider the suspension on your truck and see if everything is up to snuff. Once you get everything right, I think you will know the difference...when everything is working right it just feels good and easy to tow. When something is off...well its probably like what your going through now.

[SteveC7010]

Another factor is that short wheel base TV's are much more prone to sway issues. The tail wags the dog in effect. Longer wheel base vehicles are inherently more stable in this regard. All the short wheel base TV's like the Yukons and Tahoes and the old full size Ford Broncos had/have the same problems.

Laredo's right about the friction sway controls and longer trailers. The Reese Dual Cam and its direct competitors deal with sway much more effectively.

One system that will help on short wheelbase trucks is the Pullrite, but it's pricey and installation is as well.

[{tpc}]

Originally Posted by SteveC7010

Another factor is that short wheel base TV's are much more prone to sway issues. The tail wags the dog in effect. Longer wheel base vehicles are inherently more stable in this regard. All the short wheel base TV's like the Yukons and Tahoes and the old full size Ford Broncos had/have the same problems.

Laredo's right about the friction sway controls and longer trailers. The Reese Dual Cam and its direct competitors deal with sway much more effectively.

One system that will help on short wheelbase trucks is the Pullrite, but it's pricey and installation is as well.

Can't lump all yukons into this category, as the yukon xl's are the same as a suburban, which is a longer wheelbase.

However, I agree about the shorter wheelbase trucks being a problem with longer trailers. Mine is 26 1/2 from tip of the tongue to the rear, and I wouldn't get anything longer to try and pull with the Tahoe.

[sw342]

I remember towing my 22' Nash trailer with my '97 Expedition. Not that great. Couldn't imagine a '29 foot trailer. Kept the Expy as it was a great people mover, but bought a Ram 2500 long bed and the towing experience improved all around.

[Pull Toy]

One thing not mentioned so far is Tire Pressure. Max out your TV to Vehicle Manufacturer spec's based on payload. It's amazing how much a few psi can make in a cross wind, or passing 18 wheeler. Also, don't be afraid to take another half turn on the sway control adjuster. Just remember to back it off a little when not needed, or when backing.

I've also found that by keeping 55 to 60% of the trailer load forward of the axles makes for a happier tow. Less "Tail wagging the dog!"

[instymp]

Yes it is normal, +1 on responses.

[theallde]

I had a 27' Wildwood travel trailer towed by a 2013 Expedition and experienced a lot of sway by cross winds and 18-wheelers. Replaced the easy-lift WDH with a equalizer WDH which helped a little. Sold the Expedition and bought a 2014 F250 diesel and now the only problem I have is keeping the speed down - no more white knuckle driving and no more sway.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by theallde

Sold the Expedition and bought a 2014 F250 diesel and now the only problem I have is keeping the speed down - no more white knuckle driving and no more sway.

Two thumbs up!!! After nearly three camping seasons of towing, I am still amazed at how well this truck tows our trailer.

[Pull Toy]

F-250 Diesel.... Towing trailer.... WHAT TRAILER??? Wait till you try "Tow Haul"!

WELCOME ABOARD!!!