Sway Control, WDH & F150

[Kegan36604]

I've got a (new to me) 2000 240TD, pulling it with a 2015 F150 w/ tow package. After reading the threads here, it appears I should be looking at adding some sway control. FWIW, I've been on the interstate two or three times and it seems that above 60-65mph the Hi-Lo wants to put up a little fight.

So, question is:

1. Do I need both a weight distributing hitch as well as sway control?
2. Recommendation on the proper add-on for my set up (brand,model, mfgr)?
3. If I need both, do I go for a unit that has both integrated, or purchase/install as two separate items?

If I am interpreting what I see on the forward part of my trailer correct, the horse shoe shaped apparatus is the remnants of a previous sway control (perhaps)? See the attached pix. Thanks in advance for any and all help. (PS, sorry the pix posted sideways).

 

[RCREYES]

I've got a (new to me) 2000 240TD, pulling it with a 2015 F150 w/ tow package. After reading the threads here, it appears I should be looking at adding some sway control. FWIW, I've been on the interstate two or three times and it seems that above 60-65mph the Hi-Lo wants to put up a little fight.

So, question is:

1. Do I need both a weight distributing hitch as well as sway control?
2. Recommendation on the proper add-on for my set up (brand,model, mfgr)?
3. If I need both, do I go for a unit that has both integrated, or purchase/install as two separate items?

If I am interpreting what I see on the forward part of my trailer correct, the horse shoe shaped apparatus is the remnants of a previous sway control (perhaps)? See the attached pix. Thanks in advance for any and all help. (PS, sorry the pix posted sideways).

View attachment 5495

View attachment 5496

Those are the WDH brackets for the chains. You can get a setup with a WDH that has sway control attachment or go with an Equal-I-zer hitch that does both. All WDH do the same thing, so brand isn't important. Curt of Reese are pretty popular. I wouldn't get one from Harbor Freight though....

There are some good videos on this site.

Trailer Hitches & Vehicle Accessories (800)298-8924

 

[miniceptor86-HILO]

Lots of towing advice for your F150 on the F150 forums such as f150forum. I though my 2404T had a relatively high tongue weight so I used 600# WDH bars on my F150.

For set up most say the trailer should sit level to slightly low in the front. Your F150 owner's manual will have recommendations on how much weight to transfer and those recommendations vary from year to year but all involve measuring the height of the wheel wells unloaded and then with the trailer attached and then tensioning the WDH bars to return the front to somewhere near the recommendations. And yes to the sway control. I now have an Equalizer four point for our 30' Coachmen TT and F150 and it is rock solid.

4-point Sway Control

 

[JackandJanet]

I have the Equal-i-zer hitch too. When it's set up properly, you won't know you're pulling anything except for the reduction in acceleration and what you see in your rear view mirror. I'm sure the other brands are just as good, but I can sure recommend the Equal-i-zer.

Your 2015 F150 has built in sway control, but I think it "reacts" to the start of sway, rather than stopping it altogether. The WDH will put weight back on the front wheels of your truck, which will improve handling and braking a bunch.

I think without the WDH, your steering feels "loose" due to the reduced load on the front axle. I know when I hauled 1000# of pellet stove fuel from Home Depot to my home at highway speeds, I was feeling a bit of "oversteer".

- Jack

 

[miniceptor86-HILO]

My '14 F150 has sway control also but it takes a lot of wiggle before it intervenes. And yes I dropped the wheels onto the low shoulder. popping back on the roadway made the HiLo wag like a labbies tail and trigger the anti sway!

 

[renoites]

I agree with all said. Curt is good but expensive. I have EAZ-lift, About half of the cost of Curt.
I have the 1000 lb spring bars. Your running weight will be about 4k lbs. When you set the angle, it stays, and still gives soft ride.

WDH and sway will make your drive sOOOO much smoother and safer feeling.

Your f150 has the tow package. That means it is pulling from the frame. Bumpers only have 600/700 tongue wt ability.

1. yes
2. no need to spend the farm
3. integrated will cost more, no need. set up may be faster, but only minimally.
4. BRAKE CONTROLLER... an absolute necessary addition!!! But is most likely on your tow package.

 

[Kegan36604]

Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate the education. Still listening if anyone else wants to weigh in.....

 

[hilltool]

Absolutely get WDH. I have an "add on" sway control I bought but never used. Before my Titan I drove a 97' f150. I do find if I have the hitch set up correctly I dont feel a huge need for the sway as the low profile of the trailer and weight seems to take care of it. But, in this case I think more is better and if I wasn't so lazy I would mount my sway control. In calculating which size "bars" to get- remember to add on the weight of cargo in your truck bed to the tongue weight of your hitch----so if your tongue weight is 600 lbs and you end up adding 150 lbs of stuff in your truck bed-then you should be getting 800lb bars. ETc etc. I use 800lb bars for 22 foot hi-lo, but its close and there are times I wish I had the 1000lb bars for wiggle room.

Rick