Troubleshooting Trailer Sway with a 2013 Ford F-150 Towing Camper with Weight Distribution

Updated 04/06/2015 | Published 04/05/2015

Question:

I have 2013 f-150 Eco boost twin turbo 3.73 rear end tow max package with a towing capacity of 11,200 and just purchased a Heritage Glenn 31foot travel trailer thats 7950 dry weight. I had an e-2 hitch and my truck was all over the road so I bought the e-4 hitch rated10,000 pound and still had issues so just added air suspension in the rear! Just got the camper out for the first time this year with the new add on and the truck was once again all over the road!! not the camper the truck I was told with all that I have done that I should not notice the camper back there. I even turned the anti-sway control off in on the trucks computer after being told that the computer system was likely working against the hitchs weight distribution. I have 6 six washers behind the head. Is that to many or not enough? I am running out of potential fixes. Do you have any advice?

asked by: Jason P

Expert Reply:

First piece of advice I could offer you is to make sure your weight distribution system is rated for the loaded tongue weight of your setup. Keep in mind that figure also includes the weight of any cargo in the bed of the truck behind the rear axle. The next area that you will need to check is that you have the system set up properly. Typically you want enough spring bar tension so that the truck will basically be sitting as level as possible. You will need to follow the set up procedure in the install instructions of the kit you have.

Sway can be caused by not having enough weight in the front of the trailer as well. If there is a considerable amount of weight in the rear of your trailer this could be your problem. Judging by the picture you submitted it looks like your trailer is sitting level (which is good).

Typically a properly rated and set up WD system will not require the use of an air spring kit. I would recommend setting everything up with the minimum air pressure in the bags.

expert reply by: Jameson C