Sway Control and Weight Distribution System Sway Control on 2017 Ford F-150

Updated 10/11/2017 | Published 10/10/2017

Question:

Just got off the phone with another expert. My truck has built in sway control. Its a 2017 F150. I am using a Equalizer E2 12,000 hitch. Supposed to have built in sway control on the hitch also. Trailer weighs around 8300 loaded. Experts says to turn off the sway control on the truck that the two systems are fighting each other. Was/Am considering a friction sway control. Is that too much? Will turning off the truck sway control solve the problem? Should I still consider the friction sway control. Trailer is 29 11 so if I go with friction should I use 2? Lots of questions but thanks for your help.

asked by: Mark F

Expert Reply:

Your Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # FA92-00-1200 is a decent system. It is not the best for sway control, but it should be working for you and your just under 30 foot trailer. The sway control built into your 2017 Ford F-150 is a frustrating system, that I also suggest turning off. It will use your brakes individually to slow you down and try to straighten your vehicle. The issue is actually the sway of the trailer, so correcting the vehicle sway caused the trailer can actually make the trailer sway worse initially until it is able to sync with your vehicle.

Adding friction sway bars like # 83660 is not recommended for use with a system that has trunnion bars. If you are looking to have the best sway control, then I recommend turning off your Ford system and getting the Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW # RP66084. This system is the only one that actively fights against sway with the spring bars and dual cams that keep constant tension to keep a vehicle straight. This system is adjustable to your desires with the chain adjustment, but the mechanical abilities this system has over the competition is something to note. It has pockets in the bars that are overcome on turns and then automatically realign on straight roads to keep the trailer fighting against possible sway. I've attached a video to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S