Can There Still Be Some Trailer Sway When Using a Weight Distribution/Sway Control System

Question:

Hello, I have a 2016 F150 4x4 short bed with Max Tow package that can pull 11,500. I am pulling a 8,150 unloaded trailer that can max out with cargo at 9,995lbs. I have a Husky 800-1200 weigh distribution and sway setup and the truck and trailer are level. I am looking for added improvements in safety/stability and handling at highway speeds. Anything over 65mph and if trucks pass it seems to sway slightly. I understand that the F150 is soft as the tech needed to re-adjust the Husky shank to get proper level. Is there any other after market products I can install to significantly improve towing? Thank you

asked by: Michael M

Expert Reply:

When a suitably-rated weight distribution/sway control system is properly installed in a towing setup like yours there will still be SOME effect from a vehicle like an 18-wheeler passing you in the opposite direction. No system can prevent this totally. And as driving speed increases the effects of wind/passing vehicles will only increase too.

Slowing down is the easiest, cheapest and safest way to avoid this. I do realize that in parts of the USA the posted highway speed limit can often be 70-mph or more, and that being the 'slow trailer guy' in the right lane is no fun when someone decides that tailgating you only 10-feet away is a good way to get you to go faster.

You can try removing and reinstalling the system to ensure it is adjusted properly. And make sure too that your actual total effective tongue weight (TW) falls into the middle of the system's rated operating range. You need to know your fully-loaded trailer's actual TW (see scale # e99044) and to this add the weight of anything in the F-150 that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or a generator. Ideally that total combined weight will fall right in the middle of the system's operating range.

expert reply by: Adam R