How to Reduce Porpoising Effects When Towing Travel Trailer with 2020 Ford F-150

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Question:

When towing my trailer with my 2020 F-150 I'm having an issue with trailer control. From what I was able to research it looks like this is called porpoising? How does porpoising happen and what can I do to eliminate it? I'm not too fond of the back and forth movement....

asked by: Anthony S

0

Expert Reply:

Great question! Proposing, or the back and forth movement, typically occurs when the trailer isn't loaded properly so you have either too much or too little tongue weight, or your trailer simply isn't level. This doesn't allow the trailer to tow naturally so you get some weird movement. We do have some things that can help in addition to this but the first thing you need to do is make sure that your loaded trailer tongue weight (TW) is within the 10-15% range of the weight of your trailer. If you aren't sure what your tongue weight is I recommend using a scale like part # e99044, that can easily be stored inside the trailer or F-150, to make sure your trailer is loaded properly.

If you are still experiencing porpoising even with your trailer loaded properly then you need to make sure your ball mount sits at roughly the same height as your trailer coupler when level. I have attached a helpful article that goes into a little more detail about this.

The next best thing after that is to add a weight distribution (WD) system to the mix. For your application I recommend the Reese Strait-Line which for you I recommend either part # RP66083 which has a TW range of 400 lbs - 800 lbs or part # RP66084 which has a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs. Just be sure that the loaded TW of your trailer sits in about the middle of the TW range for the system you choose. To complete this setup you either need a 2" ball # A-90 or a 2-5/16" ball # 19286.

If you are still experiencing some issues then the last piece of the puzzle that would help is an air bag suspension enhancement kit. For a 2WD you need part # AL57268 but for a 4WD you need part # AL88268. These will work in tandem with your OEM suspension system and help level out your towing rig. If you'd like to use the air bag kit frequently then I do recommend also installing a compressor system like the WirelessONE # AL25980 so you can monitor and control your air bags from the comfort of your cab.

Attached are some useful links for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

Most of the time when a tow setup is porpoising with a weight distribution system all you have to do is add a bit more spring bar tension to minimize the porpoising. With an Equalizer system you would need to angle the spring bars down further to…

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Answer 2

I believe that I can help you with the tugging you are experiencing. First, consult your vehicles owners manual for the towing capacities and recommendations, and to make sure you are not exceeding those capacities. Next, there is a formula you can…

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Answer 3

Timbren helper springs #TGMRCK25D and #TGMRTT35D have different designs. The springs for kit #TGMRCK25D are double-convoluted. For optimal balance between softness and toughness, fabricators choose the double-convoluted rubber spring. Taller than the…

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Answer 4

It sounds like you have done everything possible on the tow vehicle side to reduce the up-and-down porpoising you noted, so I suggest checking out the trailer's suspension. Leaf springs do wear out and lose their weight-carrying capacity and this…

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Answer 5

I recommend the #RS34FR to replace your current LP gas detector. This is a simple 2 wire design making for easy installation.

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Answer 6

Per the specs of the Shurflo 4008-101-A65 it looks like we have two very good options in the HydroMax RV Fresh Water Pump, #P25201 and the Seaflo Diaphragm Pump for Boats and RVs, #SE58FR. Each are 12VDC pumps and rated at 3 gallons per minute and…

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Answer 7

There are a couple things that come to mind that may help with the bounce that you are experiencing when towing the 24 ft pull behind trailer with your 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. I would start by checking to make sure that your trailer isn't…

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Answer 8

Weight distribution spring bar tension can be increased by tilting the head toward the trailer so that the ends of the spring bars are closer to the ground. Once connected to the lift brackets this increased angle translates into more tension, which…

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Answer 9

It is possible, but you'll need to use the linked formula to determine the correct axle placement. Because you're adding an axle, you'll likely need to remove the existing spring hangers and reposition things so that the center spring…

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Answer 10

The best option I have to install a 12 volt power outlet in a truck bed would be to use the Hopkins 12-Volt Power Socket with Power Wire and Fuse Assembly part #HM55115 and wire this directly to the battery. This would need to be wired directly to…

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Answer 11

I have an option for you but the Adaptive Ride Control on your 2022 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 severely limits your choices. I recommend the Timbren Suspension Enhancement System item #T28MR. I confirmed with Timbren that these do fit your Sierra. This…

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Answer 12

It is perfectly safe to use a reducer sleeve like the Curt #C45405 to fit an accessory with a 2" shank into your 2-1/2" trailer hitch receiver. We do have options for you to use a ball mount with a 2-1/2" shank for when you want to tow…

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How to Reduce Porpoising Effects When Towing Travel Trailer with 2020 Ford F-150

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