Recommendations for Improving Trailer Sway When Towing with a 2012 Ford F-150

Question:

Would or does this system help with trailer sway? I have a 2012 F-150 and it doesn't have a rear sway bar and I'm wondering if I should do both or just airbags? I also have a 2.5 inch bilstein leveling kit and replaced the rear 1 inch stock block with a 2 inch block.

asked by: Rob

Expert Reply:

I have a few options for you, but air bags are not really designed to correct trailer sway. The main purpose for suspension enhancement systems like the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs, # F2525, is to reduce sag and improve stability on the truck when hauling heavy loads in the bed.

If you are looking for options to improve trailer sway, then I recommend a sway control system like the Reese Friction Sway Control, # 83660. If you are using a fixed ball mount, then you can use the Reese Sway-Control Bracket, # RP26003, on your ball mount to provide a mounting location for the sway control ball.

Load distribution on the trailer and towing the trailer level will have a big effect on trailer sway as well. You want to load the trailer so the tongue weight is between 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight and you want to tow the trailer level. A light tongue weight or a high nose will create trailer sway.

When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want to choose a system that can support the total tongue weight of your towing setup. The total tongue weight includes the loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your trailer plus the weight of cargo loaded in your truck bed behind the rear axle. Also, hitch balls are not included with most weight distribution systems, If you need a 2 inch ball, then you will want part # A-90 and if you want a 2-5/16 inch ball, you will want part # 19286. I have attached a review video of these systems for you to check out. I have also attached a link to a weight distribution information article.

Since you have a leveling kit, you may also want to consider your hitch height. The shank included with Reese weight distribution systems will provide a maximum drop of 1-1/4 inches. I have attached a link to all of our Reese weight distribution shanks if you need a shank with a bigger drop.