Bought a new 2014 F-150 Ecoboost 4x4 with tow package last month.Spent Sunday setting up the Equalizer WD hitch on the Rage'n toyhauler.I hooked it all up, did a 16 mile test drive and noticed the steering wheel was cocked to the right while towing up the freeway. It does not do this when not towing. The brake controller was preset at 10 on the gain and I did not do any further adjustment at that time. The trailer brakes were checked and adjusted after my last trip with the old 2006 F-150 and the trailer tows straight.My question is has anyone seen this before? With the brake controller could it be dragging a trailer brake? Or with the Ford sway control could the truck somehow be dragging a break or compensating for something? I don't quite understand how the factory sway control works. At a loss here and am headed to the mountains on Friday morning for a 4 day trip.I have a heat gun and always take it with me on trips to measure bearing and tire temps but would like to solve this before heading out.

That is interesting. I've felt like sometimes the weight distribution makes the steering act kinda funny sometimes -- I've noticed the steering wheel angle being different from time to time in all of my 1/2 ton TVs. But not a consistent angle driving down the road. I haven't noticed anything similar w/ my F150, and I have sway control and factory trailer brake controller as well.You can turn off the sway control. I'd try that first.Note -- once you get everything squared away, you're gonna love towing with the Ecoboost!

I'm pretty sure you would know if the trailer electric brakes were being engaged. It would slow you down big time if you let up on the gas???The only thing I noticed different on my new F150 was that the BRAKE CONTROLLER disengaged the FOOT PEDAL CONTROL when you got below 10MPH and when stopped. Since I like to do this alot I have to use the slide lever when stopped at stop signs to have the trailer hold me in place waiting to pull out into traffic.Roy Ken

Can't wait, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! My nephew has had an Ecoboost for a couple years now and tows a similar sized Jayco Octane toyhauler and raves about it. He sold a Duramax and fifthwheel toyhauler to buy the F0150 and couldn't be happier. This should be a good workout, we are going up on the Mogollon Rim at about 7500 ' elevation so some good climbs and downhills.

Your EQ might need greased at the sockets. BTDT with one and an F150. One trip I was driving straight on the freeway for 40 miles, took my exit to the right. Turned right at the exit and the wheel was crooked. Got to the CG, greased the sockets and problem solved.

Try a simple test by unplugging the brakes to the trailer and see if the steering wheel still pulls.

2014 F-150 integrated brake controller question

Tystevens
Explorer
May 06, 2015
That is interesting. I've felt like sometimes the weight distribution makes the steering act kinda funny sometimes -- I've noticed the steering wheel angle being different from time to time in all of my 1/2 ton TVs. But not a consistent angle driving down the road. I haven't noticed anything similar w/ my F150, and I have sway control and factory trailer brake controller as well.

You can turn off the sway control. I'd try that first.

Note -- once you get everything squared away, you're gonna love towing with the Ecoboost!
RoyB
Explorer II
May 06, 2015
I'm pretty sure you would know if the trailer electric brakes were being engaged. It would slow you down big time if you let up on the gas???

The only thing I noticed different on my new F150 was that the BRAKE CONTROLLER disengaged the FOOT PEDAL CONTROL when you got below 10MPH and when stopped. Since I like to do this alot I have to use the slide lever when stopped at stop signs to have the trailer hold me in place waiting to pull out into traffic.

Roy Ken
AZDesertRat
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Can't wait, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! My nephew has had an Ecoboost for a couple years now and tows a similar sized Jayco Octane toyhauler and raves about it. He sold a Duramax and fifthwheel toyhauler to buy the F0150 and couldn't be happier. This should be a good workout, we are going up on the Mogollon Rim at about 7500 ' elevation so some good climbs and downhills.
goducks10
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Your EQ might need greased at the sockets. BTDT with one and an F150. One trip I was driving straight on the freeway for 40 miles, took my exit to the right. Turned right at the exit and the wheel was crooked. Got to the CG, greased the sockets and problem solved.
Houston_Remodel
Explorer
May 06, 2015
Try a simple test by unplugging the brakes to the trailer and see if the steering wheel still pulls.
AZDesertRat
Explorer
May 06, 2015
That is the first thing I intend to do when I hook it up next. Didn't think about that until I had already put the trailer away Sunday, one of those DUH headslapper moments. Or maybe just a senior moment?

I don't think it was the bar sockets as I made many left and right turns on my shakedown and the steering wheel was always in the same position when I straightened out. Thats why I was thinking maybe some of the new whizbang Ford electronics?
Thanks everyone.
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
May 06, 2015
The EBC should have no effect on the position of the steering wheel. On the DIC readout page over to the brake controller and it will show you if it is engaging while under way. On my Ford EBC it shows bars as I press the brake all the way up to 9 where I set it and forget it.
spud1957
Explorer
May 06, 2015
This topic is so familiar. I think it came up at the FTE forum. Not sure if you have been there or are a member.

It has happened to others and there is a fix. Can't remember. Sorry.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/
BenK
Explorer
May 06, 2015
WD can do this if the bats do not return to center

Is this an electric power steering or old hydraulic?

With these Highly Interagrated EVERYTHING...you will need a code reader as minimum

"By Wire"....means no longer direct connection with the human...all has to go through the computers

Electric steering has the steering wheel turn the tires via a wire to the computer

That then is Highly Integrated with the other computers

They are then Highly Intergrated with the other Highly Integrated systems and their computers

Is the ABS, Torque Control, Anti-Sway, Stability Control, etc, etc involved ?

If an older vehicle...might be worn steering components...or stuck brake pad...

Why does the OP think it is the Highly Integrated Brake Controller ?

Key is that this only happens when hooked up...

I'll wait till the OP gets back with the test of hooked up, but no trail harness plugged in

Ben
Via smartphone phone...excuse my fat finger typos
dantravelman
Explorer
May 07, 2015
"The brake controller was preset at 10 on the gain ..."
I run mine around 7, what if you turn it down, do you still have the issue?