Forum Discussion

Explorer II

Apr 03, 2015

New truck, new trailer, newbie.... Questions :-)

I bought a 2015 Starcraft 18BH over the winter. Plan was to tow it with my 2011 Kia Sorento. The Sorento came to the end of life last week. Tomorrow I pickup a 2013 F150 Supercrew, 4x4, 3.5L Ecoboost with Maxtow package.

When I bought the trailer it was bought with a WDH/Sway control (Reese I believe the dealer included) as well as a brake controller and installation. I need to contact the dealer to advise that I no longer need the brake controller as the F150 has it integrated.

I am trying to figure out if I should still get the WDH/Sway controller...

Trailer maxed out is 3500lbs with dry hitch weight of 410lbs. From what I can figure the F150 with the options I have is good to 5000/500lbs without a WDH.

Is it overkill to get the WDH/Sway control? The F150 has traction based sway control that I have read mixed messages on. Some say its all you need, others say its only reactive where a hitch style WDH with Sway control is more proactive.

The hitch is already paid for, but I can trade it in for some part and accessories. I am sure I need lots as its our first trailer.

Thoughts on keeping the hitch, or ditch the hitch?

Many thanks!

Mike

23 Replies

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
I would still recommend the WD system. It will tow much better with it hooked up than without it. Just do not NOT overtighten the WD bars. It might 'seem' like you need to put a lot of pressure on the bars, but in reality, you do not ..

What happened to the Kia?

I am buying a new Transit van with the Ecoboost 3.5L and it will get here in about 10 weeks. . . Can't wait, but had to wait to get dual A/C in the cargo version as well as the color that I wanted. .

If this is a new trailer, talk to the dealer again. They might be able to upgrade you to something else without needing to lose any of your deposit money!

Fred.
mbopp
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
Keep the hitch and get a bigger trailer......

It's borderline, but I'd feel more comfortable if it had sway control. I'm running a Reese DC on the little trailer we have.
RedJeep
Explorer
Apr 03, 2015
I would guess that you are ok without wdh or sway bars. Try it out. If you see excessive sag from the hitch weight then maybe try out the wdh but i doubt you'll have any issues. Be careful not to pile too much weight on the rear of the trailer. That alone could cause handling issues.

Welcome to the club!