Forum Discussion

txmerlin's avatar
txmerlin
Explorer
Aug 25, 2015

Big truck woes

I have been reading with interest several of the posts regarding new tow vehicles. I am on the fence about whether to upgrade the TV or update the one I have. I have an existing F150 Ecoboost with the 4x4 option and the trailer towing package. My trailer is an Autumn Ridge (315RKS) 38 footer with a Reese weight distribution hitch. The truck seems to have plenty to be able to tow and stop the trailer. The issues come in when a large truck passes and the trailer and truck seem to get sucked over. I had the dealer adjust the trailer bracket last time I was in to see if it would stop some of the front end "float", and it did. It rides down the road much better, but that has caused significant wear on the top leading edge of the trunion bar.

Is the sucking in when being passed something that can be adjusted out, or is this a case where I would be better off with a heavier truck? Or is there a better hitch option for this combo than the Reese? Any guidance on this would be appreciated.

Ken
Tow Vehicles
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2015
    Weights? Its all about weights. Pulling is rarely an issue with any modern truck, but weights and correct loading, weight distribution are very important.
  • coolbreeze01's avatar
    coolbreeze01
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2015
    I would suggest a 3500 for your trailer, but then I wouldn't pull a skate board with a 1500.
  • campigloo's avatar
    campigloo
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2015
    You needed a bigger truck from the beginning. I know I'll get torn up from the EB crowd, but it's just won't handle as well as a 3/4 ton. Yes, I/2 ton trucks are much improved over the last few years, but so are 3/4's. You will still feel the push and pull, you will still feel all the same things you feel know. What you don't feel now is the firmly planted to the road feel that a heavier truck will offer. Gas or diesel won't make that much difference for the average weekend tower. There are advantages and disadvantages to both; just depends on how you plan to use them. You have a large trailer. Get a tow vehicle to match the load. Let the defense on the field now!


    PS. Golf carts are much improved too!
  • thomasmnile's avatar
    thomasmnile
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2015
    How much might the OP'S trailer length and TV wheelbase play a part in the condition he describes? I have a Reese Strait - Line hitch installed and adjusted by the dealer 3 years ago. Hasn't been touched since. 38 feet is a long trailer..... just sayin'.
  • Dog_Folks's avatar
    Dog_Folks
    Explorer
    Aug 25, 2015
    If you have a Reese Dual cam, they can be quite "fussy" to adjust properly. Many dealers cannot adjust them right.

    I recommend starting from scratch and adjusting the hitch EXACTLY in accordance with the manual. NO shortcuts. NO "close enough." No manual? Check You Tube.

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