Mike Up wrote:
I think the reason is not so much the truck but the current truck and trailer setup.
The lift kit set the center of gravity higher along with additional sag in the rear due to leveling and taking the natural designed rake out of the truck.
Right there you have a handling disaster towing a big tall trailer. I would bet that those tires aren't even LT but they could be I guess.
Even without sway, the unit will be pushed as one from the high side wall surface area. That truck will roll left and right without sway. Add sway into the mix and it's a nightmare.
I would ditch the basic WDH and get a hitch system with built in sway control that designed as one. This will stop sway before it starts. Those anti-sway bars just dampen sway once it starts.
I would also add air bags to stiffen the suspension in the rear, and maybe even in the front. Definitely get LT tires to lessen the effect.
Also Ecoboost trucks have 150 lbs less payload than a comparable equipped 5.0L. If you intend to tow with a Ecoboost truck, the Max Tow Package is mandatory just for the added payload alone. The Heavy Duty Payload package would be even better (Heavy Half, 8200 lbs GVWR with 4800 lbs rear axle rating).
As has been stated already, a 3/4 ton truck would be better.
If I were towing a heavier trailer, a 5.0L Crew Cab 4WD w/HD Payload package. Unfortunately it has to be ordered as I couldn't find one even hundreds of miles away. But I don't tow real heavy and my truck is more than enough for my trailer.
For your truck and trailer, either a Reese Strait-Line system (WDH w/Dual Cam Pro) or an Equalizer brand WDH w/sway prevention, PLUS air bags and LT tires.
The truck still has rake after the 2.25" lift.
Tires are LT295/70/18 E rated.
Track Width of truck is 2" wider than stock for a little extra stability.
Not buying a new truck to tow an Empty Weight TT @ 7160#s...GVWR @ 8500. The F150 platform is just fine at these parameters.
Truck full of fuel weights 6000#s...and tongue weight of say 750#s and I still have 850#s of payload available. Myself and My Girl weight just a bit less than 850#s...so I fell safe. ;-)
Airbags are better for 5th wheel setups where the weight is centered over the truck bed IMO. I would rather add a Hellwig Rear Sway Bar #7899 for 2-4" Lifted F150.
