As referenced here (link), I recently joined the Ecoboost club by buying an '18 F150. Many have said, "that's not enough truck," but I believed those who said otherwise...After driving back from Georgia to Texas over the last three days, I have a question:Who wants to buy a 2018 F150 XLT?The truck drives great, wonderful gas mileage, great power and braking ability, etc. However, when you put it in a crosswind, it's game over! The truck is simply too light to handle anything more than perhaps about a 6,000 pound trailer. I don't care what the SAE tow ratings say!I'm done...Knocks on the head taken, fixing to lose my rear end on trade, and crow eaten. For all those who said "I told you so," I say "yes, you did. I was wrong, and you were right. I'm sorry I didn't believe you."

Gosh...this thread should get real interesting.First obvious question: is your hitch set up correctly?

srt20 wrote:How strong was the crosswind?Probably 20-30 MPH. Typical summertime thunderstorm winds. And it wasn't just once, but MULTIPLE times. Living in West Texas, wind is a way of life... so it really doesn't matter!

downtheroad wrote:Gosh...this thread should get real interesting.First obvious question: is your hitch set up correctly?Yes, I was using a Hensley Arrow, and followed proper protocol in setting the hitch up (I've been RVing for 15 years, and this is my 4th two vehicle, so I kind have that down pat ;) )Edit... maybe it wasn't. I hitched the same as I had with my three prior tow vehicles (all Silverado 1500s). See my later post below, and accept my apologies for dismissing you in my initial response.

manley wrote:As referenced here (link), I recently joined the Ecoboost club by buying an '18 F150. Many have said, "that's not enough truck," but I believed those who said otherwise...After driving back from Georgia to Texas over the last three days, I have a question:Who wants to buy a 2018 F150 XLT?The truck drives great, wonderful gas mileage, great power and braking ability, etc. However, when you put it in a crosswind, it's game over! The truck is simply too light to handle anything more than perhaps about a 6,000 pound trailer. I don't care what the SAE tow ratings say!I'm done...Knocks on the head taken, fixing to lose my rear end on trade, and crow eaten. For all those who said "I told you so," I say "yes, you did. I was wrong, and you were right. I'm sorry I didn't believe you."That's your fault for buying a high profile vehicle and not knowing they are more susceptible to crosswinds.Moms driving their lighter SUVs and mini vans have known that for years. Box truck trucks, panel vans, and even cars have to fight crosswindsto varying extent...yeah, you walked into that one.You've never gotten out the way of big rigs struggling to stay in their lane on windy days?I think you should limit your truck to 6,000lbs towing, but don't speak for my truck...my truck tows 9,000 lbs and 37ft. great!!

My 2018 F150 Towing Experience | Good Sam Community

99 Replies

kerrlakeRoo
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
Was the problem at all speeds? Or just above a certain point? Texas with its open areas and high speed limits can place some additional issues on drivers of light rigs.
Frostbitte
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
Dumb question but what kind of tires are on it and did you check inflation rates? If they're P rated tires or passenger, get rid of those and try LT's.

The first time we towed our 5'er home across Southern Alberta (very strong wind gusts), it was a bit wonky. I checked the inflation of my rear tires and they were under inflated, which I blame the shop for but I should've checked too. After I inflated them to the proper psi for the load, I was fine..Felt the wind of course but not as bad.
Yosemite_Sam1
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
Whew, I dodged a bullet.

I was thinking of buying F-150 so I can get a bigger trailer. Then CW RVers salesman told me I can get the right trailer for my 4 runner matching my needs for the number of beds for my many kids/grand.

Had I follow my wants (not just my need), that would have been jeopardy for me.

The F-150 looks good on the tech specs, so much horses for such a small and excellent mpg engine and a tow package.
donn0128
Explorer II
Aug 14, 2018
Sorry to hear that. But life happens, lesson learned. Now you can move on
Maury82
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
manley wrote:
As referenced here (link), I recently joined the Ecoboost club by buying an '18 F150. Many have said, "that's not enough truck," but I believed those who said otherwise...

After driving back from Georgia to Texas over the last three days, I have a question:

Who wants to buy a 2018 F150 XLT?

The truck drives great, wonderful gas mileage, great power and braking ability, etc. However, when you put it in a crosswind, it's game over! The truck is simply too light to handle anything more than perhaps about a 6,000 pound trailer. I don't care what the SAE tow ratings say!

I'm done...

Knocks on the head taken, fixing to lose my rear end on trade, and crow eaten. For all those who said "I told you so," I say "yes, you did. I was wrong, and you were right. I'm sorry I didn't believe you."

That's your fault for buying a high profile vehicle and not knowing they are more susceptible to crosswinds.

Moms driving their lighter SUVs and mini vans have known that for years. Box truck trucks, panel vans, and even cars have to fight crosswindsto varying extent...yeah, you walked into that one.

You've never gotten out the way of big rigs struggling to stay in their lane on windy days?

I think you should limit your truck to 6,000lbs towing, but don't speak for my truck...my truck tows 9,000 lbs and 37ft. great!!
manley
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
downtheroad wrote:
Gosh...this thread should get real interesting.
First obvious question: is your hitch set up correctly?

Yes, I was using a Hensley Arrow, and followed proper protocol in setting the hitch up (I've been RVing for 15 years, and this is my 4th two vehicle, so I kind have that down pat ;) )

Edit... maybe it wasn't. I hitched the same as I had with my three prior tow vehicles (all Silverado 1500s). See my later post below, and accept my apologies for dismissing you in my initial response.
manley
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
srt20 wrote:
How strong was the crosswind?

Probably 20-30 MPH. Typical summertime thunderstorm winds. And it wasn't just once, but MULTIPLE times. Living in West Texas, wind is a way of life... so it really doesn't matter!
downtheroad
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
Gosh...this thread should get real interesting.
First obvious question: is your hitch set up correctly?
srt20
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018
How strong was the crosswind?

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My 2018 F150 Towing Experience

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