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

Groover
Explorer II
Sep 20, 2018
transamz9 wrote:
OP, you have some bad sensors or something going on. I was never a big fan of electric steering.

I have 4 with power steering and no complaints. I was not real happy with my first one but it turned out that a coupler was bad and they would have had the same issue with hydraulic power steering. Once the coupler was fixed it is great. I feel sure that it can be fixed.
manley
Explorer
Sep 19, 2018
transamz9 wrote:
OP, you have some bad sensors or something going on. I was never a big fan of electric steering.

Yes sir, I think so. The service manager at my dealership is waiting to hear back from the Ford engineers... and waiting...
transamz9
Explorer
Sep 19, 2018
OP, you have some bad sensors or something going on. I was never a big fan of electric steering.
Groover
Explorer II
Sep 19, 2018
troubledwaters wrote:
bogeygolfer wrote:
... I like to be in control of the trailer, not vice-versa - and this can best happen with a truck that weighs equal to, or more than the trailer you're pulling...
How do you explain 20 ton tractors pulling 60 ton trailers every day of the week at freeway speeds?

I think that you really mean 10 ton tractors pulling 30 ton trailers. These rigs actually have more weight on the tractor tires than on the trailer tires due to the front of the trailer being supported by the tractor. However, I noticed that in Europe most of the trucks that I saw only have one rear axle and the trailers have 3. They seem to tow just fine. The biggest difference that I see is that your connection to the trailer brakes gets much more important when the trailer outweighs the tractor. Additionally, there is no second axle to lock in for traction on slippery roads. I cope with lack of traction issue on my pickup by engaging 4wd but I don't think that those trucks have 4wd.
bid_time
Nomad II
Sep 18, 2018
troubledwaters wrote:
bogeygolfer wrote:
... I like to be in control of the trailer, not vice-versa - and this can best happen with a truck that weighs equal to, or more than the trailer you're pulling...
How do you explain 20 ton tractors pulling 60 ton trailers every day of the week at freeway speeds?
Not to mention they are tested and rated per the J2807 towing standard.
demiles
Explorer
Sep 17, 2018
First off the trailer connection point is not 5ft. behind the rear axle, it’s over or forward of them(fifth wheel). Second the trailer axles are very close to the rear of the trailer, the trailer COG is far forward from them when loaded. Third the rear tires be it 4 duals or 4 super singles produce a large amount of cornering stiffness (grip). Even at that there’s still plenty tractor/trailer combos that still have stability issues and/or jackknife everyday on our highways. It’s rare to see a semi trailer sway but divergent (static) instability is common.
troubledwaters
Explorer III
Sep 17, 2018
bogeygolfer wrote:
... I like to be in control of the trailer, not vice-versa - and this can best happen with a truck that weighs equal to, or more than the trailer you're pulling...
How do you explain 20 ton tractors pulling 60 ton trailers every day of the week at freeway speeds?
bogeygolfer
Explorer
Sep 17, 2018
Towing my 6000lb trailer with my 2017 XLT 3.5 Eco, 3.55, Crew Cab 5.5 bed - I am impressed and satisfied with the performance. Of course, an HD truck will tow better, yes. But, I like the everyday comforts of the F150 much better than the prior Duramax.

I think you have two issues: 1)something not right with the truck, AND 2)too much trailer (length and weight). If you can figure out #1, you can deal with #2.

I understand all the ratings; I'm just speaking from actual experience. I wouldn't enjoy towing anything heavier than 6k, and longer than 25' with a 1/2 ton truck. I like to be in control of the trailer, not vice-versa - and this can best happen with a truck that weighs equal to, or more than the trailer you're pulling. I know some will disagree; just my experience.

Wish you the best of luck.
bid_time
Nomad II
Sep 06, 2018
mhamershock wrote:
riven1950 wrote:
eurojet wrote:
I now own a 2018 F150 XLT screw with the 6.5' bed and now tow a 34' 5er and only issue i have is a little bounce in the front , but it tows and handles this new unit perfect

Just wondering if you have the max payload / max towing version? I have a 2013 ECO XLT and love it. We were looking at small 5th Wheels but I know I would have to have more payload. Just hate to give up my ECO.

No need to give up the ECO. Get the ECO 3.5 with the HDPP. Payload will be ~2400 lbs. Very solid TV.

Mike
And as an extra added bonus, you get the 10 speed transmission.
mhamershock
Explorer
Sep 05, 2018
riven1950 wrote:
eurojet wrote:
I now own a 2018 F150 XLT screw with the 6.5' bed and now tow a 34' 5er and only issue i have is a little bounce in the front , but it tows and handles this new unit perfect

Just wondering if you have the max payload / max towing version? I have a 2013 ECO XLT and love it. We were looking at small 5th Wheels but I know I would have to have more payload. Just hate to give up my ECO.

No need to give up the ECO. Get the ECO 3.5 with the HDPP. Payload will be ~2400 lbs. Very solid TV.

Mike

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