Towing without load level bars or sway control

Try it withut the extras and see how it handles, you can add them later if necessary. It won't make a lot of difference on value when selling.

X2 try it without first... try to notice how much the truck squats when u attach the trailer. Remember it’s not just about making it look fairly level, it’s the safety issue of taking weight off your front axle critical to braking and safe steering control

I had a 2002 F250 Super Duty PSD 4x4. I pulled an Arctic Fox 22H. The Fox was about the same weights of the 24rlsw. I used Reese WD & friction sway bar.

Even with WD & sway bar the tail did wag the dog several times in the rain. It was not a pleasant experience. The rest of the time the combo was rock solid on the road. Never worried about big trucks or wind.

Yes, you should have both.

It might not be necessary in your truck and trailer combo.

As most recommend, try it first without for the handling.

In my case, I don't need it but I was a newbie and needed the extra feeling of safety. And it did add to stability, or it's just psychological, lol.

The idea is to restore some of the weight to the front axle that was lost when you dropped the weight on the hitch. I have a similar combination and even with the WDH, I needed air bags to restore rear height. The last few years the F250s didn't sag quite as bad, so you may not be too far off level with the WDH adjusted correctly. My suggestion is to use the WDH for the added control.

You will want WDH witb sway control.

The truck is good. Dropping a ton of weight onto the rear bumper is bad.

A good hitch setup fixes that.

but on the other hand I knew a guy who told me he wouldn't tow across the street with out sway control. I have the four point system now and love the way mine tow. but honestly I know nothing about ford's built in sway system and no feedback on it .

4x4crazy wrote:
I'm looking at new jayco jay feather trailers and in specific the 24rlsw model. Weight is about 5200lbs dry 7000lbs gross. I'd be pulling it with my 2017 f250 super duty with the diesel. Debating if I should even use load leveling or sway control. Ford says there's no need. My truck also has a built in sway control. Ive read of people towing much more without load leveling hitches with this truck and it's almost thr same weight as my boat. ..im more concerned if not having a weight distribution hitch will be a big issue if I ever go sell it. Looking for opinions

You are pretty much in the same place my setup is, on the bubble to need or not to need.

My TT is 26ft long, weighs 5400 empty and loaded about 6300 with a loaded tongue weight of 875-900 lbs..

Have towed this same trailer with a 2003 F250 super cab 4x2, 2006 F250 super cab 4x2, and current 2013 F250 Super cab 4x2.

Never used any WD with any of the above vehicles and the combination tows great. I have also more than once made emergency stops from 70 MPH to avoid hitting deer on the highway without any feeling of losing control..

F250 has PLENTY of up front weight in the engine, transmission and in your case (I am assuming that you have 4x4)the front 4x4 axle and most likely to not need much if any "correction" in weight loss from the front axle.

I would recommend trying without first, if the tow feels solid and ride is OK you most likely will be fine.

However, keep in mind, my 4x2 sits CONSIDERABLY LOWER in stance than a 4x4. 4x4 suspension raises the vehicle body 11 inches!!! YES, ELEVEN INCHES, I HAVE measured this difference!!

That extra height you have raises the vehicles center of gravity (COG) considerably which may lead to more body sway than what I have..

The ONLY thing I think WD will do for you is perhaps reduce a bit of the "purpoising" of the front end (I am used to that since I came from a family that had slide in TCs and boy can those "porpoise").. And perhaps help compensate for the additional body height that you have..

Probably "OK" without it but it will tow a lot nicer with it.

Make sure your truck's receiver is rated for the tongue weight without WD.