Electronic sway control...intended usage case?

[freddy]

Hello,

I recently towed a 20 foot trailer (2,000 pound Legacy and around 1,500 to 2,000 lbs of equipment inside) around 3,000 miles on my new to me F150. It tows like a dream and I hardly know there is a trailer except as the live stock trucks pass by on 2 lane highways. Cross winds are a bit of a challenge. I fiddled with the electronic sway control and could not perceive much different but anecdotally found it best when left off. Having said that, what are people using this switch for (particular weight? particular style of trailer?)? What are its affects? Still trying to learn technology on this F150 and optimize for its work life which will be probably around 60% tow in town and highways.

Would love to hear your experiences or facts. Did some searches for this and did not find much. I have read alot and have identified MANY people that have expertise in the towing arena. I do not although my dad was a Teamster with 3M+ and I learned alot from him while he was here. Thank you.

Sponsored

 

[Tall Tail]

Not the answer that you are looking for, but maybe some helpful info.


Trailer Sway Control | Ford How-To | Ford



Key things to know about Trailer Sway Control

• Automatic:
  The system is active by default when you start the truck and does not need to be manually turned on for normal driving.
  
  
• Function:
  It helps reduce trailer sway by applying individual wheel brakes and reducing engine power.
  
  
• Limitations:
  The system cannot stop all trailer sway and is an enhancement to stability control, not a replacement for proper towing practices like correct load distribution.
  
  
• Manual Deactivation:
  You should only turn it off if you have experience and are comfortable controlling trailer sway yourself, or in situations where the system's speed reduction might be detrimental (e.g., during certain hill climbs).
  
  
• Automatic Deactivation:
  The system is automatically turned off when you shift into 4x4 Low or when the electronic locking differential is engaged.

 

[Rinn69]

I had a 7x14x6.5' interior height cargo trailer and cross winds and semi's could be pretty un-nerving at times. I researched air tabs, bought some and installed them on my trailer. It was a definite improvement with them and also solved another issue with my truck hunting for the right gear. Cargo trailers and others with the same boxy shape drag a metric butt-ton of air which adds a lot of drag and they seem to amplify cross winds and meeting semi's "head-on" on 2 lane roads. After I sold the trailer, the guy that bought it was curious about the tabs and even called me when he got it home saying he was surprised how easy it towed and how well it handled. Might be something to look into. If I buy another trailer, I'll definitely be installing them.

 

[JoeF]

I tow a 26' camper that weighs a bit under 6k pounds. An approaching semi-truck can cause a slight nudge when the high pressure air in front of the tractor hits the rear of camper. That is easily handled through normal steering; no sway produced.

I have a weight distribution hitch that is designed to reduce sway issues. If the truck's automatic sway function has ever activated, it was unnoticed by me. I do not know what to expect if that ever happens.

If you are concerned about swaying, check your weight distribution -- you might be too light on the hitch. At certain trailer weights and lengths, a decent weight distribution hitch might be appropriate.

 

[Davexxxx]

One of these days, I'm gonna remember to turn it off, so I can see if I even need it, or if it hurts mpgs.

 

[{tpc}]

I tow a 6500ish pound trailer and have never turned it off. Then again I have never experienced it activating, or at least I wouldn't know. I've always felt it doesn't activate unless in the extreme sway conditions. What I have learned is to just nudge over as far I can while passing big trucks or being passed by big trucks. Seems to help a lot. I also notice the big rigs doing the same, so I must also have some effect on them.

 

[Davexxxx]

What I have learned is to just nudge over as far I can while passing big trucks or being passed by big trucks. Seems to help a lot. I also notice the big rigs doing the same, so I must also have some effect on them.

Yep. Amazing what some seat time can teach you, if you pay attention, right?

 

[{tpc}]

Yep. Amazing what some seat time can teach you, if you pay attention, right?

Exactly. We have had a travel trailer since about 2013-2014? (can't remember) so have had all sorts of experience, some good some bad (nothing real bad), so I know what to expect. The easiest way I have found to know if the hitch isn't just right is to have my wife in the seat next to me. If she isn't complaining about it, I know I have got it right.

Loading the trailer and knowing how to load it properly is also a big help.

 

[Meterman]

I've got a 8.5x20 enclosed trailer, standard nose, distribution hitch. Total pulling weight is about 7500 lbs. I have experienced sway issues when the electronic sway control is on. After turning it off the truck pulls the trailer like it's not even there. I tested turning it on and off and it definitely make a difference. I now ALWAYS turn it off. I never really tow on the highway with just the toe ball, always with the distribution hitch.

I wish I could turn off by default.

I just googled it and it appears it's in ForScan as an option.

 

[{tpc}]

I've got a 8.5x20 enclosed trailer, standard nose, distribution hitch. Total pulling weight is about 7500 lbs. I have experienced sway issues when the electronic sway control is on. After turning it off the truck pulls the trailer like it's not even there. I tested turning it on and off and it definitely make a difference. I now ALWAYS turn it off. I never really tow on the highway with just the toe ball, always with the distribution hitch.

I wish I could turn off by default.

I just googled it and it appears it's in ForScan as an option.

If I remember, I'll try turning it off next year. Camping is done for this season.

 

[powerboatr]

I notice it
Imo it works very well , along with lane keeping
Along with blis set for trailer length
This last long highway tow with the 26 footer
Truck and trailer tracked very well
Even with my twitchy hand on wheel
And wandering eyes
It has a large side profile

 

[freddy]

Thanks for the video. It appears when the electronic sway control activates it indicates that it is happening if I understood correctly. It does not appear to get involved unless there is a significant sway. So in my case, there was no intervening that I was aware of on my trip. There was never a hint of sway during long steep descents which cause me white knuckles.

I appreciate the input and comments.

Sponsored