Towing Stability Upgrades?

[Roush Auto Detailing]

Just a note to add - you should always tow within limits that keep you comfortable, confident, and relaxed.

Towing with a rig or in a manner that's stressful for you as a driver is never good for all sorts of reasons including safety - IMO if you feel tense or stressed when towing, something needs to change.

I don’t rush. I’m a very conservative driver at all times. It takes us 5-5.5 hours to get to Myrtle Beach when it should take 4.5.

Just trying to see what improvements people have done for a little more comfort on longer trips.

We eventually want to go out west to the Montana/Wyoming/Idaho region. I want to get in a lot of fly fishing and hook up with some cutthroat trout.

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[Buyer2021]

I am asking what you guys have installed to improve towing comfort and stabiblity.

Billstein 5100's improved my ride comfort both towing and not (much improved damping).

... a rear sway bar or even have another buddy install air bags.

I have a Steeda rear stabilizer bar on my 2022, helps reduce truck body roll both towing and empty. But I'm towing a 5th wheel with the hitch high in the bed, not so sure the effect would be as significant or bear on trailer stability with a bumper-pull WDH rig.

I have air bags on my 2005 F150, IMO they don't affect towing ride or stability per se, but do allow slightly tweaking trailer level (hitch height) if / when needed.

I think I'd try other easier / less expensive things before either of the above two given what you've described wanting.

 

[smoqinhill]

I have also added Road Active Suspension for towing and would recommend it.

I have also added Road Active Suspension for towing and would recommend it.

I just ordered the RAS today for my 2024 2WD XLT. After reading a lot about it for a few months, I decided to pull the trigger. They are offering $120 off HD kit for Black Friday sale, so decided no better time than the present. Will probably wait till spring to install. Hoping the reviews are on point.

 

[LD50]

I've seen it mentioned several times in the past by others pulling a trailer with a WDH and sway control that the truck's trailer sway control feels like it causes isssues. Turning it off is simple, reversible, and free way to see if you notice any improvement.

 

[Dale B]

I have a 2024 RCSB and added firmer shocks, rear sway bar, and airbags to mine and would recommend all three. The airbags really come in handy to level a load when you hook up a trailer.

 

[Davexxxx]

I'd say the best upgrade you could do for towing is the RoadActive Suspension kit. Helps maintain stability and ride height/quality when towing. Is reasonably priced, installs in about an hour and does not require complicated wiring or modifications to the suspension.

https://www.roadactivesuspension.com/products/ford-f-150-pickup-4wd-2021-sd

I don't have enough experience with the alternatives, to say one is better than the other.

Even unloaded, my truck felt soft in the corners, so messed around with tire pressure. I ran 40 psi and that did the trick.

For towing, my WDH took care of squat but it was still softer in cornering than I like so bumped psi, ultimately settling on 45. My tires are good to 56 ish. 20K miles with no signs of improper wear.

Not that it was bad but wanted to see if towing stability could be further enhanced and after looking at a number of the alternatives, including the RoadActive, Sway bars, different shocks etc. decided on the 1000lb. SumoSprings for the rear.

Pros,

1) Virtually no failure potential, relative to air bags.

2) Lifetime guarantee.

3) Cost competitive.

4) Easy install.

5) Leaves factory ride unchanged, for the first 1.5" of spring travel and are progressively loading. = No harsh ride empty.

Con,

While progressive loading, not easily adjustable. There is a spacer that can be added but its essentially an uninstall, reinstall procedure but if loaded all the time, as some work trucks might be, just install that, from the beginning.

 

[Windummy]

The RoadActive Suspension kit worked out great for us, but we eventually went to the ProPride hitch and that eliminated all sway concerns. Pricey but worth it for us. You can occasionally find used ones for a decent price, but check the bearings - they may need to be replace or at least cleaned and regreased.

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