F150 owners!

[xrvr]

That's a great looking truck. Should easily do the job. Jim

[Bowmans]

We have a 2011 F150 and opted for the V8. Tows the 31' good but we decided we won't be making trips to WV or over the Rockies with it. Doesn't do too well on steep grades. We are looking forward to having the 22' complete for that ability.

[orange kayak]

Do do the V6 ecoboost members tow in the 'tow/haul' mode all the time, only in mountains, or ?

[richinny]

i use it all the time when towing.

[55AS]

Originally Posted by richinny

i use it all the time when towing.

Me too.

[Rocket53]

While towing on grades in tow/haul mode does the engine and transmission brake enough going downhill or do you still need to downshift? My 2011 F150 has the plus minus buttons on the shifter which I'm not sure when this is needed.

[mojo]

The tow/haul mode will downshift for you when going downhill or slowing for a stop. However, I often use the +/- buttons to manually shift based upon conditions as the tow/haul mode will often downshift too far and take too long before upshifting in the mountains. Plus the truck will shift itself when in cruise mode.

[orange kayak]

Good info. First trip with the new truck next weekend!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by orange kayak

Do do the V6 ecoboost members tow in the 'tow/haul' mode all the time, only in mountains, or ?

we also use "tow/haul" mode all the time while towing the AS. We also disable the "anti-sway" mode each time we start the vehicle while towing.

Just a little update on mileage; I had 4 on board yesterday without towing anything, but 150# in rear bed, with cover on while driving 120 miles from San Diego to Irvine and back; fairly flat. Average speed 73-75 MPH; I have 2012 SuperCrew 4X4 Platinum with 65K miles; I averaged 20.7 MPG. I average 10-12mpg when towing the AS typically. I am fairly pleased with overall mileage, but can't wait to see how new transmission will improve overall performance MPG when it comes out.

[graysailor]

I only use the tow haul mode when in the mountains as it provides good shifting and braking power. On the flat lands it can be slow to shift into the higher gears so I disable that function to get better MPG.

[orange kayak]

Gypsydad--why do you disable anti-sway? Do others do this, too?

[PecanMan5]

Just purchased a 2014 V8. There are some deals on clearing out the 2014s, but you might have to drive to another town. You can get an STX V8 for $29k-30k plus they are offering trade in incentives. Check cars.com.

[graysailor]

In my 2015 I cannot disable anti sway control. In my 2013 there was an option to disable anti-sway. Some believed that disabling anti sway when not towing increased MPG and others thought that perhaps having anti sway enabled was in conflict with your trailers anti sway. Never could confirm if either one was correct or not.

[orange kayak]

Thanks Graysailer. My research seams to indicate a mpg motive also. No other contraindications as far as I can tell. I'll experiment.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by orange kayak

Gypsydad--why do you disable anti-sway? Do others do this, too?

Service manager from Ford in TX, the AS service person when I picked up my new AS last year, and also I talked with BlueOx corp. They told me to disable when towing with anti-sway hitch, as it can work against the anti-sway features of the hitch past 45 mph. I have a new BlueOx SwayPro.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Service manager from Ford in TX, the AS service person when I picked up my new AS last year, and also I talked with BlueOx corp. They told me to disable when towing with anti-sway hitch, as it can work against the anti-sway features of the hitch past 45 mph. I have a new BlueOx SwayPro.

My understanding of the circa 2012 F-150 system is that it won't kick in until after you've already sh*t your pants due to the amount of sway.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

My understanding of the circa 2012 F-150 system is that it won't kick in until after you've already sh*t your pants due to the amount of sway.

Gee SCOTT- guess you've never owned an F150??

[SCOTTinNJ]

I do have a 2012 f-150. Never had a violent sway issue. I do tow with sway control on. Either the system is seamless or its never kicked in.

[mojo]

It's my understanding that the built-in sway control on 2011 on up Ford trucks works by applying the brake with more or less power to one side of the vehicle to correct a sway condition when detected. This is a passive system and will only engage when swaying already has started.

If this was happening, then your anti-sway hitch is not doing its job and your trailer is already wagging the dog. I don't see how Fords anti-sway is going to compromise the hitch.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by mojo

It's my understanding that the built-in sway control on 2011 on up Ford trucks works by applying the brake with more or less power to one side of the vehicle to correct a sway condition when detected. This is a passive system and will only engage when swaying already has started.

If this was happening, then your anti-sway hitch is not doing its job and your trailer is already wagging the dog. I don't see how Fords anti-sway is going to compromise the hitch.

I guess it boils down to "each his own"; who do you want to believe....the Ford dealer says "disengage truck anti-sway" control when using anti-sway hitch; the hitch manufacturer BlueOx, says same...(called them again this morning to verify) I hope I am doing the right thing; and hope you are too! If you feel safe with it on...go for it!