Visit our Popular Forums

motozen · 09-22-2011, 11:17 AM

Just took delivery on our 2011 F-150 EB Supercab Max-tow HD Payload 163" wheelbase 8' bed, which we will use to tow a 2012 27FB when it comes in next month.

Question: Is the built-in Ford Trailer Sway Control sufficient or do I still need a sway control hitch? I know this is asking for opinions, but being new to towing, I though I'd throw it up for discussion.

GinMame · 09-22-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motozen

Just took delivery on our 2011 F-150 EB Supercab Max-tow HD Payload 163" wheelbase 8' bed, which we will use to tow a 2012 27FB when it comes in next month.

Question: Is the built-in Ford Trailer Sway Control sufficient or do I still need a sway control hitch? I know this is asking for opinions, but being new to towing, I though I'd throw it up for discussion.

I asked Shawn at Pro Pride the same question and he assured me that the Ford anti-sway system and the Pro Pride hitch would work well together. I can't remember exactly how he put it, but his explanation was very clear. If you haven't already talked with him, give Shawn a call at (800) 960-4767 or shoot him an email. In my experience, Shawn really goes the extra distance for his customers.

Congratulations on the new truck and trailer! Which engine did you get?

Happy Airstreaming!
GinMame (Rion & Nobuko)

mojo · 09-22-2011, 11:53 AM

I would doubt that with your wheelbase that it would be critical. I towed 3000 miles with our new F150 EB with 145" WB and it was very steady. But then I have a Hensley hitch so if the trucks anti-sway was doing anything, I didn't know it. But with a new truck and a new trailer, what's a few extra thou for a P3? It can't hurt.

ROBERT CROSS · 09-22-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motozen

Question: Is the built-in Ford Trailer Sway Control sufficient or do I still need a sway control hitch? I know this is asking for opinions, but being new to towing, I though I'd throw it up for discussion.

moto,

From what I understand all the systems being offered are reactive, they only start to work after the sway has started. Using the TV braking system to bring it under control.

Even the most basic of sway control hitches have a pro-active element, friction being the least of these.

Bob

extiger · 09-22-2011, 12:53 PM

I have a 2011 F250 that has the Ford Trailer sway control and the P3 and am very happy with the set up. Rock solid towing and easy hitch/unhitch.

Aviator · 09-22-2011, 04:34 PM

I really wouldn't want to tow without the ProPride now that I have it. The Ford system is great fo just the truck, even on ice, but when hitched it won't eliminate the sway lik the ProPride.

motozen · 09-22-2011, 06:24 PM

I got the EcoBoost (EB). I was planning on giving Shawn a call, but was looking for unbiased real world feedback. I'm sure they will work together, but I'm wondering if the Ford electronic anti-sway would be enough to take the drama out of any sway situations. I am sure the P3 will be rock steady as I know someone who gave me first hand feedback after he drove out to Oregon and back. Just not wanting to duplicate anti sway systems.

TouringDan · 09-22-2011, 07:21 PM

I agree completely with what Bob said in post #4. I suspect it will take care of some minor sway situations, but then there are those situations that it will not be able to handle and then you will wish you had a Propride or a Hensley. When you find yourself in that situation, it just may be too late. Another problem is that it may give you a false sense of security.

Dan

LaBigDogs · 09-22-2011, 07:30 PM

Just back from a 3 week 2500 mile trip to Jackson Center OH.... 2011 F-150 EcoBoost 4X4 Platinum added RoadMaster springs ... Pulling a 2011 25FB ... hitched it up and went.... steady and flawless.... Ford would take care of the sway... but none.... Thats is why I purchased the Airstream.... low center of gravity, aerodynamic and ez 2 tow......

Streamside · 09-22-2011, 07:37 PM

Let us ponder this..."Ford Trailer Sway Control" versus p3 sway elimination. I have the p3 and have never had a sway event. Control indicates the possibility of sway beginning. With 9k lbs behind at 65mph with my most valuable cargo sitting next to me, I choose elimination over control.

Aviator · 09-23-2011, 04:36 AM

The first three outings we made were with a Reese w/d setup. While i didn't have any controlability issues, I still got an uncomfortable amount of sway when passed on either side by 18 wheelers. The Ford system didn't dampen that at all. The P3 eliminates all of that. I have had the Ford system activate a couple of times when I have taken downhill curves too quickly even with the P3 attached. This was more of an instance of the trailer pushing the back of the truck in the curve. In that case it worked well together.

ROBERT CROSS · 09-23-2011, 05:05 AM

POI...a brake controller won't "prevent" sway, I don't believe that claim is made in any of the company ads....

PART NO. DESCRIPTION
9030 Voyager® Electronic Brake Control, for 1 to 4 Axle Trailers, Proportional
P3®

Play Video
1-4 axle trailers
Distinct, easy to see LCD display with multiple color and contrast options
User can customize to choose English, French or Spanish display
Allows the user to switch between Electric and Hydraulic brakes
Highly advanced, easy-to-understand, roadside diagnostics
Easy access, "Up-Front' controls
The original "Boost" feature allows for different levels of customized braking
Compact, dash-hugging design
Unique, easy-to-use, clip-mounting systems
Quick disconnect for easy storage; convenient storage pouch included
Limited lifetime warranty

Bob

mojo · 09-23-2011, 06:53 AM

I think were all talking about ProPride hitches and Fords built in sway control, not brake controllers.

ROBERT CROSS · 09-23-2011, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aviator

The first three outings we made were with a Reese w/d setup. While i didn't have any controlability issues, I still got an uncomfortable amount of sway when passed on either side by 18 wheelers. The Ford system didn't dampen that at all. The P3 eliminates all of that. I have had the Ford system activate a couple of times when I have taken downhill curves too quickly even with the P3 attached. This was more of an instance of the trailer pushing the back of the truck in the curve. In that case it worked well together.

Sorry... I must have mis-read this post.
The P3 is a controller right?

Bob

motozen · 09-23-2011, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aviator

The first three outings we made were with a Reese w/d setup. While i didn't have any controlability issues, I still got an uncomfortable amount of sway when passed on either side by 18 wheelers. The Ford system didn't dampen that at all. The P3 eliminates all of that. I have had the Ford system activate a couple of times when I have taken downhill curves too quickly even with the P3 attached. This was more of an instance of the trailer pushing the back of the truck in the curve. In that case it worked well together.

Bingo. Thank you sir, this is the feedback I was looking for. P3 it is.

**DKB_SATX** · 09-23-2011, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Sorry... I must have mis-read this post.
The P3 is a controller right?

Bob

You're right, I use a Prodigy P3 brake controller in my truck.

The OP is referring to a ProPride hitche. Usually people refer to the ProPride as PPP or 3P rather than P3, so it's just an ambiguous abbreviation altercation.

ROBERT CROSS · 09-23-2011, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

You're right, I use a Prodigy P3 brake controller in my truck.

The OP is referring to a ProPride hitche. Usually people refer to the ProPride as PPP or 3P rather than P3, so it's just an ambiguous abbreviation altercation.

Yep....my bad.

3P will definitely eliminate sway, P3 will definitely stop the AS.

Got It!

Bob

slowmover · 09-23-2011, 08:34 AM

MAXBRAKE would be a better choice than the P3. Much better.

dkottum · 09-23-2011, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaBigDogs

Just back from a 3 week 2500 mile trip to Jackson Center OH.... 2011 F-150 EcoBoost 4X4 Platinum added RoadMaster springs ... Pulling a 2011 25FB ... hitched it up and went.... steady and flawless.... Ford would take care of the sway... but none.... Thats is why I purchased the Airstream.... low center of gravity, aerodynamic and ez 2 tow......

Looks in your photo there is no weight distribution/sway control hitch. Unusual with this size trailer. Did the steering feel okay, headlight alignment, any push when trucks passed, side winds?

motozen · 09-24-2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

You're right, I use a Prodigy P3 brake controller in my truck.

The OP is referring to a ProPride hitche. Usually people refer to the ProPride as PPP or 3P rather than P3, so it's just an ambiguous abbreviation altercation.

Sorry for the confusion...newby mistake...will use 3P from now on.