Regular
Posts: 93
Location: Southern Indiana | In 2005, I purchased a new F150 4x4 with the 5.7 gas engine to replace my 2003 diesel dually . I sold the dually after selling our LQ trailer. I just wanted an easy daily driver and horse trailer hauler. I did negotiate with the dealer on our new purchase to have an electric brake installed since I am a safe driver/hauler. Our F150 needed brake repair/maintenance every 8000 miles. We worked exclusively with our Ford dealer and brake controller installer. THe dealer's solution was to drive with the brake controller turned all the way up!!! (second unit performed same as first). Of course our F150 bumped as you described--BUT I had gotten used to pulling with a diesel dually!!! The stability or "I can't tell the trailer is back there" feel is not the case with the F 150. Since we had the large engine, gas mileage on long trailer hauls was less than ideal--we just were not used to stopping every 1 1/2 to 2 hours for a tank of gas. Again, I had gotten used to the dually. I will say , the F 150 is fantastic to drive around town and to haul a trailer short distances. Unfortunately, I had to get another diesel dually!! I did feel safe in the F 150 but ALWAYS gave extra stopping distance to suit my needs. Best of Luck to you !!! |
Expert
Posts: 5870
  
Location: western PA | Is the Ford a short wheel base or a long one? A regular cab 4X4 short bed will pitch much more than a full size bed with a larger cab. If the trailer hitch is low, extra weight is placed on the trailer's front axle which will effect how it will handle. It won't be balanced correctly and can cause some of the problems you describe. Until your trailer is correctly hitched, it will be difficult to determine where the problem is developing. Again, if you are using a short wheelbase truck, it will cause more pitching than a longer wheelbase. Another thing you should check on if this is a used vehicle is the condition of the shock absorbers. If they are worn, the truck will bounce. What was the tire pressures of the truck? If the rear tires were set up for an unloaded condition, a lower pressure, this can also cause an improper ride. There are many F150's on the roads, pulling many types of trailers. When set up correctly, they do a very good job. BOL Gard |
Ford 150 and trailer handling?
