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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 10:11 AM
  #1  
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Trailer Sway Option

When I was thumbing thru the menu settings in my 2009 F-150 STX SuperCab, I noticed a menu item called "Trailer Sway" (On/Off), which was set to "on."

I knew that the fella who owned my truck before me, towed a trailer (or boat or whatever), so it made sense that it would be activated.

That said, since I don't plan on "towing" anything, I figured that I should (logically) set it to "Off" and did so.

Can someone please tell me if I made the right choice (if not going to "tow" anything)? Is there some advantage in normal driving situations, to leaving that option "On?"

-Soupy1957
 
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 11:08 AM
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I did the same thing with my '09 a few months ago when I bought it. I left it "on" thinking there might be some advantage. Honestly, I would have a hard time believing that there is an advantage to having it on even WHILE towing. Not much help, I know, but I can't imagine the truck being able to react quick enough to correct something going wrong. Another goofy feature to me.....modern technology. Really not a good way to test it either....hmmmmm
 
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 11:10 AM
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I don't think you'd notice any difference unless you tried to tow with it turned off. There is a video out there (made by Ford) showing how the system works to counteract a fishtailing trailer. I believe it became standard on all trucks in '09.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by stephen.osborne1
I don't think you'd notice any difference unless you tried to tow with it turned off. There is a video out there (made by Ford) showing how the system works to counteract a fishtailing trailer. I believe it became standard on all trucks in '09.

Found the video, thanks. I guess I'm wondering if leaving this feature set to "on," would help me or hinder me in the event of a fishtail situation when NOT towing anything.


-soupy1957
 
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 01:27 PM
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2009 F-150: Towing - YouTube
 
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 02:47 PM
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Trailer sway control works with the built-in trailer brake controller... which of course is only active when the trailer is plugged in. So, if you aren't towing, you're fine... if you are, several people who have experienced sway control activation said that it really worked well, so you should probably leave it on.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2012 | 07:46 PM
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Originally Posted by tvsjr
Trailer sway control works with the built-in trailer brake controller... which of course is only active when the trailer is plugged in. So, if you aren't towing, you're fine... if you are, several people who have experienced sway control activation said that it really worked well, so you should probably leave it on.
Not all trucks have the built in brake controller. It works with the traction control on the truck to counteract the fishtail of the trailer.
 
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