Tail wagging the dog
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 61
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From: Hanna City United States
Tail wagging the dog
I just pulled my 30 ft Travel trailer for the first time with my X this afternoon.
My trip was all of 35 miles but I was almost wore out froom trying to keep the X between the lines. I am not new to towing. I have owned several trailers and drove a semi in the military for 6 years. The previous 2 summers I pulled this same trailer w/a 2000 E-150 conversion van. I used the same hitch set up w/the van that I have on the X. I expected the X to do MUCH better than it did today. There was no problem at all w/power, just trying to keep the thing on the road!! I NEVER experienced this kind of problem w/the van. I have a goor Reese W/D hitch and the newer cam style anti-sway. Heres what I've got: 2000 v10 2wd LTD 3:73l/s. The trailer weighs about 6500lbs. From what I can figure out from browsing, I probably need to replace the OEM shocks (85,000 miles) and install a Hellwig sway bar on the rear. Any other suggestions? BTW-I have searched and searched does ANYONE know where I can find Rancho shocks for the front? Rancho has a part number for a front on a 2WD but no one seems to carry it.
My trip was all of 35 miles but I was almost wore out froom trying to keep the X between the lines. I am not new to towing. I have owned several trailers and drove a semi in the military for 6 years. The previous 2 summers I pulled this same trailer w/a 2000 E-150 conversion van. I used the same hitch set up w/the van that I have on the X. I expected the X to do MUCH better than it did today. There was no problem at all w/power, just trying to keep the thing on the road!! I NEVER experienced this kind of problem w/the van. I have a goor Reese W/D hitch and the newer cam style anti-sway. Heres what I've got: 2000 v10 2wd LTD 3:73l/s. The trailer weighs about 6500lbs. From what I can figure out from browsing, I probably need to replace the OEM shocks (85,000 miles) and install a Hellwig sway bar on the rear. Any other suggestions? BTW-I have searched and searched does ANYONE know where I can find Rancho shocks for the front? Rancho has a part number for a front on a 2WD but no one seems to carry it.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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Are your tires E load range. And if so, how much pressure are you running in them. To low tire pressure could cause a sway.
It also sounds like your trailer could be loaded so that it is tail heavy or the hitch could be too high. Some of the worst sway I have ever experienced was caused by having too much weight in the back end of the trailer.
It also sounds like your trailer could be loaded so that it is tail heavy or the hitch could be too high. Some of the worst sway I have ever experienced was caused by having too much weight in the back end of the trailer.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
I had the exact same exeriece as you switching from a '99 F250 to my '03 X. My trailer was only 4000 lbs.
I put on the Hellwig bar ($150), Rancho 9000s ($250) and Timbren rubber helper springs ($200). I also went with a Hensley Arrow hitch.
My X tows Beautifully now. Better than my F250 ever did.
I have "D" tires, just make sure that you air them up to 65 psi.
The Arrow hitch is a chunk of change. I recommend that you try the other parts first and see what happens.
P.S. - If you want to spend the money, the Arrow really works. I drove in sustained 15-25 mph crosswinds (gusts over 30 mph) in rain with only two fingers on the steering wheel.
I put on the Hellwig bar ($150), Rancho 9000s ($250) and Timbren rubber helper springs ($200). I also went with a Hensley Arrow hitch.
My X tows Beautifully now. Better than my F250 ever did.
I have "D" tires, just make sure that you air them up to 65 psi.
The Arrow hitch is a chunk of change. I recommend that you try the other parts first and see what happens.
P.S. - If you want to spend the money, the Arrow really works. I drove in sustained 15-25 mph crosswinds (gusts over 30 mph) in rain with only two fingers on the steering wheel.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
I tow a 29Ft TT with my '01 Ex. I have a WD hitch with a friction sway bar. I have
E load range tired aired up to 70psi, Helwig sway bar, stock shocks (30K on veh.). No problem with towing. If I were you I would check the hitch set up for proper angles, replace the stock shocks (I am going to put Bilsteins on mine), and replace the tires with E's. Helwig sway bar makes more of an improvment while cornering, not sure if it will help your sway problem.
E load range tired aired up to 70psi, Helwig sway bar, stock shocks (30K on veh.). No problem with towing. If I were you I would check the hitch set up for proper angles, replace the stock shocks (I am going to put Bilsteins on mine), and replace the tires with E's. Helwig sway bar makes more of an improvment while cornering, not sure if it will help your sway problem.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by jimh1
I just pulled my 30 ft Travel trailer for the first time with my X this afternoon.
My trip was all of 35 miles but I was almost wore out froom trying to keep the X between the lines. I am not new to towing. I have owned several trailers and drove a semi in the military for 6 years. The previous 2 summers I pulled this same trailer w/a 2000 E-150 conversion van. I used the same hitch set up w/the van that I have on the X. I expected the X to do MUCH better than it did today. There was no problem at all w/power, just trying to keep the thing on the road!! I NEVER experienced this kind of problem w/the van. I have a goor Reese W/D hitch and the newer cam style anti-sway. Heres what I've got: 2000 v10 2wd LTD 3:73l/s. The trailer weighs about 6500lbs. From what I can figure out from browsing, I probably need to replace the OEM shocks (85,000 miles) and install a Hellwig sway bar on the rear. Any other suggestions? BTW-I have searched and searched does ANYONE know where I can find Rancho shocks for the front? Rancho has a part number for a front on a 2WD but no one seems to carry it.
My trip was all of 35 miles but I was almost wore out froom trying to keep the X between the lines. I am not new to towing. I have owned several trailers and drove a semi in the military for 6 years. The previous 2 summers I pulled this same trailer w/a 2000 E-150 conversion van. I used the same hitch set up w/the van that I have on the X. I expected the X to do MUCH better than it did today. There was no problem at all w/power, just trying to keep the thing on the road!! I NEVER experienced this kind of problem w/the van. I have a goor Reese W/D hitch and the newer cam style anti-sway. Heres what I've got: 2000 v10 2wd LTD 3:73l/s. The trailer weighs about 6500lbs. From what I can figure out from browsing, I probably need to replace the OEM shocks (85,000 miles) and install a Hellwig sway bar on the rear. Any other suggestions? BTW-I have searched and searched does ANYONE know where I can find Rancho shocks for the front? Rancho has a part number for a front on a 2WD but no one seems to carry it.
Brings up a good point how did you initially setup the sway control.
And the on road setup?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
It's not all in how the trailer is loaded.
When I bought my new trailer, I had to take the old trailer to the dealer for him to look at and give me the trade-in value. At that time, I still had my '99 F250 PSD.
6-8 weeks later, my new trailer came in, I had to take the old trailer to the dealer and pick up my new trailer. By this time, I had my '03 X.
Same trailer (3800 lbs.).
Same load (none).
Same roads.
Same speeds.
Same.
Same.
Same.
The '03 X wagged waaaaaay more than the F250. The difference was striking and noticeable immediately.
I'm not saying how you load the trailer doesn't make a difference, I'm saying that in my experience, the X is not as good as the F250 stock from the factory. I pulled my trailer all over with the F250 with only a $100 friction anti-sway bar. A little wag, but nothing bad. No way I wanted to try that set-up on my X.
The HA might be overkill, and you should try all the other free and inexpensive mods first and see how you do. If you run out of options, the HA will solve the problem, period.
Of course, the load in your wallet will be much lighter.
When I bought my new trailer, I had to take the old trailer to the dealer for him to look at and give me the trade-in value. At that time, I still had my '99 F250 PSD.
6-8 weeks later, my new trailer came in, I had to take the old trailer to the dealer and pick up my new trailer. By this time, I had my '03 X.
Same trailer (3800 lbs.).
Same load (none).
Same roads.
Same speeds.
Same.
Same.
Same.
The '03 X wagged waaaaaay more than the F250. The difference was striking and noticeable immediately.
I'm not saying how you load the trailer doesn't make a difference, I'm saying that in my experience, the X is not as good as the F250 stock from the factory. I pulled my trailer all over with the F250 with only a $100 friction anti-sway bar. A little wag, but nothing bad. No way I wanted to try that set-up on my X.
The HA might be overkill, and you should try all the other free and inexpensive mods first and see how you do. If you run out of options, the HA will solve the problem, period.
Of course, the load in your wallet will be much lighter.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 180
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From: High Bridge USA
When I first got my 01 X, 7.3 I towing an 8K 30' travel trailer, original everything and sway was a mild issue. Put the Heliwig sway and had no problem keeping it between the lines. Over the past 2 years, I added ART rotors, 33" tires, Eledbrock shocks and a 32' trailer. I must say tire pressue and the shocks did help improve an already pretty stable ride. I do watch how I load the trailer and keep it level with the X. I have dual cam sway's and load levelers. Even in moderate to high crosswind and dealing with bigger rigs, it has been a good ride experience.
I even took a trip of about 50 miles with no trailer brake, that X with stock brakes at the time did a tremendous job until I got the brake control from Tekonsha fixed.
I even took a trip of about 50 miles with no trailer brake, that X with stock brakes at the time did a tremendous job until I got the brake control from Tekonsha fixed.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 173
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From: the flat lands
Part #`s for the Rancho shocks are;
5000 Front RS5267 Rear RS5266
9000x Front RS99267 Rear RS99266
Part #`s for Bilsteins are
Front BE5-6208-HO Rear BE-6209-HO
Part #`s for Elelbrock Performer IAS
Front ED33225 Rear ED34225
5000 Front RS5267 Rear RS5266
9000x Front RS99267 Rear RS99266
Part #`s for Bilsteins are
Front BE5-6208-HO Rear BE-6209-HO
Part #`s for Elelbrock Performer IAS
Front ED33225 Rear ED34225
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by f_pumillo
When I first got my 01 X, 7.3 I towing an 8K 30' travel trailer, original everything and sway was a mild issue. Put the Heliwig sway and had no problem keeping it between the lines. Over the past 2 years, I added ART rotors, 33" tires, Eledbrock shocks and a 32' trailer. I must say tire pressue and the shocks did help improve an already pretty stable ride. I do watch how I load the trailer and keep it level with the X. I have dual cam sway's and load levelers. Even in moderate to high crosswind and dealing with bigger rigs, it has been a good ride experience.
I even took a trip of about 50 miles with no trailer brake, that X with stock brakes at the time did a tremendous job until I got the brake control from Tekonsha fixed.
I even took a trip of about 50 miles with no trailer brake, that X with stock brakes at the time did a tremendous job until I got the brake control from Tekonsha fixed.
Was there any noticeable difference with the ART rotors.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 180
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From: High Bridge USA
Yes. Most stops are very smooth. The X seems to just come to a stop no matter what. At first you don't think you're stoppin casue there is no nose dive, pull, wobble of sensation of stopping, then you can feel the brakes stopping that beast pronto. It's amazing how fast that beast can come to a stop, I almost inhaled a few smaller vehicles in panic stops. One morning a female driver decided she needed that left lane and was not going to go thru a light that just turned yellow. With no screeching from the beast, I thought I was going to go thru her toyota, but stopped a good 4 feet from her rear end. I looked up to see about four cars going every direction to avoid my bumper. Lucky for all, ho hits. The toyota driver did mees her eye liner a bit.
One thing you absolutely most do for any brake chage is bleed the brake system. Whatever Ford is doing causes crude to live in the driver's side rear line. I just about flushed the line before I got clear fluid. If you don't do that expect the brakes to pull noticeably.
One thing you absolutely most do for any brake chage is bleed the brake system. Whatever Ford is doing causes crude to live in the driver's side rear line. I just about flushed the line before I got clear fluid. If you don't do that expect the brakes to pull noticeably.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
One thing you absolutely most do for any brake chage is bleed the brake system. Whatever Ford is doing causes crude to live in the driver's side rear line. I just about flushed the line before I got clear fluid. If you don't do that expect the brakes to pull noticeably.
good stuff
good stuff
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hanna City United States
I have D rated tires. I did have them at 55 psi so I will make sure they are at 65psi next time. As far as my set up, I have a Reese W/D hitch with the dual cam sway control. It was set up correctly. I have used this same set up for 2-3 years with the former tow vehicle. BTW I towed the same trailer w/former tow vehicle. The trailer was loaded the same way as before. (When you camp alot, you get into a set routine as to what goes where.)
As far as the Rancho shocks, I checked the Rancho web site and found the part numbers I need, but NO ONE carries them. I am looking at alternatives now. Any suggestions for shocks?
As far as the Rancho shocks, I checked the Rancho web site and found the part numbers I need, but NO ONE carries them. I am looking at alternatives now. Any suggestions for shocks?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally Posted by jimh1
As far as the Rancho shocks, I checked the Rancho web site and found the part numbers I need, but NO ONE carries them. I am looking at alternatives now. Any suggestions for shocks?
Summit Racing has them in stock. $84.
www.summitracing.com
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Originally Posted by jimh1
I expected the X to do MUCH better than it did today. There was no problem at all w/power, just trying to keep the thing on the road!!
It is fixable but it burns me to have to do it. I'm trying to get ford to buy mine back right now (another of the many bad 6.0PSD motors) so I'm not going to stick any money into until I get through the DSB process.