Trailer Sway Control questions

[tominwi]

New to Travel Trailer towing so am learning all I can ahead of pulling our new 24' trailer in the spring. I've studied-up on weight distribution and will have a WDH installed, know all about levelling and placing cargo in the trailer etc. but now have watched a video about trailer sway and the RV tech said "if your trailer starts to sway, act fast to apply the TRAILER BRAKES not those of your tow vehicle". OK makes sense to me so I goto my Owner Manual and it says I have "Trailer Sway Control" built-in, but doesn't really explain how it works, and only that it becomes available on start-up, and can be switched OFF until the next start. Two questions:

1. WHAT and WHERE do I find the "stability control lamp"? Manual states on p363

"If the trailer begins to sway, the stability
control lamp flashes and the message
Trailer Sway Reduce Speed appears in
the information display."

2. Is there any way for me to manually apply my TT's electric brakes from the driver's seat?

 

[Fasttimes]

That's a bunch of info that may not be really what you want to do.

Get a WDH with anti-sway features. I have the Equalizer WDH with anti-sway, it works very well.

All you should need to do is get your WDH installed and set up correctly and then set the gain up on the truck for the brakes correctly. WDH set up is key and will take some time and multiple adjustments most likely. Took me a solid year to get it just right and mulitple trips to the CAT scales. You'll want the tongue weight on the hitch to be what the trailer placard says it should be from the factory. Then factor in weight on top of that for batteries, stuff, etc. Just be close to that number as you can.

There will be a knob in your Timberline for the HD tow that will allow you to set the gain (the amount of brakes to apply to the trailer). You'll want to go about 10-15 mph and turn the brake knob manually to where it locks up the trailer brakes. Then reduce the gain a bit back from that. You'll get a hang of it of feeling if the brakes are too much or not enough. You don't want to feel the trailer pulling your truck to a stop.

All that other stuff they mention is "in case of emergency", not really day to day driving. Applying the brakes on a properly set up trailer, WDH, and balanced right tongue should be just fine.

 

[tominwi]

While I do very much appreciate your thoughtful reply Fasttimes, that is information I already knew. At least, yes I know about how to get everything set-up properly, including the road test part(s).

But I still am curious to know the answers to my questions, even if they are 1. "there is no such thing" and 2. "No there is not".

And if anyone knows how "Trailer Sway Control" works, or has a link, I would like to know that too.

 

[JasonH]

The manual trailer brake control is the squeeze switch next to the trailer brake gain button.

 

[tominwi]

The manual trailer brake control is the squeeze switch next to the trailer brake gain button.

Aha, so it is that simple. Many thanks Jason. Now that I know what it is, I can follow the written description much better and understand how I will accomplish the gain settings.

I see too now what Fasttimes was implying re: "emergency only" i.e. the owner guide states "only use the manual control lever for proper adjustment of gain..." especially as I've now found a good description of Sway control works (next).

 

[tominwi]

I should have thought to try AI first. THe below is from perplexity.ai. I've not yet looked at all the references but this is basically what I was looking for w/my Q2:

Where can I find an explanation of how the Ford Expedition's "Trailer Sway Control" functions?

Answer
Ford's Trailer Sway Control is an electronic system that helps stabilize your vehicle when towing a trailer. It works in conjunction with the AdvanceTrac® system with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®). Here's how it functions:

1. The system uses sensors to measure yaw motion and detect if the trailer is swaying.
2. If sway is detected, the stability control light will flash, and a "trailer sway reduce speed" message will appear in the information display

• The system then applies precise braking to individual wheels and may reduce engine torque to help stabilize both the vehicle and trailer.
• Drivers may feel a pulsing sensation on the brake pedal when the system is active.
• The feature automatically turns on each time you start your vehicle

It's important to note that if trailer sway occurs, it's likely due to improper loading or excessive speed. In such cases, you should slow down, pull over, and ensure your trailer is connected correctly and the load is properly distributed

 

[tominwi]

Re my "stability control lamp", I was looking for an outboard LED and it appears to be a dash indicator.

Where is the "stability control lamp" referenced in the Ford's owner guide?

Answer
The stability control lamp is located on the dashboard of your Ford vehicle. This lamp serves as both a warning and an indicator light, depending on its behavior:

1. When flashing: The stability control system is actively working to maintain vehicle stability.
2. When continuously illuminated: This indicates a system error in the stability control system.
3. When not illuminated during ignition: If the lamp doesn't light up when you turn on the ignition, this could also indicate a system malfunction.

If the stability control lamp remains illuminated or fails to illuminate when you switch on the ignition, it's recommended to have the system checked by a Ford dealer immediately1. The stability control system is an important safety feature, and any malfunctions should be addressed promptly to ensure proper vehicle operation and safety."

No doubt this one, which I observe to be lower-left on the main display:


I'm happy. Thanks you guys.

 

[ccssid]

Fwiw: I have this unit. Used for several years with explorer. Now with expedition. I use the lighter spring bars (600-800), as my trailers maxes out at #4500. NEVER any issues.

https://www.amazon.com/Husky-32218-Center-Line-Spring/dp/B00W919FL8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=Q0BTKK2KN0SY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k8r-TNuhS0c1D-s_OZ4xDuZXsWfHYxnemBjdWHaQukrzT1-p5IBtFvcvilsdDz4sxq0jYorLAPzhABVd04QG5P4l-AdY6bCOosq7Q0pzdo4jEgdfaeCypiaBY9n3hk0z7SneU6GjAr3sTuv0gTrD0r8mWxOVRMjX2qP4u5nVDkpAY5IkPDud3uC6WvjYVxJccLaKzj4GtbWicAHpZH_lqQ.sFtaQjRCvvKb4Jz98whKYtr-FgaKm5UxlxDaVvEtJeA&dib_tag=se&keywords=husky+weight+distribution+hitch&qid=1740151291&sprefix=husky+we%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-1

 

[tominwi]

My dealer will deliver the trailer with a Blue Ox TrackPro installed. I expect it will be the 800# model as our TT is similar weight to your own.

It purports to do both weight distribution and sway control. As a rank amateur to the world of TTs I am more-than-fine with the dealer doing this vs trying to set one up myself.

 

[ccssid]

My dealer will deliver the trailer with a Blue Ox TrackPro installed. I expect it will be the 800# model as our TT is similar weight to your own.

It purports to do both weight distribution and sway control. As a rank amateur to the world of TTs I am more-than-fine with the dealer doing this vs trying to set one up myself.

View attachment 83726

I had the dealer originally set my weight distribution hitch on my explorer. Same reason as you stated. The dealer could not have done a worse job. Ultimately, I read the instructions made a call to the factory support line.....and in about an hour I had re-set the hitch. A couple of trips to the scales and some minor adjustments is all it took. It was not difficult at all. Hitch has since been adjusted to work with my expedition. Enjoy
.