F150 Integrated Sway Control

[rkresge]

Just realized that my fairly new (to me) 2010 F150 has built-in electronic sway control for towing, and it's always on. Does anyone have any thoughts, experiences or other ideas to share on this? I have a sway control bar for my hitch and don't plan to stop using it.

I noticed in some threads on the F150 that the sway control may be affecting gas mileage for some people, even when not towing. I'm interested in learning more!

Thanks,

Roger

[NVGun40]

The electronic sway control is a great feature. I am sure you already know, the computer tracks the movements of the vehicle and will apply braking to individual wheels as needed and reduce engine speeds to reduce sway. While this is very helpful it will not replace the use of a anti sway bar. It will certainly help, and in IMO, I would rather have more assistance to keep things in control and not need it than to have things go wrong because I was not equipped properly. Often times sway is caused from improperly loaded trailers (weight not distributed evenly) and traveling to fast.

I have heard the same thing regarding the sway control affecting gas mileage, especially when you are not towing anything. I was under the impression the sway control feature was something you can turn off/reset when not towing.

[robkelly]

My understanding of the system, and it was the same on my Tundra, is that it's reactive and only kicks in and applies he TT brakes if it detects sway. Other devices, like your sway bar, are proactive and work to prevent a sway incident from happening in the first place. I always considered the automatic system a backup to the bars.

I have not heard anything about the automatic systems affecting mileage, and not sure why they would as they only applies the TT brakes if sway is detected. It should never kick in when not towing.

[NVGun40]

Originally Posted by robkelly

I have not heard anything about the automatic systems affecting mileage, and not sure why they would as they only applies the TT brakes if sway is detected. It should never kick in when not towing.

The Ford integrated electronic anti sway system works on the TV's brakes, applying braking to individual wheels and reducing engine speed. On the Ford F150 forums there are threads which indicate the electronic anti will kick in and apply braking pressure when body roll is detected during times when the person is not towing.

[TWP723]

The sway control is always engaged through the AdvanceTrac system. It works in unison with the steering wheel rotation sensor and the yaw sensor. If sway exceeds a certain parameter, the ABS will modulate brake fluid to specific brake calipers. The PCM also modulates engine torque as well. It will continue until sway is reduced below programmed parameters. Usually, you'll get a warning on the dash telling you to reduce speed. If your truck has an integrated trailer control, the system will engage it and apply the brakes through that module as well. And yes, you can disable it through the message center in the cluster.

[Fire_Instructor]

As the electric anti-sway technology on the travel trailers becomes more popular, it'll be interesting to see if there are any reports of the two electrical systems "fighting" each other. For those that have spent the money to have both, I certainly HOPE not!

[motorbreath]

I have the integrated brake controller in my 2015 Sierra 1500, the electronic sway control has only engaged once during what I would call a "pucker-up" moment when I was driving the TT home from the dealer for the first time. Personally, I hope to never need it again now that I am a little older and wiser, but its nice to know its there.

Originally Posted by rkresge

Just realized that my fairly new (to me) 2010 F150 has built-in electronic sway control for towing, and it's always on. Does anyone have any thoughts, experiences or other ideas to share on this? I have a sway control bar for my hitch and don't plan to stop using it.

I noticed in some threads on the F150 that the sway control may be affecting gas mileage for some people, even when not towing. I'm interested in learning more!

Thanks,

Roger

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by Fire_Instructor

As the electric anti-sway technology on the travel trailers becomes more popular, it'll be interesting to see if there are any reports of the two electrical systems "fighting" each other. For those that have spent the money to have both, I certainly HOPE not!

Originally Posted by motorbreath

I have the integrated brake controller in my 2015 Sierra 1500, the electronic sway control has only engaged once during what I would call a "pucker-up" moment when I was driving the TT home from the dealer for the first time. Personally, I hope to never need it again now that I am a little older and wiser, but its nice to know its there.

IMHO, the TV and TT 'anti-sway' take action in as motorbreath so accurately put it a "pucker-up moment." That is exactly the time you DON'T want to find out the two are fighting one another.

Hopefully, some organization(s) will do some testing and reporting on which systems will or won't work well together.

[goducks]

I had a 2010 F150. I purposely activated it once out on a deserted country road. Just yanked the wheel left and right. It makes a crazy sound when activated. Another time I came into a corner too fast and hit the brakes hard while turning and it also activated. Only two times it ever activated. My wife commented as to what that sound was. I said it was the TSC saving our arse.
It had no affect on mpg. I got 18 mpg on the interstate running 65-70mph. I had 3.73 gears. It's a great feature for trucks that tow. Liked everything about that truck except the tranny. Couldn't lock out OD. Truck was always shifting back n forth.

[Soltice]

I was told by both my Jayco Dealer (2016 TT) and Toyota (2015 Tundra) that they compliment each other and are not a substitute for one or the other

[Fastalker64]

I also have a 2010 F150, 5.4, 3:55, with the Advance Trac. It's nice to know it's there, but (as far as I can tell) it's never engaged. I really like, however, the hill descent feature that functions similar to a j-brake; it sure does save the truck brakes when going down steep grades at highway speeds...

[ALJO]

Soltice: I was told by both my Jayco Dealer (2016 TT) and Toyota (2015 Tundra) that they compliment each other and are not a substitute for one or the other

That's correct; braking occurs on the upside of the sway. If truck is going to the left brakes will engage on the right. The trailer in this case will force to the right and will brake on the left for correction. So yes they compliment each other. Now they just have to sell them as DIY and sell lots of them so the price goes down.