New X'r with inevitable towing questions

[Fordasaurus]

Greeting to all! I have spent many hours reading comments/reviewing the archives and I am truely excited to have found this site. You all are very helpful and knowledgable. I'll try to bring up subjects that I haven't read previously. As the signature indicates, we have a 30" TT. This whole setup is a complete switch for us as we drove a motorhome previously. We went with new Blue Ox hitch that the dealer suggetted would eliminate sway even without the optional sway attachment. The first out proved to be a "white knuckler" as it was all I could do to keep it under control. Having read the comments about Hensley, I checked them out, purchased and installed their hitch. No contest, they win. Give me a shout if your interested in a Blue Ox hitch.

After this setup, the problem/question is that the steering on the X seems to have deteriorated from the Blue Ox experience. The steering wheel is now out of align and has a minor pull to the right. It seems to have gotten out of align but we have not done any of the usual things to cause it (pothole, curbs...) other than tow. Also, the steering seems to be exhibiting a squirmy feel to it under non tow conditions. This is not something that we felt at the beginning nor felt driving V10 X's. We only have a few thousand miles on the clock but just trying to get a handle on normalcy.

Thanks for any comments.

[POLR BR]

Antonini,

Welcome to the site. I am sure you will find it fascinating and helpful.

From your description, it sounds as though something mechanical happened to your steering system. As you may know from reading earlier threads and the archives, there are a number of issues with the X's suspension system which is probably the weakest part of what is otherwise a wonderful vehicle. Some members seem to have found that the suspension problems also effected the steering characteristics of the vehicle. Fortunately the suspension problems are fairly easily correctable. In your case I would look at getting the steering and handling back to "normal" before pursuing any suspension modifications.

Firstly, I would take the X back to the dealer and have the steering wheel position corrected. You are also entitled to a free alignment in the first 12,000 miles, which I would have done. I would also have them check the steering gear. Perhaps most importantly, I would have them check the brakes for warped rotors and/or dragging calipers. 30' of TT in a white knuckle ride is a lot of trailer -- you may have been on the brake hard enough to have heated them up. At least need to rule that out.

After you get back to "normal" you can pursue the other suspension issues. Have fun. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Fordasaurus]

Thanks PB. Good advice on the dealer. I had intended to go to my local frame shop that specializes in front end woes assuming that the dealer wouldn't give a hoot about alignment issues.

Thanks,

MA

[JADFPE]

Fordasaurus - Welcome to the site. Enjoy that new tow rig. Goog luck in getting it set up the way you need it to be.

John
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[H ED S]

I welcome you to the site also. Look around and enjoy it as most of us do.

A good upgrade to make is a steering stabilizer. The rear anti swaybar and good shocks are a great help to.

Do get Ford to do the alignment as it seems something has gone south there. Towing should not affect the alignment in any way at all.

Take care and good luck,

[Ray Klett]

[img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] Your problem is fixable. I also read this site then went out to tow my jeep on a trailer combo (6000 lbs) and also become livid. First because everyone is correct the lack of a rear stabilizer bar is inexcusable. The tires ain't great either. My trailer has load equalizing hitch and an anti-sway bar so I gave the X every advantage I could. We leased our 2001X because it will be replaced by a motorhome before the lease runs out. I added the helwig front and rear stabilizer bars and inflated the #@%$# Firestone tires to maximum allowable pressure as stated on the tire sidewall. WOW!!! I trailed 83 MPH (+) on the cruise control and it was great. The shocks and other upgrades mentioned are worth it if you plan to keep your X for a few years. The tires definitely need to go.

BTW Helwig techie told me they modeled the rear off the F-350 and the front could be replaced by a 350 bar as well. However, helwig kit provides the bushings etc. that you will need. I did mine about eight weeks after a total hip replacement so it ain't to difficult for mechanically literate people. BTW Summit racing sells the helwig bars for about $128/ea. They list over $200.

Mileage: empty 17+, (after PPIII) 10+ while driving fast with trailer, 13+ driving 65 in Illinois while on a trip.

Enjoy your X

[tlphlps]

Fordasaurus,

Welcome! I tow a 33' TT, about 9,000 lbs. loaded. I definitely want the Hensley! I have an anti-sway system, but a strong crosswind or tractor-trailer rig can cause more sway than I want to deal with!

I plan to add the Hellwig anti-sway bar at least to the rear. I upgraded the steering stabilizer and shocks and I highly recommend that as soon as you get the warranty repairs done to the steering.

Happy Trails!

Terry

[Toolman]

I'm in a similar situation Fordasaurus. I am going to start towing with my Ex soon. Can some of you please enlightne me on the differences of the Henley hitch compared to the Ford stock hitch. I'm not suggesting the Ford hitch is good....just interested to learn what makes this aftermarket hitch better. Also interested to learn what I need to do to install an electric brake module....and which brand (or brands) are good ones. Thanks all..........Toolman

[Fordasaurus]

Good to hear from you Toolman. I am not sure what you mean by the Ford hitch but I can provide some input on the Hensley.

We bought the X specifically to have something truly capable of towing a comfortable size TT. We had looked at the Hensly site prior to installing the Blue Ox but the Ox was new, less expensive and available right at the dealer. In a strange way, I am glad it worked out the way it did because I would have had no clue to what it meant to "white knuckle" drive. After experiencing it, I immediately looked into the Hensley. They have a 60 day no questions asked return policy so with nothing to lose we went for it. There is no question that this is the best hitch out there. Absolutely no sway and solid as a rock. I am new to towing so I can tell you that I am always aware that I am towing a large TT but at least I am not a stressed out mess from the experience. And I can travel at highway speeds confidently. It appears that more fine tuning can be had through adjustment to the X itself. There are numerous suggestions that I have read about that seem very valid. The rear sway and the and steering damper are right at the top.

The Hensley is expensive ($2600) but it seems priceless compared to the peace of mind I now have during the family outings.

Lastly, I just picked up the PSD badge Ford neglected to put on the X and I am now displaying the colors properly and proudly.

Thanks for all the kind welcomes and hellos. I am looking forward to many conversations... [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[tlphlps]

Toolman,

The Hensley is a trailer anti-sway system that mounts to the trailer and includes the equalizer bars. It is an all-in-one system that inserts directly into the 2" receiver.
Take a look at www.nosway.com and check it out. It is not necessary to change anything about the Ford hitch setup. Hope this helps! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Terry