How does the trailer anti-sway work?

[marc515]

Thinking of getting a 2011 Explorer or 2011 Traverse to tow a small camper around.

Can you guys please explain how the Trailer Anti-Sway works on the Explorer? The Traverse has Traction Control, but not sure if that's the same as the Explorer's Anti-Sway

Thank you

 

[Joe Dirt]

Anti Sway is described simplay as:

It measures yaw motion when trailer sways, then applies precise braking by individual wheel, reduces torque, and helps bring the truck and trailer under control...

This article illustrates very well. These are for the F-150, but since the Explorer will be using a variant on the RSC system, it will function very similar.

CLICK ME

The video from the article:



Here is a nice writeup: CLICK ME

The Traverse Traction Control system is a simple TC system, which brakes the wheels if it detects slippage until you regain traction. It's been in use for a long time. If you have the StabiliTrak system, it would function similar to anti-sway, but only for the car. It wouldn't do anything for a trailer unless the truck is sliding as well.

Was that clear as mud?

 

[MarielleLeigh]

@marc515 Great question! Take a look at this video from the live chat! Hopefully this will help you out

 

[Joe Dirt]

Marielle, on my Dad's 2010 F150, when in Tow Haul it will on-demand engine brake when you tap the brake when coming downhill. It's awesome, will that system be the same on the new Explorer?

 

[Stryker1DD]

We own a 2017 explorer XLT.

Does the vehicle know you have a trailer connected when you connect the trailer lights? Or is this system always active?

Does the system active the vehicles rear brakes at any point to reduce the sway?

 

[AdamWest436]

We own a 2017 explorer XLT.

Does the vehicle know you have a trailer connected when you connect the trailer lights? Or is this system always active?

Does the system active the vehicles rear brakes at any point to reduce the sway?

DIC menu has sway checked and I assume when you press tow button it determines it then.

 

[peterk9]

We own a 2017 explorer XLT.

Does the vehicle know you have a trailer connected when you connect the trailer lights? Or is this system always active?

Does the system active the vehicles rear brakes at any point to reduce the sway?

Read the Owner's Manual, page 241 of the 3rd printing and it will explain some of what you are inquiring about. The default is ON.
Also, you say you have an XLT but your profile shows you have the Base model.

Peter

 

[Stryker1DD]

Updated the profile. Thanks

We bought this used and don't have the manual.

 

[peterk9]

You can download a copy of the Owner's Manual here as well as the Warranty Guide; Find Your Owner Manual, Warranty & More | Official Ford Owner Site
I have the Manuals saved on my computer in PDF and it is much easier to use the "Find" command to locate things.

Peter

 

[Michael Lopour]

I've been waiting to see a clear definition but I would NOT assume putting your Explorer in tow mode does anything except change the gear mapping - anti-sway is a completely separate feature that uses traction information? At least that's how I would think it works so correct me if I'm wrong. The traction control likely knows what happens to vehicle dynamics with and without a trailer and doesn't need you to put it in tow mode to make those corrections.