PDA

View Full Version : Trailer hitch ratings.



mattsask
03-18-2017, 09:55 PM
Just bought a new leftover 16 ecoboost F150. I'm hoping someone can tell me what this hitch is rated for. Not exactly sure what everything on this label means. I just want to make sure it's heavy duty enough to tow my boat.

What is the difference between the "weight distributing" and "weight carrying" ratings?



https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/a7ea08d8eb600aa17f8b43a6b747296f.jpg

Pipeliner07
03-18-2017, 10:05 PM
Not sure but when I bought my 2016 f150 they told me it had a 12,200lb towing capacity so I would assume that the factory receiver should be rated at lest that high

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

zabooda
03-18-2017, 10:49 PM
It should be on the list somewhere.

https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/16RV&TT_Ford_F150_r1_Oct2.pdf

mattsask
03-18-2017, 11:24 PM
Thanks guys. I do have all that information already. It's just this sticker on the hitch that has got me second guessing whether I need an upgraded hitch to be able to tow those published numbers and be insured. What is the difference between the weight distributing and weight carrying numbers?

chawkphil
03-18-2017, 11:25 PM
Looks like your hitch is rated to pull a 5000lb conventional trailer with 500lbs tongue weight. Weight distributing trailers have the spring loaded bars that distribute weight to the front axle of the tow vehicle. The truck rating is much higher because that is calculated using either a load distributing trailer or a fifth wheel or gooseneck setup. Most standard hitches are only rated for 5000lbs and you'll find that most ball mounts are only rated at 5000lbs as well.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

mattsask
03-19-2017, 12:16 AM
Alright so the hitch isn't beefy enough to tow my craz... That's a bummer. Did anyone else have this problem? I'm guessing most guys either had this hitch and upgraded, or just flat out don't realize that the hitch itself is only good for 5000lbs. I feel kind of ripped off, since the salesman said the truck was equipped to tow my 6000lb + craz.

zabooda
03-19-2017, 12:41 AM
I checked my F150 and I have the same hitch as you. I wouldn't worry about this and perhaps our resident truck experts can explain for both of us.

mmandley
03-19-2017, 07:11 AM
Chaw is correct.

Technically speaking the hitch is only rated to pull a 5k trailer
With weight distribution it's rated at 11k

Weight distribution used physics and actually lifts on your hitch forcing weight to be distributed to the front of the truck.

Don't fret though, the 5k hitch is more then beefy enough to pull your boat.
You won't find many hitches above 5k rating until you goto 3/4 & 1 ton trucks.

My Ram Diesel hitch is 12k tow with 1200lb tongue but it's a 3 Inch receiver.

I've personally never seen a 1/2 ton truck work more then 5k hitch but see people pulling heavier trailers all the time lol

What's more important is buy a 2inch hitch ball with 6k+ rating.

Easiest place to find them is U-Haul

chawkphil
03-19-2017, 09:53 AM
Yeah I think we all pull a bit over 5k with the conventional hitch. I've never had any issues

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

russellsmojo
03-19-2017, 10:42 AM
Your truck salesman was not thorough. You can absolutely get a heavy hitch. My 2015 Tahoe has a 10,000 hitch, load leveling, transmission cooler, and 3.42 gears. Yet towing capacity is rated at 8,600 pounds. You have to look past the marketing and do a lot of research before purchasing.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/51389aa2e967153d726e3ddcf90706be.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

russellsmojo
03-19-2017, 10:45 AM
You can also get heavy duty ball mounts from Reese that will work for you. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/9dc9d79bd23b9f92d71d37e7a4e327a7.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rdlangston13
03-19-2017, 10:53 AM
a lot of half tons now are coming with class IV hitches that have a higher rating if you get the max tow package. Our expedition has the max tow and it has a class IV hitch good for 600lb tongue weight and 6,000 lb trailer weight weight carrying. 500/5000 is a class III hitch I believe.

Pipeliner07
03-19-2017, 05:30 PM
This is my 2016 f150 https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/812a7ec1f164863134c6d2226d562b28.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/5a7b37ea46c2d22ade82c141442cf183.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

russellsmojo
03-19-2017, 06:23 PM
This is my 2016 f150 https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/812a7ec1f164863134c6d2226d562b28.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/5a7b37ea46c2d22ade82c141442cf183.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Does your truck have a lot of squat? Or does it have leveling?

I have a chance to buy 2014 f150 for great price and wondering if it will squat it a bunch. The hitch on it says 10,600. It's 3.5 v6 2 wheel drive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pipeliner07
03-19-2017, 07:11 PM
Not to bad https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/10df406a4d15a89dd75fdef90fa9f1e0.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

That Guy
03-19-2017, 07:26 PM
^^^you need an adjustable hitch pronto!

Your truck will squat more than a stock one because of the lift/level.

My truck squats slightly with my Craz. My 14 didn't squat at all with my t22 but the Craz tows better with the new truck.

As far as the hitch ratings, they all vary due to some manufacturers adhering to standards and others nice. The ratings also typically apply to trailers with higher tongue weights than boats, such as rv's or enclosed trailers. Boats by design have a lower percentage of tongue weight. I haven't weighed my Craz but can't imagine it's over 500lbs of tongue weight given it's likely only 5500-6000lbs loaded up. Either way the hitch ratings say it can support 500lbs dead weight and pull like 11k, so I'm not worried about either with my boat. Hop on the f150 forums if you'd like but it's just a cluster to try and worry about. Look into most other trucks and you'll see similar discrepancies.

beat taco
03-19-2017, 11:19 PM
Does your truck have a lot of squat? Or does it have leveling?

I have a chance to buy 2014 f150 for great price and wondering if it will squat it a bunch. The hitch on it says 10,600. It's 3.5 v6 2 wheel drive.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I had an add a leaf in my '13 and it still dropped 3" with my boat. I put air bags on it. I was able to pull 8k relatively easily with it. This is a 28' trailer on a drop hitch.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170320/37cf34482b886f73094d3a415d251750.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

BrettLee3232
03-20-2017, 02:41 AM
Not to bad https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/10df406a4d15a89dd75fdef90fa9f1e0.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

You need to do the old flip-a-roo on your hitch. Get that baby riding level!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pipeliner07
03-20-2017, 07:23 AM
I have a shorter drop now that was all I had when I picked up the boat on delivery day

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

russellsmojo
03-20-2017, 08:57 AM
Not to bad https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170319/10df406a4d15a89dd75fdef90fa9f1e0.jpg

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Nice truck! Looks good with boat colors.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Pipeliner07
03-20-2017, 09:08 AM
Thanks it's a very close match

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk