Trailer advice

Anonymous Poster · Apr 1, 2003

I just bought a new Bri-Mar 12,000 gvw equip trailer. When hooking it up at the dealer, I notice I have a 500 lb tounge wt hitch. I opted to get a 1200lb hitch installed, 229.00.. I didn't opt for the equalizer hitch set up only because at times I do pull other trailers from a friend of mine. I felt the permanent hitch to the truck was better ,
as his trailers do not have equalizer/sway sytems either.. My trailer and tractor gross wt is somewhere around 8900 lbs. His can go substantially more at times. I do have a need for the trailer as I need to install lots of water jugs and some hand tools. Perc testing, and one needs lots of water available..

Egon · Apr 2, 2003

The equalizer hitch will allow you to tow without the torsion bars in place. All you need is the right sized ball. The torsion bars are the expensive part of the hitch.

Egon

RayBee · Apr 2, 2003

I too plan to pull an 18 ft trailer with an F150. Curious about what amount you think is too much for the Ford supercab I plan to tow with? Mine is a 4.6L- V8. Thanks .....Raybee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I think the trailer and B2710/BH/FEL weighs in at 6000#.

Egon · Apr 2, 2003

Your manual should state the towing and load limits. They may even be posted on a door sticker.

Egon

Bird · Apr 2, 2003

Ray, in addition to engine size, would have to know which transmission and which rear end to get the "official" trailer towing capacity (along with how much weight you have in the truck itself). Those ratings are on page 130-135 in the Owner's Guide for my '99 F150 Supercab. It shows trailer weight of 5,700 for the 3.08 rear end and 7,000 for the 3.55 rear end with automatic transmission (considerably less with manual transmission).

Now what you can actually do safely and comfortably also depends on whether the trailer has brakes, how far you're going, level or hilly terrain, how fast you want to drive, etc.

Bottom line is that I wouldn't hesitate to drive your rig at all myself. I'd probably turn off the overdrive and I'd keep a close watch on the temperature gauge if I was going very far.

RayBee · Apr 2, 2003

Thanks Bird /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif My "99"- F150 has auto/tranny and 3:55 rear end, I suppose the 6000 lbs is safely within the scope of this combo. And yes I do have brakes on both axles of trailer. The trailer is rated for 9K, so maybe an upgrade to the reciever and ball is in order? ...RayBee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bird · Apr 2, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( upgrade to the reciever and ball is in order? )</font>

Maybe so, depending on what you have now? If it already has the load distributing hitch platform (2" square receiver under the bumper), then all you need is the proper hitch head and ball (hitch balls come in various weight ratings themselves and I'd be sure to get one rated for 8,000 pounds if it were me).

I used to do lots of trailer towing, but don't anymore, so when I bought my '99 F150, I just wanted the Supercab and fuel economy (along with tilt wheel, cruise control, air-conditioning of course), so I just have the 4.2L V-6. I've only had it a year, and it does not have the hitch platform, just a 2" ball on the bumper and I've not yet hooked a trailer onto it. But on the bumper, it says maximum trailer weight 5,000 pounds and maximum tongue weight 500 pounds. If or when I go back to RVing, of course, I'll promptly trade trucks. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif But in the meantime, it's a great one for my use.

Sounds like your rig is pretty well set up assuming you have the brake controller to go with the trailer brakes. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RayBee · Apr 2, 2003

Bird: .... That's all good info., as usual.
I definately will consider the upgrade to the hitch. ....Thanks, Ray /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

grainger12002 · Apr 7, 2003

HEy Bird: MY 1995 F150 v8 4wd,pulls a 24 ft trailer,4000 # and 400 tongue,no problem. I saw the equalizer and anti sway used for $250 and thought I might give it a try but I think I will wait and keep looking. Mine has a nice reese hitch,good brakes and air shocks and pulls fine-Auto tranny as well. My next one will be a 250 or even 350,depepnds on the budget !!