Weight Distribution Hitch For 2013 F150

[deere5105]

Am in the process of evaluating weight distribution hitches for a F150. Here is picture of previous tow vehicle with trailer and tractor with no rear mounted implements.

 

[deere5105]

Here is scales ticket for this load. (Having trouble trying to post multiple pictures at one time.)

 

[deere5105]

Here is door sticker on new tow vehicle.

 

[deere5105]

Here are the two hitches am considering. This will be for occasional moving tractor 30-40 miles a couple times a year. All input, warnings or suggestions welcome.

 

[deere5105]

Second hitch.

 

[George2615]

I'd get the heavier WD hitch for the few dollars difference. My 22' tilt trailer has an empty tongue weight of 1105 lb. I have an older Reese WD hitch with 1500 lb. round bars but mainly use it hauling my dump trailer. They tongue weight of that can get pretty heavy depending on how its loaded. I can switch it to the tilt bed but usually don't need it.
What is the max trailer weight and max tongue weight rating for your truck? It should be in the owners manual.

 

[downsizingnow48]

If you scoot under your truck hitch and look up you will probably see a data plate with allowable weights for the hitch. At least that plate is on my 2012 F150. 1050 lbs tongue weight and 10500 lbs total.

 

[George2615]

The factory truck hitches seem to be on the edge or under for limits. I replaced my factory truck hitch with a Curt XD because of this since my empty trailer tongue weight was just under the limit by 12 lb. at 1088 lb. Here's my specs old hitch and new.

Factory hitch:
Max trailer weight / tongue weight W/O WD hitch - 5,000 lb / 600 lb.
Max trailer weight / tongue weight W/ WD hitch - 10,500 lb / 1100 lb.

New Curt XD hitch:
Max trailer weight / tongue weight W/O WD hitch - 16,000 lb / 2400 lb.
Max trailer weight / tongue weight W/ WD hitch - 17,000 lb / 2400 lb.

I also have added Hellwig 2500 lb. helper springs to my truck.

 

[downsizingnow48]

When I was setting up my weight distributing hitch I found a useful thread on the Airstream website. In post #69 of the thread below, there is a downloadable spreadsheet that can be used to calculate loads on front axle, rear axle etc when using a weight distributing hitch.

Load distribution hitches-an analysis - Page 5 - Airstream Forums

 

[deere5105]

Loaded with implement it will be at limits or little above. Was curious if opinion was to go with heavier hitch for little difference in price. Have pulled this set up with several different half ton pickups without weight distributing hitch for several years without any noticeable issue. Figured adding the wdh would be a step in the right direction.

 

[Sprinklerman]

look up the pro pride weight distribution hitch . I have one its great

 

[downsizingnow48]

I used an equalizer hitch. Their site has a chart that boils down to, get the next size larger if you are close to the limit. Equalizer worked very well.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Doesn't look bad but you are slightly over your rear axle rating. And hitches rating without a WD setup. I have almost the identical F150. They handle the trailer tongue weight better than other 1/2 tons hands down.

Chris

 

[deere5105]

Called local RV dealership to check prices. The salesperson in parts described a "4-Point" hitch. Said it was good for most all travel trailers. Price for hitch installed...$1200.00.

I think the one I am looking at, Curt Weight Distribution System - Round Bar - 14, lbs GTW, 1,4 lbs TW Curt Weight Distribution C1757 , on Etrailer.com will be more than what I would ever pull or put on the hitch. Is there ANY reason NOT to go with the heavy duty hitch versus the standard duty? Seems a no-brainer, but having never fooled with this type hitch want to make sure I am not overlooking anything. Watched the video on the website by the manufacturer and seems easy enough to set up....especially compared to the $1200.00 price given for the other installed.

 

[Sprinklerman]

Shame you arent closer . I have an equalizer hitch I took off my rv when I installed a propride hitch

 

[Snowback]

Called local RV dealership to check prices. The salesperson in parts described a "4-Point" hitch. Said it was good for most all travel trailers. Price for hitch installed...$1200.00.

Another option for +/- $500 Equal-i-Zer Weight Distribution Equalizer Hitch 14# - $485.89 Sway bar jacket pads and balls at the bottom of the page.

Here's a link describing similar situations. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...zer-weight-distribution-hitch-worthwhile.html

My Ram benefits greatly from this equalizer WDH and it would help out the F-150 as well, especially as you approach payload and towing limits. Took me 30 minutes to install and setup.

 

[deere5105]

Seems the Equalizer is a good hitch, but for my once or twice a year use the Curt unit with hitch ball for less than $250 should do the trick and be rated for more than my intended use. Should last me a long time no more than will be used. Thanks for all suggestions and opinions.

 

[gtrippleb]

Here is scales ticket for this load. (Having trouble trying to post multiple pictures at one time.)

If I understand the Ford 2013 RV Trailer Towing Guide, even if you got the WD hitch you're still over the GCWR of the highest rated packaged 2013 F-150 by 120 lb. I'm in a similar situation with my 2013 F-150 (7700 GVWR and Max Tow Package) which is why I'm looking at a different tow vehicle.

 

[lennyzx11]

I pull a 29' travel trailer with my 2011 4wd Super Crew. I work on the road and move it 5-6 times a year cross country. I'm right at my max allowance on tongue weight and gross weight.
I worked my way through each of the following improvements a little at a time as I wasn't happy with each one by their self.

The Curt hitch works great for me. I connect the ball on, latch it, then raise the power jack as high as possible without being stupid and then put the bars on. I got the one that has the optional sway bar ball ends on each side.

2nd. I got the air spring kit that replaces the overload bumpers on the rear axle of the truck. This was a 100% improvement.

3rd. I got the two sway bars that go on the side of the WD hitch and mounted them. This made crosswinds not quite so exciting!
I can pull at highway speeds comfortably now. I usually run about 65 as between 55-65 is the Ecoboost sweet spot with a tuner program installed for towing.

This all came from Amazon Prime through the last two years and installed in various RV parks with hand tools and cordless drill.

 

[deere5105]

Placed order online at etrailers.com and received hitch and ball in four days at my door step. No complaints on service. Was able to make time this evening to put it together and adjust for my trailer. Instructions straight forward enough and product seemed well made. Next and final step is to test with load on trailer to fine tune the chain adjustments for the spring bars. Thanks for comments and input.