Hello, I am new to the towing section on this site and had a question about towing a trailer. The tow vehicle is an 07 srw shortbed f350 diesel. It has goodyear dura trac tires on it, that are 3 months old. The trailer is a 99 30' Prowler weighing in just under 7000lbs. I know it should pull it but I am taking it on a 300 mile trip upstate NY. What weight distribution hitch set up should be used? What are your opinions on the tires I have?
I have towed smaller trailers and tow trucks before, but never a trailer of this weight. Thanks for any advise you can provide.
Joe

 

On the trailer...when was the last time the wheel bearings were greased? Brakes adjusted?

Your tires on the truck will be just fine.

 

I bought it a few months ago and most definitely will be going the brakes and bearings before the trip. Is there any particular hitch I should stay a way from? I do need to buy one.

 

A weight distribution set up is what I would suggest.

See the link for some suggestions:
Weight Distribution | etrailer.com

This will help to level the load and keep the trailer from swaying behind you.

Also...don't forget the trailer brake controller if you don't have one.

 

Thanks for the link. The truck has a brake controller.

 

I would be the most concerned about the trailer tires besides the wheel bearings. Check the year they were mfg'd on the sidewalls. Also check to see if they at ST rated trailer tires and either d or e rated.

 

ditto on the trailer tire check...

ST tires are not looked upon lovingly by the rv community

 

I'm partial to the Reese Dual Cam sway control and weight distribution system. Your trailer is going to require the 1,200# weight arms. The Dual Cam uses the trailer's tongue weight to prevent and control sway. Once they are initially set up and properly adjusted, there is usually no further tweaking required.

Friction sway control bars are inadequate for longer trailers. And, they need to be set properly each time you hook up. Just a tiny bit too loose and you have no sway control at all, even with a much shorter trailer.

Reese is one of several hitch brands owned by Cequent Corporation. Draw-Tite is another of their products, but if you look close, they are the same items.

 

You might go look here to see what the ratings are for your truck:
2007 Ford Super Duty F250 F350 Technical Specifications

Hopefully it's correct and you can scroll down to look for your truck's specs to see how your weight ratings are (is it a crew cab or supercab or regular cab, etc... as that all affects the weight ratings)

u really need to know the actual weights - including pin weight of trailer and gvwr / gcwr of truck to be sure..

but that light a trailer - you should be good - good luck !

 

Picked up a Reese 69001 weight dist with out sway control. Paid 450. I also needed a drop hitch due to the 3.5" lift on the truck. I gave the the trailer shop all the weights I could and that was his suggestion. Thanks again and I appreciate all the help.
Joe

 

trial and error is the next step to see what works best. Set it so that truck and trailer are level. May require a few different settings before you find the right one.

 

Congrats on your trailer and tow rig. trailer weight wont be a problem for you. as mentioned earlier you need a good weight distribution hitch and also as mentioned the #1200 lb. bars. SteveC7010 is correct, the friction plates are a guessing game for your size/ weight rig and need constant tweaking and setting. I have an 05 6.0 excursion and went with the ProPride hitch. Trailer Sway Control Hitch Guaranteed to Eliminate Trailer Sway - ProPride 3P

Ya, I know, big $$. Got it for several reasons. Short wheelbase on my ex like your SB truck. Got the whole family onboard and don't want ANY sway at ANY time. Nothing more important than the fam. And backing in to hitch is simple as the hitch moves and will still hook up even if you are off a few inches. Oh, and my spring weight bars are hooked on jacks and can be tightened/ raised with my power screwdriver. No more lifting onto the correct chain link. Hope this all makes sense. Good luck and enjoy yer camping