Hi all,
I have an f350 v10 that I will be towing my back hoe with. Trailer and backhoe will weigh in at about 9600 pounds . Total weight on the scales is 18200 pounds gross weight ,truck, trailer and hoe. What I need to know is should I be looking at a 10000 or 12000 pound weight distribution hitch. I heard that too stiff a hitch isn't any good either. I was always old school where you always bought a little heavier than needed.Also the obvious question from a newbie but when I have dropped the hoe and am pulling the trailer I assume I unhook the bars or just loosen the chains until everything is level again? Dry trailer weight is 2800 pounds. Thanks for any help. One more quick question. Is a buyers brand hitch a decent hitch or should I stick with Reese or another name brand hitch. I don't want to blow money on a name but I also don't want to buy a bargain and find out it's junk.
Thanks for any help provided.

 

Hi roundlaker,

You're going to get a lot of different opinions on this. I would suggest getting a 10,000 lb WD setup for that trailer. I don't think there's much difference between that and the 12,000 lb unit, but the extra capacity won't do anything for you.

When pulling the trailer unloaded I disconnect the spring bars and use the WD head as a regular weight-carrying ball mount. Load the hoe, hook up the bars and chains, and you're ready to tow.