Since I'm setting up my truck for towing for the first time, I figured I might as well set it up to tow the max. (99 F150 2wd, 5.4L). Does it make sense to get a Class IV hitch? (The cost for a putnam Class IV is about $150.)

Are there any specific brands of Class IV hitches you guys would recommend?

Thanks.

 

I like to go by "bigger is better", for the difference in price, might as well get the max capacity to be on the safe side...I don't recommend towing more than the truck can handle, but having a hitch intended to handle more than you tow is a positive thing with no negative affects...that's my opinion anyways....

 

I agree.

Which is better a one piece or a three piece?

Unfortunately, after I thought that I was set on the Putnam, I discovered that it's a three piece. And it seems that a welded one piece is better. Who makes a one piece Class IV?

Thanks.

 

Check www.reese-hitches.com

 

I put a reese class V (5) on my `92 F150 7700 , If i remember correctly , max. trailer weight is 7000# w/o WD , with WD , goes up to 12000#. I would never even think about towing anything that heavy. I use it to tow our 24 foot Prowler TT , dry weight 3955#.
I agree , bigger is better. I usually only keep a truck a few years , so I have every intention of removing the hitch before i sell the truck. Next TT will be around 29 feet , next Truck hopefully is an F250 supercab , that I will be installing the class V on.
Good luck

Sty

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by sty
I put a reese class V (5) on my `92 F150 7700 , If i remember correctly , max. trailer weight is 7000# w/o WD , with WD , goes up to 12000#. I would never even think about towing anything that heavy. I use it to tow our 24 foot Prowler TT , dry weight 3955#.
I agree , bigger is better. I usually only keep a truck a few years , so I have every intention of removing the hitch before i sell the truck. Next TT will be around 29 feet , next Truck hopefully is an F250 supercab , that I will be installing the class V on.
Good luck

Sty [/QOTE]


Was that a one piece or a three piece?

EPNCSU2006, I checked out the Reese hitch site and the highest rated Class IV was a three piece (model # R37034).

 

Northern Tool Receiver for F150

I installed a similar hitch as this but is class V. Three piece is not a problem. They send you grade 8 hardware. Your week point is the ball anyway. I've never seen a ball rated to 10000 pounds, usually 3 or 5. There are only 4-6 bolts that hold it onto the frame anyway. To keep the nuts from backing off, use thread locker, and take a punch and punch the nut and bolt after tightened.

Sty,

That hitch on the F150 will not fit any F series unless you stay with the old body style - pre 97. Just fyi. You probably know though.

 

What I've found so far is the Draw-tite 41920. It's a one piece unit with a 10,000 GTW/12,000 WD capacity. It's 186.83+15 shipping from 1800hitchit.com.

The other option is either a Putnam Class VI (25098) or Reese Multifit. Both are about $140 and are three piece units.

 

Success! I found out that the Valley Class IV (9000/12000 capacity) is a one-piece and the cheapest of them all at $111.96 from JC Whitney.

 

10,000lbs hitch ***** can be purchased at uhaul...eventhough my trailer weighs only 8K, i have a 10,000lbs hitch (factory ford excursion tow package), a 10K reciever and a 10K ball. I think i would have only saved like 20 dollars buying lower weight rating products.

 

Mine has a Class III receiver hitch rated for 5,000 pounds.

The bumper is a class V rated for 8,000 pounds.

I'm set for just about anything Imay wish to tow.