Hi Guys,
I am from Australia, and I require a bit of help. I have a 2003 F-350. (Brazilian built in RHD format, with 7.3l 235hp Navistar, 6 speed Transmission, 4x4 XL with dual wheels). I have a boat which weighs approx. 10000lb wet. Ford of Australia only rate the vehicle to tow 7700lb, but I beleive this vehicle is the same specification as the 2001 US F350, I feel it will be able to tow my boat, am I correct?
Also assuming the vehicle is cappable, what manufacturers make standard hitches suitable for this load? (websites would be great...)
We don't have any available in Australia above 7700lb, and I think I will have to import a hitch assembly from the US.

Thanks in advance for your responses

 

Usually with a boat you have surge brakes on the trailer and need a weight carrying setup. You probably need a Class V hitch to handle that kind of weight without a weight distributing hitch.

I can't speak for the ratings because I don't know if it's exactly the same truck. Maybe you should send an email to Ford (without detailing the tow rating thing) simply asking if there are any differences.

 

Thanks John,
I am planning on installing a weight distribution hitch with the setup. You don't know of any American manufacturers that make these hitches? I am having touble finding some.
I have sent an e-mail to Ford, as you mentioned, am just waiting on a reply.

 

BigF350, Reese makes hitches to fit Ford trucks in various classes and tow weight ratings. Check out www.reeseprod.com for thier full product line. www.thetowzone.com here in the US sells Reese products at good prices and good shipping rates within the US. I do not know if they ship overseas.

 

Appreciate your help SoCalDesertRider

 

Does your boat trailer have surge brakes? From what I've heard a weight distributing hitch doesn't work well with surge brakes.

 

Am not entirely certain what "surge brakes" are. It has electric brakes on both both axles, does that answer your question.

 

If you have electric brakes the WDH should be fine.

 

Hey BigF350 ,check out this magazine.
http://www.trailerboats.com/
I get it , loads of trailering info ,including LARGE boats.
Lots of tech and towing /trailering tests on tow vehicals.
Don't know if they mail to Australia , but some info/articals are on line.
What gear ratio do you have in the rear?
My 04 F350 4X4 SC SB 5.4 auto 3.73 has a 7000 lb tow rating!
Yours should be higher.
I know there are plenty of plenty of places to get heavy hitches up to
12,000 lbs.
You should be able to find something at the other links.
Good luck.
Bob

 

Thanks Bob, that is a good link. My vehicle has a 4.1 ratio. I had a feeling that even vehicles with 3.73 ratios were capable of towing 10000lb, but I may be wrong, could it be the engine/transmission combo which is restriciting towing capacity? Some of our Australian cars with the 3.73 diff still have 7700lb as the towing capacity. (we can only get 7.3l engines with the 3.73 ratio though, every other engine comes with a 4.1, maybe they get a stronger diff due to greater torque)