Some weight distribution hitches interfere with surge brakes so most owners here don't use them locally where most trailers have surge brakes. I have towed a 26' and 28' boat without them and never had a problem.

 

I tow 8000 pounds without a weight distribution hitch. No problem.

 

Talk about a big boat. No WD setup, probably using the factory hitch also. Of course he doesn't seem too concerned with exceeding weight limits.
YouTube - How to Trailer a BIG *** 45' BOAT!

This is the sticker on my OE hitch.

 

There is more to configuration than general recommendation.
Standard cab pickups have short wheelbase for sharp turns and with long rear overhang - make pretty lousy tow vehicles. The one in video above is crew cab dually. Totally different characteristics with long wheelbase and stiff rear suspension.
The only real advice is to hook up the boat and see how much the rear sags under the load.
While weight distributing bars with surge brakes don't work very well as stated above, adding air helper bags or additional leaf to rear suspension are other options.

 

Equal-i-zer Hitch - The “American Original” with 4-Point Sway Control and Weight Distribution

this is one WD/sway setup that works with surge brakes.

 

Well... when you click on "how it works" in this page -it will show that the weight distribution bars are doing excellent job in fighting the trailer sway. If the bars fight the sway, they also fight brake surging.
That is what I call lie.

 

Another option you would have that is cheaper than airbags. You could always get some really heavy duty air shocks if you have originals in the back. Thats just to keep the ***-end up though. Id still get the weight distrib hitch.

 

Thanks for all the replies, I understand that a bit of common sense should be applied when deciding whether a weight distributing hitch should be used on certain trailers.

What I was trying to find out was if the weight distributing hitch was required by Ford,regardless of the trailer setup,to comply with their legal requirements regarding transport regulations.

 

I dont think there is a law saying you have to have a weight distrib hitch. I have a 12k non weight distrib for my truck. I doubt it will ever see even 7k. Im one for overkill.

Only thing in law im pretty sure is just the lights, having proper weight rated reciever. And to have a certain size safety chains depending on size and weight of trailer

 

You can't go wrong with a WD hitch. I use one and love it. Most of the ones sold today also eliminate sway problems as well. You will notice a big big difference in how everything handles. Also, a new hitch can be had for around $250-300 US$.

 

... I forgot to mention I tow about 9200 lbs.

 

Both Reese and Equali-Zer (sp) make WD hitches that are designed to work with boat trailer hydraulic surge brakes. I use a Reese for my 9,000lb boat and trailer. It works very well and I can lock the trailer brakes in a panic stop on a gravel road. I'm comfortable that I've done everything I can equipment wise to stay legal and safe. YMMV! cheers

 

As for "legal" you have to worry more about your local/federal government regulations than what Ford recommends.

 

RIGHT. I checked and my F450 is rated for 18k towing. Lately have seen exact truck with car hauler trailer and 40,000 GCVW labels on the door. Asked Highway Patrol Officer specializing in trucking how they allow that and his answer was "we don't have reported problems with it"

 

well, the sway control that the equal-i-zer uses is purely friction. I do own one, and can tell you that it will work with surge brakes. The WD system might reduce the force that the surge coupling sees by a negligible amount, but since the tounge is at a flatter angle it is basically a wash.

GCVWR from ford is nothing, but a CYA so they can get out of any possible lawsuits by saying, "we said that truck would only tow xx,xxx#." GCVWR legally is the sum of GVWR of truck and trailer. Those numbers DO have legal meaning. The basic limiting factor of how much you can safely tow is that you have to have a safe tounge weight on your trailer, and that tounge weight cannot bust the GVWR or either GAWR of the truck.