Towing
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Freshman User
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Towing
I have a 2009 F150 screw, 4x4, 5.4, 3.73 rear, max tow package. We plan on towing a 2 horse BP (5,500 to 6,000 loaded). Noticed there is a sticker on the hitch stating that any trailer over 5,000 lbs should have a weight distributing hitch. Called the trailer dealer and was told I shouldn't need it as they tow all the time with the same setup and have never needed the WDH. What are all your thoughts?
docgj
docgj
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
Here's an interesting read on WD hitches, etc.
Common Weight Distribution and Sway Control Questions | etrailer.com
States that they recommend a WD hitch for any trailer weighing more than 50% of your tow vehicles weight.
Common Weight Distribution and Sway Control Questions | etrailer.com
States that they recommend a WD hitch for any trailer weighing more than 50% of your tow vehicles weight.
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Thanks for the advice. Thomabb I agree with having and not needing.
We were trying not to have more thinks to hookup when towing. We would only be hauling 10 to 15 times a year 1 to 2 hours each way.
Would Fords factory sway control help with any of the problems?
Also know that towing horses are different then towing a boat, camper, etc as they can move around a little and start a nasty problem.
docgj
We were trying not to have more thinks to hookup when towing. We would only be hauling 10 to 15 times a year 1 to 2 hours each way.
Would Fords factory sway control help with any of the problems?
Also know that towing horses are different then towing a boat, camper, etc as they can move around a little and start a nasty problem.
docgj
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: sunnyvale
MCDavis thanks for the post i even learned something new today! to OP if you want to chance it please rember your not the only one on the road who might pay the price for your choice. if you dont have the money to buy one a lot of rental yards will rent you a WD hitch till you do have the money to buy one! and last but not least you got live stock back there and only god knows what there about to do so with that i say WD FTW! good luck and safe towing!
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Cecil County, Maryland
I run a WD rig on my short trailer (18') and my camper (37'). It just makes the pull smoother. But with my 22' flatbed, I don't as I have found the sweet spot for the skid loader, the trailer pulls just right never a sway. I know the horses don't stay in the same spot, I would pull them with a WD rig. Just my two cents, Chris.
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From: Maine, Virginia
Great info Chandler! I've never seen information on WDH's broken down like that. Cleared up some of my questions too.
Likewise if an accidental event were to occur, it would be nice to hear the investigator say "this motorist took every precaution possible to prevent this from happening'. It might a difference in a ticket or even an insurance pay out.
Likewise if an accidental event were to occur, it would be nice to hear the investigator say "this motorist took every precaution possible to prevent this from happening'. It might a difference in a ticket or even an insurance pay out.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Cecil County, Maryland
Advice-if you are going to tow the horses on a regular basis then buy a name brand as warranty/parts are going to be better to deal with. If only every once in a while tow then go for the cheaper Chinese off name brands if bucks are in short supply. I have a 15 year old Reese WD that has never failed/cracked but I have a friend down the road who was using a cheap WD on a daily pull, it cracked in about year. You will find them (good & cheap brands) on Ebay-unless free shipping the costs will bring the price up to local dealer prices. Chris
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Live VT, Work MA
I tow a 2 horse BP but I use the 250 PSD and from my experience, if one horse can be felt moving my rig around sometimes, there is no way I would consisder towing him with a 1/2 ton without a WDH.
So I guess I agree with the other posters, I would rather be "over built" than "good enough", hence the PSD
And you guys are right, towing a live animal with a high center of gravity is very different than a boat, camper etc. I would gladly hook up to a 12,000lb camper than a horse trailer loaded with a hot horse. Every turn needs to be baby-*** smooth so they can anticipate the turn and lean in to balance their weight, any sudden jerks etc. could send their weight against the side of the trailer and then you could have a mess on your hands.
Be safe.
So I guess I agree with the other posters, I would rather be "over built" than "good enough", hence the PSD
And you guys are right, towing a live animal with a high center of gravity is very different than a boat, camper etc. I would gladly hook up to a 12,000lb camper than a horse trailer loaded with a hot horse. Every turn needs to be baby-*** smooth so they can anticipate the turn and lean in to balance their weight, any sudden jerks etc. could send their weight against the side of the trailer and then you could have a mess on your hands.
Be safe.
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From: Suffolk, VA
It wouldn't necessarily be unsafe to tow without one, I think some people are always too quick to throw the safety flag. But id still use one and do, if nothing more than because it's a nicer tow all around. The hardest part is setting it up just right, and that's not difficult just time consuming. After that its easy to use and takes less than a minute more to hook up. Your worries about having more to hook up aren't valid in that aspect.
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As it seems like a number of you are using them...Any suggestions on type and model? Tongue weight should never be more than 600 lbs. 6,000 lbs loaded weight. Seems to be a number of different styles. Just need to know from experience what works the best.
docgj
docgj
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Suffolk, VA
I like Curt personally. I suspect they are almost all the same. Amazon has great prices and free shipping on them. If your tongue weight is 600# id go with 800# bars. I like the square bars over the round bars. You shouldn't need sway control but that's your call. If its loaded properly it wont sway.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: South Jersey
I use Reese with dual sway control built into the WD system. Each bar goes into a saddle with what looks like brake pads in it. There are many systems that perform the same way but have slightly different set ups to them. Combine that with the trailer sway control of the truck, and it makes towing a lot more manageable.