what class hitch do i need?
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From: AL, Reform
what class hitch do i need?
I think i have a class IV hitch on my truck what ever came on the truck form ford rated for 8000lbs. do i need to keep the class IV 8000lbs or V 15,000? our trailer weighs 2300lbs dry and the tractor weighs 4700lbs = 7000lbs if i dont have an attachment on the tractor. do you think a IV is ok or do i need a V, i hope to 1 day get a ~7x18 enclosed trailer and dont wont to buy a new hitch 2 times. i dont wont the thing to brake and hurt someone so what do you suggest? i dont wont a 5 wheel or goose hitch i need my camper shell to put stuff in and the trailer.
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From: Maryville (Mur Vul), TN
The thing you have to worry about are tongue weight and gross towing weight. Determine the tongue weight of the trailer loaded and the gross weight of the trailer. To do this you need to find a scales that will accommodate your trailer. The weight of the trailer is 2300 and the load is 4700 for a total of 7000. If your hitch says 8000 lbs the hitch you have is sufficient for your trailer as you are. You should see what the max load your trailer specifies so your hitch will be heavy enough to handle the trailer if loaded to the max. If it is over 8000 then I would go yo the class 5.
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From: AL, Reform
the trailer is rated at 14000lbs, the tongue weight changes a lot depending on what attachments are on the tractor, so i vary how far i pull up on it to put less weight on the truck. what would be the best way to get a good reading?
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From: Frederick, MD
I would be upgrading that hitch. You already indicating that there maybe some other stuff in the future. for hitch wt..take 10% of the gross. that should help you to determine what the hitch wt (tongue wt) will be.
Getting it on the scale is the only true way though.
Don't forget to go ahead and get a trailer brake controller as well. Most state laws will indicate that a trailer over 5K needs brakes.
Getting it on the scale is the only true way though.
Don't forget to go ahead and get a trailer brake controller as well. Most state laws will indicate that a trailer over 5K needs brakes.
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From: AL, Reform
i have the brakes just need to get the right hitch. dont wont it coming off that would be a bad day. 1 other thing i see where i can use my 2" hitches for smaller trailers with it but what pin do you use. the 15000 pin is bigger than the hole in the 2"?
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From: Maryville (Mur Vul), TN
The pin is longer to secure your insert, you will get one with your new hitch. You can get more at TSC, best price I've seen. If you have some 2" inserts (ball mounts) and still plan to use them get a reducer from 2.5" to 2".
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Laughing Gas
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I am surprised your truck came with a Class IV and not a Class V from the factory. I have seen two ratings for a Class V. My Class V hitch says that it's rated at 10,000 and 1000 tongue weight. I have also read that a Class V is rated at 10,000+ and 1200 lbs of tongue weight. I am not sure of why the double rating. But, that said I would up grade your hitch to match your trailer capacity. Although at 14k I think you would be overweight for your combined overall weight, axle and maybe your tires depending on their rating.
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From: AL, Reform
you would think they would put a bigger class in it but it is not. i think i well at lest get the 10,000 but im thinking go bigger than i need to be safe 15,000. i have e range tires so they well hold more than i would like to put on the truck, most of the weight is on the trailer i just dont wont the hitch coming off.
thanks for the help know witch brand is the best one?
Matt
thanks for the help know witch brand is the best one?
Matt
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