weight distribution hitch

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Jan 9, 2013 | 06:32 PM

Harold 9735

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weight distribution hitch

I have a 2007 F150 with a GVWR of 15,000, it has 3.73 axel, 5.4 engine, 4 X 4 towing package. I am pulling a 23 foot enclosed trailer. I had this weighted some years ago and I think the total weight for truck and trailer was around 9,000. I don't have access to a scale and want to install a weight distribution hitch. I read somewhere that you can do this by taking measurement of the tuck and trialer. Measurement of the truck front bumper and back bumper height without the trailer attached and then with the trailer attached. If I remember correctly the measurements on the tuck bumper should be about the same with a weight distribution hitch. Can anyone give me some insight on this? Should the trailer be level when attached or slightly evelated? This all gets very confusing to me.

Jan 12, 2013 | 06:20 AM

shorebird

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The purpose of a distribution hitch is to transfer the tongue weight through the truck to the front axle of the truck.
The truck and the trailer both should sit level when hooked up. ( Note the height adjustment holes on the receiver insert )
I use a distribution hitch for my 30' TT when I pull it with my E-350.
I installed one on my bosses F-150 last August.
Lots of video info for weight distribution hitch installation at

Jan 12, 2013 | 11:22 PM

Greg B

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Truck and trailer should be level or trailer slightly lower in front. By slightly lower, I mean within 1'' front to back of the trailer. If you can't hit level, slightly lower in the front of the trailer will be ok. If the front of the trailer is higher than the rear of the trailer you will experience a lot of sway and large vehicles passing by you will make your truck and trailer do weird dances like swaying. If the rear of your truck at the rear bumper drops down more than 1 1/2" when you drop the loaded trailer on the ball of the hitch without connecting the WD bars, you need heavier duty rear leaf springs. Don't rely on the WD bars to do it all. That's not what they are designed to do. You also want to make sure the trailer is properly loaded so that 10-15% of the weight is on the tongue. Follow these tips and the video tips and your towing experience will be good. The owners manual will tell you to measure the wheel lip openings front and back empty and loaded to determine whether the truck is level enough.

Jan 13, 2013 | 10:28 AM

Harold 9735

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Thanks Greg B and shorebird,

My hitch is old and I didn't have a manual. Valley discontinued making this years ago I suppose. Anyway I was able to print one from the internet. The manual told me to do just what you said. My hitch shank doesn't have enought drop down to get the trailer adjusted properly. The way it sits now most of the trailer weight is on the trailer rear axels and it needs to be more level. Hooked up it doesn't raise my front but about .5 inches. Must have strong springs on my truck. I'm sure when I get it adjusted properly it will tow just fine.Thanks for all the information.

Harold

Jan 13, 2013 | 11:21 AM

shorebird

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From: Long Beach, Ms.

Shift items in the trailer to move the weight to the tongue.
Drain the storage tanks when traveling.
There's no need to haul the extra weight.
And the tanks are usually behind the axles.

You can purchase a drop for the hitch in order to get the trailer level.
etrailer.com - Products weight distribution shank

Jan 13, 2013 | 01:35 PM

Harold 9735

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Thanks Sorebird, I ordered the Curt shank this morning.

Jan 13, 2013 | 01:47 PM

Harold 9735

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2007 F-150 Transmission cooler

I discovered this is a very good site to get information quickly about Ford Trucks. My 2007 F-150 4X4 has a transmission cooler mounted in front of the radiator. This came installed from the factory. Does all F-150 4X4 trucks have this transmission cooler or is this in addition to the standard cooler?

Harold