Tow hitch
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 76
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From: Northeast
Tow hitch
Hey folks, hoping for a little education. I have a 1993 XLT that has a factory installed tow package with the double shocks up front, full wiring including for brakes etc. I want to put a full reciever hitch on instead of just the ball on the bumper. I will spare the question of what tow capacity the truck has and dig around for my manual.
Here's what I do want to ask though. What is the difference between a weight carrying hitch and a weight distributing hitch? Can I use either on my truck? Also, is there a particular brand that is easier to install that you guys have had luck with?
Any and all advice is welcome.
Thanks a bunch.
Here's what I do want to ask though. What is the difference between a weight carrying hitch and a weight distributing hitch? Can I use either on my truck? Also, is there a particular brand that is easier to install that you guys have had luck with?
Any and all advice is welcome.
Thanks a bunch.
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 84
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Tow hitch
I just installed a Hidden Hitch on a '96 Bronco in about an hour. You need a good drill with a 1/2" bit b/c you have to drill 6 holes in the frame. Also, the hitch comes with "wire guides" that you screw onto the bolt threads to guide them into the holes (since the gas tank is in the way of the frame). That part is a little bit of a pain but all-in-all it's a pretty simple install.
H i t c h m a r t . c o m has both weight distributing and weight carrying for the Bronco...I think they give a description too.
H i t c h m a r t . c o m has both weight distributing and weight carrying for the Bronco...I think they give a description too.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 974
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Tow hitch
My Bronco has the Ford factory receiver hitch installed. I am surprised you don't have a receiver with the tow package.
The hitch will be the same for both weight carrying and weight distributing, and you will find the ratings for both on the hitch.
Weight carrying means the entire weight of the tongue of the trailer is handled by the hitch. Basically, your typical ball mount and ball are all that are needed. With a full loaded trailer, the back of the vehicle will sag with the weight of the trailer.
Weight distributing utilizes spring bars on the trailer and a special ball mout that distributes the weight of the tongue amongst the frame of the entire vehicle, so the hitch doesn't have to carry it all. With a fully loaded trailer, you end up with a level vehicle and trailer, and the capability to tow more weight.
Check out www.reeseprod.com, click on info, and weight distributing hitch info for pictures and diagrams.
My factory hitch is rated for 5000 weight carrying, 7500 weight distributing. Just make sure you don't exceed the vehicle's tow rating!
The hitch will be the same for both weight carrying and weight distributing, and you will find the ratings for both on the hitch.
Weight carrying means the entire weight of the tongue of the trailer is handled by the hitch. Basically, your typical ball mount and ball are all that are needed. With a full loaded trailer, the back of the vehicle will sag with the weight of the trailer.
Weight distributing utilizes spring bars on the trailer and a special ball mout that distributes the weight of the tongue amongst the frame of the entire vehicle, so the hitch doesn't have to carry it all. With a fully loaded trailer, you end up with a level vehicle and trailer, and the capability to tow more weight.
Check out www.reeseprod.com, click on info, and weight distributing hitch info for pictures and diagrams.
My factory hitch is rated for 5000 weight carrying, 7500 weight distributing. Just make sure you don't exceed the vehicle's tow rating!
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 76
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From: Northeast
Tow hitch
Wow, thanks for the info guys. I checked out the Reese page which was excellent. I won't pretend to completely understand how just adding stiffeners to the trailer changes how the weight is dirtibuted to the tow vehicle but now I know i can just get the hitch and worry about the weight ditributing stuff when I buy the camper the wife wants
Yeah, don't quite know why mine has everything but the reciever. Tranny cooler, 7point factory wiring connecter, etc. it's even listed on the window sticker ( which yes, I still have on a USED truck, pretty wild) as a factory tow option.
Anyway, thanks again. BTW still love to hear preferences on brands, or are they all about the same in durability and ease of install?
Thanks
Yeah, don't quite know why mine has everything but the reciever. Tranny cooler, 7point factory wiring connecter, etc. it's even listed on the window sticker ( which yes, I still have on a USED truck, pretty wild) as a factory tow option.
Anyway, thanks again. BTW still love to hear preferences on brands, or are they all about the same in durability and ease of install?
Thanks
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 974
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Tow hitch
There are many brands of hitches out there. Hidden Hitch, Reese, Draw-Tite, Sure-Pull, Valley Industries, and there are more. I have used the Valley Industries hitches before, and they offer very nice hitches, excellent instructions, and some of the highest ratings around. The others I have listed are good hitches as well, just don't go with a no-name brand. Get one that has a rating capable of more than the heaviest load you plan to tow.
Also, if you plan on having trailer brakes, the Reese digital Brakeman is the only way to go as far as controllers go.
Also, if you plan on having trailer brakes, the Reese digital Brakeman is the only way to go as far as controllers go.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 60
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From: San Diego USA
Tow hitch
I went with the Class 3/4 Hidden Hitch with Weight Distrubution and Sway Control. Also went with a Prodigy Brake Controller. I'm happy with the setup, the only thing I would add to the above posts is this: Go with sway control if you plan on hauling anything with weight or size that can catch crosswind - the Bronco's wheelbase is a hair short to handle trailers on a freeway wiht passing Semi's. Also, on the receiver install, the closer you can get the end of the receiver to the Bronco frame (or bumper in most cases) the more effective the weight distrubution works. I pull a 20' Carson Toy Hauler that's 3500lbs dry, probably around 5500lbs loaded, and haven't had any issues with the package above.
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