Hi, all -

Yesterday I took possession of a 2001 F-150 4x4 KR S/C that I purchased on eBay. Everything appears to be in order, but I'm a little confused about my towing hardware. There isn't a word on the window sheet about towing packages (nothing optional or standard) on this truck. Was it possible to get a truck without a hitch or anything?

There is a 2" hitch and a 4-pin electrical adapter on the truck. To my layman eyes it looks factory-installed, but possibly not. Can anyone tell me:

1) did these trucks all come with at least some level of towing capability?
2) how can I tell if mine is factory or aftermarket?
3) how can I find out what my towing capacity is?

Thanks...if this isn't the right forum, someone please tell me and I'll repost.

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Edited:

I answered part of my question by looking under the truck (should have done that first)...it says:

max gross trailer max tongue
weight distributing: 8700 870
weight carrying: 5000 500

in the bottom corner of the sticker it says V-5

so that answers the capability question. I still find it odd that this isn't mentioned on the window sheet...still interested in knowing whether this was OEM or not.

 

My 2003 F 150 Super Crew came with a tow bumper and a 4 prong plug for the lights of what ever Iw as towing. I have since added a Class III hitch on the back and on the front and for all practical purposes you cannot tell the rear did not come from the factory. The front one is easy since I am pretty sure Ford does not put one on any of their trucks. Good Luck finding out.

 

Thanks for the response. Here's a real newbie question: what is the definition of a "class III hitch"? Does the V-5 in the corner of the sticker on my hitch mean that it's a class V?

Thanks...

 

Consult your owner's manual for the actual trailer weight your truck is rated to tow with the engine, transmission and axle it came equipped with. It will also list the maximum Gross Combined Weight Rating of truck and trailer together.

Hitch Classification:

Class I: WC hitch limited to around 2,000 lbs GTW

Class II: WC hitch limited to around 3,500 lbs GTW

Class III: WC hitch in the 5,000 lbs GTW range, some can serve as light-duty WD hitches with the proper WD assembly.

Class IV: WC / WD capable hitch typically in the 5~7,000 lbs WC and 12,000 lbs WD GTW range.

CLASS V HITCHES
These are large, heavy-gauge steel hitches designed for large trucks with high tow ratings. Their primary purpose is to allow towing without having to use a weight-distributing hitch. Class V hitches are often referred to as "deadweight hitches."

I do believe that 12,500# is the Class V limit for pickups, as this Ford sticker would seem to imply:

 

OK...well, the sticker on my hitch doesn't have that cool little Ford logo like yours does, so I guess that probably answers the question of whether it was OEM...

My owner's guide says my drive type/engine/transmission/rear end ratio and wheel size (!) suggests a GCWR of 12,500 lbs. and a maximum trailer weight of 7,200 lbs. So...since my label says maximum gross trailer weight is 8,700 lbs. (distributing) or 5,000 (carrying), does that mean that this appears to be the "right" hitch for this vehicle?

 

Your hitch seems to be correctly matched to the rated capacity of your truck.

 

The V-5 is a symbol that is required by hitch manufacturers to show that the equipment is in compliance with the class 1, 2, 3, or 4 ratings that are mandated by the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commision in Arlington, VA. If I can ever find their web site, I'll post it.