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Hitch upgrade

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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 02:18 PM
  #1  
bobv60's Avatar
bobv60
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From: Rainier OR
Hitch upgrade

I found a brand new takeoff 2-1/2 receiver hitch from a 2015 350. This hitch is rated at 8,000/800 w/o WD type hitch, 19,000/1900 WD, much better than the 6,000/600 w/o WD, 12,500/1250 WD on the one that came with my 2005 350 SRW.
I have a dump trailer that can go up to 10,000 lbs, I don't think I will ever go that much on it but is could see 8,000 often. Its nice to have some extra capacity on the hitch itself.
The new hitch has a heaver cross tube 3" compared to 2-1/2". It also has an extra 1/4" plate where it bolts to the frame.
This was a total bolt on upgrade. No holes to drill, even the wire looms and trailer elect connector holes where there and the right places.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 03:59 PM
  #2  
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DavidB
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There is more to trailer tow ratings than just the hitch. You have to consider the whole truck, engine, transmission, axel ratio, suspension, etc.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 04:09 PM
  #3  
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Thenewboss
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From: North Carolina
Originally Posted by bobv60
I found a brand new takeoff 2-1/2 receiver hitch from a 2015 350. This hitch is rated at 8,000/800 w/o WD type hitch, 19,000/1900 WD, much better than the 6,000/600 w/o WD, 12,500/1250 WD on the one that came with my 2005 350 SRW.
I have a dump trailer that can go up to 10,000 lbs, I don't think I will ever go that much on it but is could see 8,000 often. Its nice to have some extra capacity on the hitch itself.
The new hitch has a heaver cross tube 3" compared to 2-1/2". It also has an extra 1/4" plate where it bolts to the frame.
This was a total bolt on upgrade. No holes to drill, even the wire looms and trailer elect connector holes where there and the right places.
It's a beefy hitch! I'de say go for it. 2 things to consider;

1) Nothing will EVER change the weight and tow ratings of your vehicle.
2) The higher rating listed for the hitch is based on the use of a 2.5" draw bar without the OEM reducer sleeve. The aftermarket has not really caught on to the newer 2.5" receivers so it may be tough to find a drawbar that will allow you to get the most out of the hitch.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 04:25 PM
  #4  
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cornfarmer1
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I just today replaced the factory hitch on my '99 F350. The factory hitch was the 5000/500 weight carrying, 10,000/1,000 weight distributing hitch. I pull a 3-horse bumper hitch, with a GTWR of just under 10,000 lb.

I looked around and finally bought the Curt Mfg. 15410, which I believe fits all Super Dutys with less than 20" spare tire. Cross-tube seems to be 4" square, and the side rails are 5/16" thick I believe. Bolted on to factory frame holes. I liked it because of the high weight carrying rating (17,000/2,550). Also liked the price on Amazon, as well as the fact that it's a 2" receiver hole, so ball mounts should be easier/cheaper. As was mentioned before, I'm now limited by the truck, rather than the hitch. Here's a couple pictures comparing the factory hitch.




 
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 04:29 PM
  #5  
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Thenewboss
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From: North Carolina
Originally Posted by cornfarmer1
I just today replaced the factory hitch on my '99 F350. The factory hitch was the 5000/500 weight carrying, 10,000/1,000 weight distributing hitch. I pull a 3-horse bumper hitch, with a GTWR of just under 10,000 lb.

I looked around and finally bought the Curt Mfg. 15410, which I believe fits all Super Dutys with less than 20" spare tire. Cross-tube seems to be 4" square, and the side rails are 5/16" thick I believe. Bolted on to factory frame holes. I liked it because of the high weight carrying rating (17,000/2,550). Also liked the price on Amazon, as well as the fact that it's a 2" receiver hole, so ball mounts should be easier/cheaper. As was mentioned before, I'm now limited by the truck, rather than the hitch. Here's a couple pictures comparing the factory hitch.




I put the same Curt hitch on my last truck, nice product for sure. My 18" spare rubbed a little but nothing to worry about.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 04:33 PM
  #6  
bobv60's Avatar
bobv60
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Joined: May 2011
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From: Rainier OR
Originally Posted by Thenewboss
It's a beefy hitch! I'de say go for it. 2 things to consider;

1) Nothing will EVER change the weight and tow ratings of your vehicle.
2) The higher rating listed for the hitch is based on the use of a 2.5" draw bar without the OEM reducer sleeve. The aftermarket has not really caught on to the newer 2.5" receivers so it may be tough to find a drawbar that will allow you to get the most out of the hitch.
Better look again, search http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Ball...nch_Hitch.aspx for 2-1/2 inch ball mounts. My local walmart has 2-1/2 ball mounts on the shelf. The tow raiting for my truck is 23,000 GCVW. I think I am way under that.
I did this mostly for the higher NON WD ratings while using the dump trailer. I kind of like this hitch, but too much$$
http://www.weigh-safe.com/product/we...tch-2-5-shaft/
 
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Old Sep 5, 2015 | 04:48 PM
  #7  
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Thenewboss
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 859
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From: North Carolina
Originally Posted by bobv60
Better look again, search Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch Ball Mounts | etrailer.com for 2-1/2 inch ball mounts. My local walmart has 2-1/2 ball mounts on the shelf. The tow raiting for my truck is 23,000 GCVW. I think I am way under that.
I did this mostly for the higher NON WD ratings while using the dump trailer. I kind of like this hitch, but too much$$
Weigh Safe 8-inch Drop Hitch - 2.5" Shaft - Weigh Safe Trailer Hitches
Now if only Progressive would make a 2.5" for my WDH then we'd have something. When I bought my B&W Tow and Stow a few months back they didn't offer a 2.5 either, although they may offer one now. Glad you found something to suit your application.
 
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