Hitch limits
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Hitch limits
I have a 2011 F250 Super Duty 6.7 Diesel with a V5 hitch mount.
We're planning a move across the country.
Can I safely and successfully haul a 10,000 lb trailer, or should I consider a heavier duty mount?
Thanks
We're planning a move across the country.
Can I safely and successfully haul a 10,000 lb trailer, or should I consider a heavier duty mount?
Thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Here's the link to the Ford towing guide for 2011 https://www.fleet.ford.com/resources...ng%20Guide.pdf
Your hitch will handle that weight with weight distribution equipment according to the Ford guide, as Bud suggested.
Steve
Your hitch will handle that weight with weight distribution equipment according to the Ford guide, as Bud suggested.
Steve
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 207
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From: Warren, PA
Follow tow guide to avoid legal issues
While your truck will tow the trailer without the WD hitch if you do get pulled over and checked the fine for exceeding the non-WD hitch capacity will probably be higher than the cost of the WD Hitch. Not to mention the ride will be better with a WD Hitch.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
Does anyone know of a documentable case in which someone was fined for not using a weight distribution hitch, unless it was termed "negligence" in the case of an accident?
Steve
Steve
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Lead Driver
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Originally Posted by RV_Tech
Does anyone know of a documentable case in which someone was fined for not using a weight distribution hitch, unless it was termed "negligence" in the case of an accident?
Steve
Steve
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Just to add to the fuss about ratings, here is a 12,000lb machine on a 3,000lb trailer, hooked to a 5,000lb ball rating, with a 4,000lb/ 400lb drop hitch, with around 1,000lbs tongue weight in the factory receiver. Pulled and handled like a dream...
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 207
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From: Warren, PA
I can not prove a documented case of a ticket either, but I can tell you that the DOT guys were randomly checking vehicles entering the County Fair.
I was hesitant to post because I have seen heated debates on forums IRT WD vs no WD hitches. The OP asked for info on his tow setup so I assumed he was trying to make his setup safe and correct so I just provided another item for him to think about during his decision process. Personally if I was going to purchase a new ball receiver and tow setup I would just purchase what is required and be done with it but everyone has to make that decision on their own.
Can someone explain to me why there is such reluctance to use a WD hitch, other than initial cost, if they are going to provide a safer tow setup as well as less wear and tear on the tow vehicle.
I am not trying to start another hitch war, I am just trying to educate myself and curious if there is something that I am missing.
I was hesitant to post because I have seen heated debates on forums IRT WD vs no WD hitches. The OP asked for info on his tow setup so I assumed he was trying to make his setup safe and correct so I just provided another item for him to think about during his decision process. Personally if I was going to purchase a new ball receiver and tow setup I would just purchase what is required and be done with it but everyone has to make that decision on their own.
Can someone explain to me why there is such reluctance to use a WD hitch, other than initial cost, if they are going to provide a safer tow setup as well as less wear and tear on the tow vehicle.
I am not trying to start another hitch war, I am just trying to educate myself and curious if there is something that I am missing.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
I can not prove a documented case of a ticket either, but I can tell you that the DOT guys were randomly checking vehicles entering the County Fair.
I was hesitant to post because I have seen heated debates on forums IRT WD vs no WD hitches. The OP asked for info on his tow setup so I assumed he was trying to make his setup safe and correct so I just provided another item for him to think about during his decision process. Personally if I was going to purchase a new ball receiver and tow setup I would just purchase what is required and be done with it but everyone has to make that decision on their own.
Can someone explain to me why there is such reluctance to use a WD hitch, other than initial cost, if they are going to provide a safer tow setup as well as less wear and tear on the tow vehicle.
I am not trying to start another hitch war, I am just trying to educate myself and curious if there is something that I am missing.
I was hesitant to post because I have seen heated debates on forums IRT WD vs no WD hitches. The OP asked for info on his tow setup so I assumed he was trying to make his setup safe and correct so I just provided another item for him to think about during his decision process. Personally if I was going to purchase a new ball receiver and tow setup I would just purchase what is required and be done with it but everyone has to make that decision on their own.
Can someone explain to me why there is such reluctance to use a WD hitch, other than initial cost, if they are going to provide a safer tow setup as well as less wear and tear on the tow vehicle.
I am not trying to start another hitch war, I am just trying to educate myself and curious if there is something that I am missing.
Thanks for posting back.
The issue of warnings about what is legal when towing is a "hot button" issue for me, not because I disagree in principle with staying safe, but because I have read and heard so many statements about what is legal and what is not. I have literally devoted hours and hours trying to track down claims of one type or another regarding enforcement, virtually always arriving at a dead end.
It concerns me because I believe credibility when it comes to statements about safety, hinges on the validity of the statement. My concern is, if we simply say something for which there is not proof, folks start ignoring everything we say and start believing anything goes. I know I can't save the world, but -
Now, that is entirely different than disagreeing with your advice about something which I practice myself.
In this case, at the fair, was the DOT inspecting vehicles with commercial plates or ones towing recreation vehicles i.e. travel trailers and fifth wheels?
As to why folks don't use WD hitches, in the majority of cases, I don't get it either!
Steve