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Hello lads and lasses, the hitch rating on my rig has long since worn away and is eligible. I’ll be pulling a trailer in a few weeks and need to know what my 83 F150 can handle. I plan to use an enclosed Uhaul trailer 5’x8’. Perhaps someone could tell me the hitch rating for my vehicle? Thanks.
Hello lads and lasses, the hitch rating on my rig has long since worn away and is eligible. I’ll be pulling a trailer in a few weeks and need to know what my 83 F150 can handle. I plan to use an enclosed Uhaul trailer 5’x8’. Perhaps someone could tell me the hitch rating for my vehicle? Thanks.
The 5x8 is a pretty light tow unless you're hauling gold bricks. If you have a square tube receiver you can get some idea from that size. I'd swing by your uhaul dealer and pre check in. They'll be making the final call on your hitch.
Is this hitch a bumper ball mounted type or frame mounted receiver that you need to get a hitch to put the ball on.
What motor, transmission and gear ratio dose the truck have and is it a 4x4? This also will tell how much weight it can pull if someone can find the towing charts.
This is my frame mounted receiver hitch on my 81 F100. 300 straight six, NP435 trans (granny first), 2,75 gear and 4x2.
I added it as the truck is a back up to pull my open deck car trailer of about 5k loaded.
I also have electric brake controller mounted in the cab.
Being a 5x8 trailer how much weight loaded will it be?
If you have a frame mounted unit you should not have any issues with weight it can handle.
Now what you may have issues with is Uhaul.
Some have said they could not get a trailer because the puller was to old.
BTW I have not pulled anything with my truck yet but this Saturday I get to pull my car clubs dual axle enclosed trailer, 20 footer?, to the clubs show.
To tell you what weight the trailer can handle it uses a 2-5/16 ball, same as my car trailer.
Dave ----
Hello lads and lasses, the hitch rating on my rig has long since worn away and is eligible. I’ll be pulling a trailer in a few weeks and need to know what my 83 F150 can handle. I plan to use an enclosed Uhaul trailer 5’x8’. Perhaps someone could tell me the hitch rating for my vehicle? Thanks.
Many things affect your max towing. Engine, transmission, gear ratio in the rearend, and like was said, the type of hitch you are using.
Just about any 2 inch receiver is going to be good for 4000 pounds or more. The 5 x 8 trailer weighs 950 pounds IIRC. You'll be just fine.
Even the step bumper hitches are usually rated around 2000 pounds.
like others have said, what the truck is actually rated for depends on a lot of other factors.
Last time I rented a Uhaul trailer we needed to have a certain size ball to fit the hitch. Uhaul had an odd ball ball size. That's why I suggested you swing by before you plan on picking up your trailer to verify you have everything you need to roll with the trailer. Also a good time to check any lights you want to hook up. Do you have the proper socket, adapters, etc.? Best to check these items before you start the clock on your rental, especially if it's a half day local rental.
Last time I rented a Uhaul trailer we needed to have a certain size ball to fit the hitch. Uhaul had an odd ball ball size. That's why I suggested you swing by before you plan on picking up your trailer to verify you have everything you need to roll with the trailer. Also a good time to check any lights you want to hook up. Do you have the proper socket, adapters, etc.? Best to check these items before you start the clock on your rental, especially if it's a half day local rental.
All Uhaul trailers use a standard 2" ball. Nothing special about it. The single axle trailers use a 18" ball height, the tandem axle trailers use a 20" ball height. (Ideally)
All Uhaul trailers use a standard 2" ball. Nothing special about it. The single axle trailers use a 18" ball height, the tandem axle trailers use a 20" ball height. (Ideally)
Hmmm I searched it and one link says the ball size varies by trailer size. Makes sense. I recall that many decades ago in LA they went to a 2-1/8" ball to deter trailer theft at least that was the rumor.
My son has used a 2" ball with the single axle enclosed on my 02 Durango with out issues.
I do know Uhaul site list the ball height for the trailers cant remember if the size also?
Dave ----
This is what I am pulling to a show tomorrow
It takes 2-5/16" ball heavier than I thought when I pulled it from my back yard where it's kept to up front.
Dave ----
Thanks for all your replies. My rig has a 4.9 inline 6 -300 with a 3 on the tree tranny. As for the back end and ratio, I have no clue. The tow mechanism is a very solid square beam attached to the frame in (4) locations by bolts, with the usual amount of crusty rusty bits after (40) years. Perhaps a trip to uhaul before renting online is the best approach.
