trailer hitch capacity
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trailer hitch capacity
I don't know if this question can be answered but I'll ask anyhow. I have a 1989 F450 (superduty) with a Reading 12' stakebody. It has a hitch/receiver mounted below the stakebody. I can't get my trailer inspected because the the hitch is supposed to have capacity stamped on it. I contacted Reading bodies and they said probably around 5000lbs. They weren't much help. Is there any way to find out the capacity? If not where can I get a hitch to fit? Reese , Draw Tite , Putnam don't have a listing. Thanks Matt My enclosed trailer has a 7000GVW.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: USA
I'm guessing the rear part of the frame of your F-Superduty is the same as an F350 chassis-cab of the same year. If that is the case, Reese/Drawtite probably makes a hitch for it. Measure your frame and compare to the frame measurements of any truck they list a hitch for.
Try www.reeseprod.com or www.thetowzone.com Also, Superhitch in Washington or Oregon makes all kinds of custom hitches for heavy duty trucks. Try www.superhitch.com
Having a weld shop custom make a hitch for you is great, but you will probably still have the lack of weight capacity stamping issue.
Another alternative, and probably the easiest, would be to borrow a truck that has a hitch with a weight rating stamped on it to take your trailer for the inspection. Once the trailer is inspected, I doubt anybody is going to care whether your truck's hitch is stamped with a weight rating or not. As long as you inspect the hitch, it's design, the welds, and the way it is attatched to the frame, and are satisfied that it is strong enough for the job, then you should be fine.
Try www.reeseprod.com or www.thetowzone.com Also, Superhitch in Washington or Oregon makes all kinds of custom hitches for heavy duty trucks. Try www.superhitch.com
Having a weld shop custom make a hitch for you is great, but you will probably still have the lack of weight capacity stamping issue.
Another alternative, and probably the easiest, would be to borrow a truck that has a hitch with a weight rating stamped on it to take your trailer for the inspection. Once the trailer is inspected, I doubt anybody is going to care whether your truck's hitch is stamped with a weight rating or not. As long as you inspect the hitch, it's design, the welds, and the way it is attatched to the frame, and are satisfied that it is strong enough for the job, then you should be fine.
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To give everybody an update , I found out who put the stakebody on. It wasn't Reading but a small fabricating shop about 50 miles from my house. I will be contacting them today. I also looked at a new Ford F450 and a Heil dump and hitch that was rated for 16000lbs. If this doesn't work out I will be purchasing a hitch from one the websites listed. There have been random stops to make sure the GVW's are not being abused. There are some hefty fines, so I'm trying to make sure everything is legal and safe. Thanks Matt
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