Hitch capacity?
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Senior User
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From: MN
Hitch capacity?
I got the Ford receiver hitch on my 2003 F-350. What is it's capacity? It says something about 1500# weight distributing and 6000# something and 600# tongue weight. So what can I pull?
I pulled an 8000# skid steer and trailer, I hope this was okay?
I pulled an 8000# skid steer and trailer, I hope this was okay?
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Denton,TX
The 600/6000 is for a regular hitch (weight carrying) and the higher numbers are for a weight distributing hitch. 8000 without a weight distributing hitch is over the capacity of the receiver. The weight distributing setup redirects some of the tongue weight to both the front axle of the truck and back onto the trailer.
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Senior User
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From: MN
When you say weight distributing, that means 5th wheel I suppose? But I see all kinds of 1-tons pulling skid-steers and other heavy items. What do I have to do to pull a 10,000# trailer?
Post Fiend
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From: Denton,TX
No, a weight distributing hitch works in a frame mounted receiver. HERE is a link that demonstrates how they work. This is what you need to pull a 10K# trailer with your current receiver. You could always get a receiver with a higher weight carrying capacity, but Ford recommends (and so do I) that you tow anything that heavy with a WDH.
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This is a good thread to ask my question in. The 2005 SD's says that it has a towing capacity of 17K. My owners guide says my 250 SD only has a capacity of 10K. What are the differences between them that change the towing so much?
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The owners manual doesn't mention a 5th wheel. I believe that the rating it for a standard class III/IV hitch. The 5th wheel should get you a little more I thought. 12 -15K
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Senior User
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From: MN
I don't completly get it. So it is not the strength of my factory hitch, it can hold 15,000#, but without sway control it shouldn't be done?
The weight distribution, of a WDH, can only affect tongue weight right?
The weight distribution, of a WDH, can only affect tongue weight right?
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Tuned
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From: Indianapolis
I just received my new 2004 F250 in May. I researched this hitch deal before ordering. The Ford hitch is worthless to the avereage person who tows much of anything. I think the 6K WC rating is due to conservativness, liability, and laywers. I did not order the Ford hitch on my new truck, instead I installed a Draw-Tite ultraframe hicth that is rated 1K/10K WC and 1.2K/12K WD. I tow 6K to 10K antique tractors on a regular basis in the warm weather months, and if I set my weights up correctly, I do not need a WD hitch. Philip.
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From: Denton,TX
Originally Posted by philips
I just received my new 2004 F250 in May. I researched this hitch deal before ordering. The Ford hitch is worthless to the avereage person who tows much of anything. I think the 6K WC rating is due to conservativness, liability, and laywers. I did not order the Ford hitch on my new truck, instead I installed a Draw-Tite ultraframe hicth that is rated 1K/10K WC and 1.2K/12K WD. I tow 6K to 10K antique tractors on a regular basis in the warm weather months, and if I set my weights up correctly, I do not need a WD hitch. Philip.
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Originally Posted by bkvanbek
I don't completly get it. So it is not the strength of my factory hitch, it can hold 15,000#, but without sway control it shouldn't be done?
The weight distribution, of a WDH, can only affect tongue weight right?
The weight distribution, of a WDH, can only affect tongue weight right?
Imagine putting a lead pipe into the receiver hole and lifting up, this would take some weight off the back end and move it to the frame and onto the front axle. this is what the hitch does. The sway control is another feature of this type of hitch. Some have integrated sway control, while others you add it on.
I tow a 4k trailer with my '02 F250 CC LB V-10 and use a w/d hitch without sway control. Why do I use a w/d hitch for this light of a trailer? Well I used to tow with an SUV and when I got the SD, I simply used the same hitch. When I hook up, the rear of my SD drops about 3/4-1 inch. the w/d bars bring it back to level. I don't use sway control because I feel I don't need it and have never had a problem with sway. My truck is longer and heavier than my 21ft. travel trailer and it tows like a dream.
Rodney
2002 F250 CC LB V-10
Tuned
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From: Indianapolis
Where does Ford say you should be using WD for anything over 6K? I must have read over that in my manual. I see very few farmers, antique tractor hobbiest/pullers, or construction workers in my area using WD for anything under 10K. In my opinion, the main group using WD is travel trailers, who pull the same trailer with the same truck with few variables, and that is fine for them. Can you put a WD on my pintle and lunette ring tri-ax? Philip.