Help First Time Heavy Trailer Towing...
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Army Post Near You
Help First Time Heavy Trailer Towing...
Hey All,
I am going to be towing my first ever over 3000lb trailer here in a couple months. The vehicle I will be towing with is a 2009 F-250 4x4 XL 6.8L V10. I plan on getting a class IV towing hitch since the load I will be towing will be in excess of 10000lbs and 1000lbs tounge weight. Also, since I will be close to the maximum for the class IV towing hitch, I was wondeing some information -
What do you guys suggest for a tow hitch for a 2 5/16" ball hitch?
What do you guys suggest for a weight distribution system?
Do you guys suggest any brands in particular for either system or materials?
Do you guys know if the weight distribution system works with any type of vehicle?
Should I be worried about the chaing dealing with such being weak?
Thanks guys
Matt
I am going to be towing my first ever over 3000lb trailer here in a couple months. The vehicle I will be towing with is a 2009 F-250 4x4 XL 6.8L V10. I plan on getting a class IV towing hitch since the load I will be towing will be in excess of 10000lbs and 1000lbs tounge weight. Also, since I will be close to the maximum for the class IV towing hitch, I was wondeing some information -
What do you guys suggest for a tow hitch for a 2 5/16" ball hitch?
What do you guys suggest for a weight distribution system?
Do you guys suggest any brands in particular for either system or materials?
Do you guys know if the weight distribution system works with any type of vehicle?
Should I be worried about the chaing dealing with such being weak?
Thanks guys
Matt
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
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From: Frederick, MD
first off your currrent hitch for the F250 meets the recommended weight you are indicating. Truck come with 12,500 max weight so no need for new hitch.
Some people say Reese is good, suggest you go to the local RV/trailer dealer near you for the equipment you will need.
Do you have the truck already?
Some people say Reese is good, suggest you go to the local RV/trailer dealer near you for the equipment you will need.
Do you have the truck already?
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Army Post Near You
senix - first I want to thank you for all the help you've been. I've noticed your name a lot in the past couple posts I've made.
I do not already have the truck. As stated in other posts (i forgot in this one) I am currently serving over sea's. I will be picking the truck up when I get back (not sure if it'll be ohio or colorado though)
Also, what about the weight distribution system? Do you suggest getting one or no?
I do not already have the truck. As stated in other posts (i forgot in this one) I am currently serving over sea's. I will be picking the truck up when I get back (not sure if it'll be ohio or colorado though)
Also, what about the weight distribution system? Do you suggest getting one or no?
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,863
From: Frederick, MD
senix - first I want to thank you for all the help you've been. I've noticed your name a lot in the past couple posts I've made.
I do not already have the truck. As stated in other posts (i forgot in this one) I am currently serving over sea's. I will be picking the truck up when I get back (not sure if it'll be ohio or colorado though)
Also, what about the weight distribution system? Do you suggest getting one or no?
I do not already have the truck. As stated in other posts (i forgot in this one) I am currently serving over sea's. I will be picking the truck up when I get back (not sure if it'll be ohio or colorado though)
Also, what about the weight distribution system? Do you suggest getting one or no?
In the mean time you could check out different systems online so you have an idea on what you want.
me I have a Hensley system on mine, do a google search and you should find them.
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Senior User
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From: Army Post Near You
Retired army huh? So I'm guessing that there's a lot of ret/active military on these forums?
I'll definatly be doing my research on the topic. I figure that once I leave where i'm currently at, I'll lose all of my free time for a couple weeks, then I should be back then hopefully straight home... but we all know how the military works.
I'm going to be taking a look at some more of those weight distribution systems. Do you ever worry about being close to the limit (say 11900lbs) and the hitch is only rated for 12500? or do they do what all manufacturers do and just under rate everything?
Matt
I'll definatly be doing my research on the topic. I figure that once I leave where i'm currently at, I'll lose all of my free time for a couple weeks, then I should be back then hopefully straight home... but we all know how the military works.
I'm going to be taking a look at some more of those weight distribution systems. Do you ever worry about being close to the limit (say 11900lbs) and the hitch is only rated for 12500? or do they do what all manufacturers do and just under rate everything?
Matt
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Simpsonville, KY
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Senior User
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From: Army Post Near You
Yea, I'll look into that more next time I have to move.... so in about another year or so 
maybe? I will say that two other guys from my unit have been asking me questions about my setup (I've got printouts all over the place) So I just relate what I've asked and the answers I got... it explained a lot to my friend about his trailer problems from Florida to Colorado and why his was jumping around a lot.
I appreciate the help, and didn't realize that the trailer hitch would be so much. Time to contact the guy about the trailer... Take care.
Matt
maybe? I will say that two other guys from my unit have been asking me questions about my setup (I've got printouts all over the place) So I just relate what I've asked and the answers I got... it explained a lot to my friend about his trailer problems from Florida to Colorado and why his was jumping around a lot.I appreciate the help, and didn't realize that the trailer hitch would be so much. Time to contact the guy about the trailer... Take care.
Matt
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
Here's some of the best systems out there (well short of a Hensley, ProPride or PullRite)
12,000# and 1200# tongue system
RVWholesalers.com*,*Hitches / Towing*,*Equal-i-zer Hitches and Accessories*,*Equal-i-zer Hitch 1200/12000lbs Trailer Weight
14,000# and 1400# tongue system
RVWholesalers.com*,*Hitches / Towing*,*Equal-i-zer Hitches and Accessories*,*Equal-i-zer Hitch 1400/14000lbs Trailer Weight
What size (i.e. length) trailer are you talking about pulling?
I pull a 9000# 35' hitch to bumper travel trailer with my V10 powered Excursion. But I use a Hensley Arrow Hitch. My Excursion has weaker springs than your F250 and made for more excitement than I cared for so I went Hensley.
If you are indeed buying a new trailer...make the dealer throw in ONE OF THESE above...except NO alternatives...all WD hitches are NOT equal.
Here is one of the BEST WD hitch setup procedures I have come across
RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Towing: Travel Trailer Hitch Set-up Procedure
Let us know if you have any questions...I have read thru that post a few times.
Also THANK YOU to all of you who have served our country...we owe you folks MORE than words can ever express.
God Bless and travel safe!
joe.
12,000# and 1200# tongue system
RVWholesalers.com*,*Hitches / Towing*,*Equal-i-zer Hitches and Accessories*,*Equal-i-zer Hitch 1200/12000lbs Trailer Weight
14,000# and 1400# tongue system
RVWholesalers.com*,*Hitches / Towing*,*Equal-i-zer Hitches and Accessories*,*Equal-i-zer Hitch 1400/14000lbs Trailer Weight
What size (i.e. length) trailer are you talking about pulling?
I pull a 9000# 35' hitch to bumper travel trailer with my V10 powered Excursion. But I use a Hensley Arrow Hitch. My Excursion has weaker springs than your F250 and made for more excitement than I cared for so I went Hensley.
If you are indeed buying a new trailer...make the dealer throw in ONE OF THESE above...except NO alternatives...all WD hitches are NOT equal.
Here is one of the BEST WD hitch setup procedures I have come across
RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Towing: Travel Trailer Hitch Set-up Procedure
Let us know if you have any questions...I have read thru that post a few times.
Also THANK YOU to all of you who have served our country...we owe you folks MORE than words can ever express.
God Bless and travel safe!
joe.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Army Post Near You
Thanks for the info. I will be looking at something that has a capability over 12k. I don't know what it is, but I really don't trust the max loads when there's so much weight. With the 1500 lbs I towed with my ranger, I knew I would be able to handle it if it flew off. But I ordered a 4x4 V10 with 4.30 gear ratio. Shouldn't have to worry about the towing... just the link between the truck and the trailer. Thanks for the information.
Matt
Matt
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,237
Likes: 22
From: Florida
If you are going to be looking at 12K or over...I'd recommend that 14K Equal-i-zer I posted above.
I don't think the F250's come with a 2 1/2" hitch box like the F350's do...but if they do you may want to consider something like Reese Strait-Line Hitch 1700 for Titan (2-1/2") Receivers 66075
but you will also need the shank Titan Weight Distributing Shank 5-1/4" Rise or 1-1/4" Drop 54976 Looks like that site has 10% off TODAY only...
Good luck...I know my 4.30 2V V10 is one strong pull dog...and your 3V with 5sp trans will do even better with those 4.30's!!!
Joe.
I don't think the F250's come with a 2 1/2" hitch box like the F350's do...but if they do you may want to consider something like Reese Strait-Line Hitch 1700 for Titan (2-1/2") Receivers 66075
but you will also need the shank Titan Weight Distributing Shank 5-1/4" Rise or 1-1/4" Drop 54976 Looks like that site has 10% off TODAY only...
Good luck...I know my 4.30 2V V10 is one strong pull dog...and your 3V with 5sp trans will do even better with those 4.30's!!!
Joe.