weight distributing hitch
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weight distributing hitch
I just purchased a 1998 F-150 supercab with the factory towing package. I have a travel trailer that has a dry weight of 3000lbs (gvwr 5000lbs). The mini van I used to tow it before had a weight distributing hitch, with the spring bars (a must for that vehicle).
I am wondering if I will need to ue those spring bars and that huge draw bar on this F-150, or can I get a regular draw bar for the receiver and drop the trailer on. The F-150 has the 5.4L and 3:55 axel.
Thanks
Brad Ferguson
I am wondering if I will need to ue those spring bars and that huge draw bar on this F-150, or can I get a regular draw bar for the receiver and drop the trailer on. The F-150 has the 5.4L and 3:55 axel.
Thanks
Brad Ferguson
New User
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Salem, OR
weight distributing hitch
The spring bars will most likely not be needed. But they will probley make the ride nicer. What I would try is just the receiver with no bars that will give you the same effect as a regular receiver and then try it with the bars, pick the best one and go with it.
P.S. Let us know what differences you notice in the two ways if you try it.
Brad
P.S. Let us know what differences you notice in the two ways if you try it.
Brad
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Joined: Jun 2000
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weight distributing hitch
Brad,
I have three tow vehicles, an 87 Bronco, a 93 F150 4X SC/LB and a 93 F350 Crew 4X, unless the trailer and its contents are less than 2k I use the bars on all of them, the primary reason is for emergency stops, the equalizer bars help lift the rear of your vhicle as opposed to pushing it down and raising you front tires, most of you breaking power is in the front.
Robert
I have three tow vehicles, an 87 Bronco, a 93 F150 4X SC/LB and a 93 F350 Crew 4X, unless the trailer and its contents are less than 2k I use the bars on all of them, the primary reason is for emergency stops, the equalizer bars help lift the rear of your vhicle as opposed to pushing it down and raising you front tires, most of you breaking power is in the front.
Robert
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weight distributing hitch
I also recommend using the weight distribution hitch. As Robert states, even if your truck can handle the hitch weight, (typically 300-700 lbs. for that size trailer depending on the location of of your water tank), it provides a much safer lash-up especially during hard braking and while at highway speeds.
The hitch weight removes weight off the front wheels causing the front suspension to "float". During hard braking, the front tires can prematurely lock up which can send your rig out of control. This floating action also transfers into trailer sway at highway speeds especially when being passed by big-rigs or during cross-winds which I'm sure your familiar with.
My travel trailer is 22 ft. long and only 500 lbs. heavier than yours. I've towed it with my F-150 without using the hitch and noticed the trailer really bullies the truck around. When using the weight distribution hitch I can sit back and enjoy the trip without fatigue. I now tow the trailer with a new F-250 Super Duty and use the hitch with it as well.
Happy Camping
Vern
The hitch weight removes weight off the front wheels causing the front suspension to "float". During hard braking, the front tires can prematurely lock up which can send your rig out of control. This floating action also transfers into trailer sway at highway speeds especially when being passed by big-rigs or during cross-winds which I'm sure your familiar with.
My travel trailer is 22 ft. long and only 500 lbs. heavier than yours. I've towed it with my F-150 without using the hitch and noticed the trailer really bullies the truck around. When using the weight distribution hitch I can sit back and enjoy the trip without fatigue. I now tow the trailer with a new F-250 Super Duty and use the hitch with it as well.
Happy Camping
Vern
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