TOWING rookie question
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
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Thanks buddy! Actually, when I first responded to the OP, I didn't read the title well enough I guess...my bad. Just trying to take it from a beginner's standpoint. Please add anything else you can think of as well. I'm not an expert on it...just been towing since I was about 14 when it started on the farm next door with tractors, old trucks, wagons, etc.
There's not really much to add. That's definitely the most comprehensive post on towing common sense that I have seen to date.
Just a couple of things I could think of.
When you load your trailer be sure the weight is distrubed evenly, with a slight foward bias. Properly loading the trailer will go a long way preventing trailer sway. My dad jacknifed his Super Duty a few years back pulling a load that wasn't more than 5 or 6k, but he had loaded it heavy on the rear of the trailer...not a pretty picture.
Also, when buying a hitch insert and a ball, be sure to check the capacities on each of them. A lot of hitch ***** and inserts are only rated for 5k, so be sure you get one that will handle the loads you are going to haul. I will admit I have never used a weight distributing hitch, but this is one of those "do as I say, not as I do" scenarios. I keep saying I'm going to get one, but just haven't done it yet. If you don't use one, properly loading the trailer is even more important.
Trailer brakes can't be emphasized enough. Test them out to be sure they are working before you take of on a trip, and become very familiar with how to control them manually and adjust the settings.
Make sure the tires on your trailer are up to task and in good shape. If there's any cracking or signs of dry-rotting, replace them. Some people like to skimp here, but bad trailer tires are a big hazard. Trust me, changing a tire on a loaded trailer on the side of the road is not fun...been there, done that. Also, be sure to carry a good spare for the trailer, as blowouts always occur in the middle of nowhere after business hours. Carry a bottle jack strong enough to lift the loaded trailer to change a tire. I'm not a big fan of using the scissor jack that came with the truck, but I have done it.
Keep your trailer maintained. If it has greasable bearings, grease them. If they don't have a grease fitting, they will need to be re-packed with grease every so often. Some trailer brakes don't automatically adjust, and need to be manually adjusted as they wear.
That's about all I can think of to add.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
There's not really much to add. That's definitely the most comprehensive post on towing common sense that I have seen to date.
Just a couple of things I could think of.
When you load your trailer be sure the weight is distrubed evenly, with a slight foward bias. Properly loading the trailer will go a long way preventing trailer sway. My dad jacknifed his Super Duty a few years back pulling a load that wasn't more than 5 or 6k, but he had loaded it heavy on the rear of the trailer...not a pretty picture.
Also, when buying a hitch insert and a ball, be sure to check the capacities on each of them. A lot of hitch ***** and inserts are only rated for 5k, so be sure you get one that will handle the loads you are going to haul. I will admit I have never used a weight distributing hitch, but this is one of those "do as I say, not as I do" scenarios. I keep saying I'm going to get one, but just haven't done it yet. If you don't use one, properly loading the trailer is even more important.
Trailer brakes can't be emphasized enough. Test them out to be sure they are working before you take of on a trip, and become very familiar with how to control them manually and adjust the settings.
Make sure the tires on your trailer are up to task and in good shape. If there's any cracking or signs of dry-rotting, replace them. Some people like to skimp here, but bad trailer tires are a big hazard. Trust me, changing a tire on a loaded trailer on the side of the road is not fun...been there, done that. Also, be sure to carry a good spare for the trailer, as blowouts always occur in the middle of nowhere after business hours. Carry a bottle jack strong enough to lift the loaded trailer to change a tire. I'm not a big fan of using the scissor jack that came with the truck, but I have done it.
That's about all I can think of to add.
Just a couple of things I could think of.
When you load your trailer be sure the weight is distrubed evenly, with a slight foward bias. Properly loading the trailer will go a long way preventing trailer sway. My dad jacknifed his Super Duty a few years back pulling a load that wasn't more than 5 or 6k, but he had loaded it heavy on the rear of the trailer...not a pretty picture.
Also, when buying a hitch insert and a ball, be sure to check the capacities on each of them. A lot of hitch ***** and inserts are only rated for 5k, so be sure you get one that will handle the loads you are going to haul. I will admit I have never used a weight distributing hitch, but this is one of those "do as I say, not as I do" scenarios. I keep saying I'm going to get one, but just haven't done it yet. If you don't use one, properly loading the trailer is even more important.
Trailer brakes can't be emphasized enough. Test them out to be sure they are working before you take of on a trip, and become very familiar with how to control them manually and adjust the settings.
Make sure the tires on your trailer are up to task and in good shape. If there's any cracking or signs of dry-rotting, replace them. Some people like to skimp here, but bad trailer tires are a big hazard. Trust me, changing a tire on a loaded trailer on the side of the road is not fun...been there, done that. Also, be sure to carry a good spare for the trailer, as blowouts always occur in the middle of nowhere after business hours. Carry a bottle jack strong enough to lift the loaded trailer to change a tire. I'm not a big fan of using the scissor jack that came with the truck, but I have done it.
That's about all I can think of to add.
And, the proper weight distribution on the trailer. I've had loads that were biased toward the rear of the trailer and they were no fun at all...kind of the tail wagging the dog, so to speak. An improperly loaded trailer can actually lift the rear of the truck. Maybe not off the ground, but it will make it one of the most unpleasant experiences ever.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 572
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Oh yeah, one more thing about trailer brakes. Having a break-away kit is a good idea, and required in some states. This basically will help bring the trailer to a stop in the event it becomes detached from your truck while going down the road.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 24,308
Likes: 42
From: SW Virginia
One last thing I'll throw at you...not to overwhelm you but I realized in all of this posting that cpdorroh and I have done, we haven't given you any links or anything. This is one that will get you started:
Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924
Great source for just about anything trailer and towing related. Also, when hunting for equipment such as hitches, brake controllers, just do some on-line searches and you'll come up with literally thousands of hits.
Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924
Great source for just about anything trailer and towing related. Also, when hunting for equipment such as hitches, brake controllers, just do some on-line searches and you'll come up with literally thousands of hits.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
@ OP
If your FX4 has a 2" reciever under the rear bumper, you are good to tow that load you describe...quite easily
on the otherhand, if you install a ball onto your bumper...that itself is limited to 5,000 lbs max
yep...I had my rear axle lift off the ground on my 2006 F-150.
Had a 22' dual axle trailer that we loaded a Jetta up onto.
As the weight of the car left the ground, the truck and trailer started rolling away...we looked over and the rear tires were off the ground.
let me tell ya, that was scary as hell...I made sure to put bottle jacks under the back edge of the trailer afterwards to ensure that never happened again
If your FX4 has a 2" reciever under the rear bumper, you are good to tow that load you describe...quite easily
on the otherhand, if you install a ball onto your bumper...that itself is limited to 5,000 lbs max
Had a 22' dual axle trailer that we loaded a Jetta up onto.
As the weight of the car left the ground, the truck and trailer started rolling away...we looked over and the rear tires were off the ground.
ended up having my wife press the brakes...and once the Jetta weight was over the trailer axles, the truck axle came back down
let me tell ya, that was scary as hell...I made sure to put bottle jacks under the back edge of the trailer afterwards to ensure that never happened again
New User
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2
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Awesome posts guys! I've been towing Landscape trailers and motorcycles all over the place just about forever... Now I'm retired , and just bought a 2015 F 250 Crew Cab... I'm going to look at a Forest River 27 foot toy hauler this weekend... I think it's a 2012...All of this stuff will help me to safely load and tow the trailer around... While I understood how to properly load and secure a trailer, I did NOT understand all of the weight calculations , nor the secondary equipment that'll help me stay safe (safer??? LOL) and LEGAL.... LOL
More adventures to follow... Thanks for such an informative thread!
More adventures to follow... Thanks for such an informative thread!
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