The window sticker on my 2008 f350 4x4 cc lwb 6.8 truck says that I have a 12,500 lb. trailer tow hitch. The brochure that I have says the same thing. However, the sticker on the hitch says that unless I use a weight distributing hitch, I can ony tow 6000 lb. Which is correct? I asked the truck service manager where I bought the truck and they referred me to the Ford customer service number. They are researching it.The problem is,I tow a 31 foot boat with a triple axel trailer with surge brakes. You can not use an equilizer hitch with surge brakes. I am confused......

 

Yes, interesting isn't it.. I have the same truck & hitch (drw for me tho)
The capacity of the hitch is 12,500(SRW), under the appropriate conditions.

the conditions are not listed on the window sticker.
from diesel supplement
(weight, hitch)

weight carrying
2in drawbar 6000, 600 (DRW, all SRW)
2.5in drawbar 8000, 800 (DRW)

weight distributing
2in drawbar 12,500, 1,250 (DRW, all SRW)
2.5in drawbar 15,000, 1,500 (DRW)

my loaded car trailer us just about 7,000lbs.

how much does your boat & trailer weigh?
there are aftermarket hitches that can increase the capacity.
mention has been made on other topics about Reese having a 16,000/1,600 2in receiver hitch for the F250/350 family truck.
actually 18,000 from (http://www.reeseprod.com/)
Part Number: 45297
Description: Titan® Class V Receiver
Class Rating: CLASS V
WC / WD: 18,000 lb. / 18,000 lb.

Sam

 

My boat and trailer weigh about 10,000 lbs. I can get a new hitch installed for about $400.00. My point, however, is if I had the 12,500 pound hitch as is indicated on my window sticker, I would'nt have to. Another thing....I also have a 2005 Excursion 4x4 and a 2004 Excursion 4x4 (glutton for punishment) and they all say the same thing. How many people do you think are riding around in Ford products NOT using a weight distributing hitch and illegally towing over 6000lbs. Lets say someone has an accident while towing. It would'nt take a very smart lawyer to prove negligence.Can you say write a very large check?

 

It seems they covered their a@@ with a small sticker......its like reading the fine print! But I agree because those stickers wear off. They will probally come out with a device that will not let you tow more than 6000# w/out a warning on the dash and of coarse a beep, beep, beep. Like the wonderful TPMS.

 

Aren't the weight distributing hitches more for shifting the weight towards the front of the truck?

And after typing this I found this...
HowStuffWorks "How Towing Weight Distribution Systems Work"

But when I'm pulling a trailer and skid steer...when loading the skid steer I'll measure from the bumper to the ground before loading and then put the skid steer on and measure again so the spot I measured before dropped 1 inch. Seems to ride and handle good on the trailer and the truck.

 

From;U.S. Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Towing A Trailer, Being Equipped for Safety - Connecting Your Trailer to Your Tow Vehicle - DOT HS 809 433 - April 2002

Hitching Systems

The trailer towing industry has developed a classification system that differentiates hitches according to the amount of weight they can tow. This system addresses tongue weight and total weight. Keep in mind that within each classification are numerous hitches made by a variety of manufacturers.

The three most common types of hitches are the weight-carrying hitch, the weight-distributing (or load equalizer) hitch, and the fifth-wheel hitch, or gooseneck. Weight-carrying hitches are designed to carry all of the trailer�s tongue weight. Weight-distributing hitches are used with a receiver hitch and special parts that distribute the tongue weight among all tow vehicle and trailer axles. Fifth-wheel hitches are designed for mounting the trailer connection point in the middle of the truck bed.

Which makes it sound like if you have the proper weight class for the load you plan to pull the only difference is whether it sitting on the tongue or distributed through out the vehicle. Also that the tow vehicle is rated for and can actually handle it safely.

 

It is a class 4 hitch, those are the ratings. You need a class 5 for the straight pull rating you want. This is the way they are rated.

 

So, is everyone just accepting that although your or my trucks window sticker along with the ford brochures say that we have 12500 # hitches,we only have that capability if we use weight distributing hitches? I certainly don't accept it. I SAY AGAIN......THE WINDOW STICKER ON MY TRUCK SAYS I HAVE A 12500# TRAILER TOW HITCH.....PERIOD. Now,do I or don't I? Again, I cannot use a weight distributing hitch with surge brakes on a boat trailer.

 

You sure do, with the proper equipment you can tow 12,500 with that hitch. If you do not have, or cannot have, the proper equipment you can tow up to 6,000 (per your previous post). It is a 12,500 lbs hitch, when your trailer is properly equipped. Is that better?

 

I would NOT pull that trailer with your stock hitch. The surge brakes will likely tear up that hitch. As stated above, you need a class 5 hitch. You can get one from Ford (from the dually truck) or on the aftermarket.

I don't think it's wise to rate the hitch, or anything else for that matter, just by the shorthand on a window sticker. The owners manual, as well as the towing guide, and the sticker on the hitch itself, are very clear that the 12.5 rating is only with a WD hitch. Sorry.