Im looking to tow a boat and trailer weighing approx 7,000 lbs. I have no towing experience at all so please excuse my lack of knowledge. My truck is a 2008 F150 S crew 5.4 triton, 3.73 limited slip, 150.5 wheel base, 4x4, with tow package. Looking at the F150 catalog is says I can tow 9,200 lbs not to exceed GCWR 15,000 lbs. Am I missing something here or does this sound right? Also any other info or tips I need to know, please don't hesitate.

Thanks

 

That may be reduced by 500 pounds if you have anything but 17" wheels, but that sound right for Ford's specs. One other key note is GVWR, how much your truck's suspension is rated for including the vehicle, all passengers, cargo, and tounge weight. That's what rating almost every 1/2 ton pickup will hit first when towing. Figure you have about 1500 pounds of payload, minus 500 for the family, 300 for cargo in the bed, and now you can only have 700 pounds of tounge weight. That's Ford''s ratings that many people exceed.

in short, your truck should not have much problem with that load, depending on how much tounge weight the combo has. Get a Prodigy brake controller and weight distributing hitch and enjoy the summer.

 

You will have to have a weight distribution hitch. The hitch itself is rated to 500lbs tongue weight without WD hitch. Higher if you have a WD hitch. Also most states require trailer brakes after reaching a certain trailer weight, usually in the 3-4000lb area.

 

You will need to purchase and install a trailer brake controller to operate the trailer brakes. The Prodigy is an awesome unit once it is set up for your trailer you can't even tell it is back there.

 

Thanks all for the helpful information. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. Thanks

 

I checked out the prodigy brake controller. Install and use seems pretty straight forward and since I see it's recommended here I'll go with it.

Does anyone have a specific weight distribution hitch they recommend?

 

Hensley makes a great WD hitch : http://www.hensleymfg.com/whatisthearrow.html

The Prodigy is a great controller - just be sure to install according to the instructions so that the proportional braking actuator works correctly. Once installed and adjusted to your trailer you'll never have to touch it again.

 

Thanks for the info. That wd hitch cost more than my boat trailer.

Any other recommendations.

 

I dont think you really need a WD hitch for 7k. I pulled about 6k on my lowered truck with just a CIII hitch

 

You also exceeded the rating of your C3. It's irresponsible recommending an overload condition to someone here that's new to towing.

 

I overloaded the GVCRW or whatever it is, but a CIII hitch is good for 10k

 

I looked at my (2000 F150) Class III hitch rating and it stated on the sticker that it was rated for 6000 lbs towing, and 8000 lbs with a Weight distribution system.

I would start at this site http://www.etrailer.com and go from there in search for a WD system. But all indications suggest that you need a WD system when you go over 6000 lbs for a class III hitch. This information is the same from all the manufacturers’ web sites.

For your truck (2008) Draw-Tite has a Class IV & V Ultra Frame Receiver Hitch, part number 41933 that is good for 10,000 lbs towing and 12,000 lbs with a WD system. They only rated the CIII at 6,000/10,000.

Weight is not the only issue with a WD system it also deals with stability of the load that you are pulling, making for a safer towing experience.

Many of the hitch mfg's have a good deal of information that help with the selection and installation of the WD system and how to load your trailer and determine your tongue weight.

I purchased the P3 and it worked well. Just about plug and play. It took longer to figure out where to mount it than anything else.

Good luck in finding a WD system and towing your boat!

 

Yes good to 10k as long as it is a wd hitch. 5k otherwise.

 

And look how much your truck is sagging. A WD hitch for $300-400 is recommended for just about anything over 4000 pounds for 1/2 ton truck. If you're renting a Uhaul trailer once, skip it. If you plan to tow something camping or to the lake every weekend, get it.

BTW, the OEM recevier is rated for 5k pound weight carrying or 10k with WD hitch.

 

Thanks to all for the great info. This link is my boat trailer.

http://www.loadrite.com/Boat_Trailer...25T5800TG2/41/

The boat is 24' 3" and weighs approx 5,000 to 5,500 lbs loaded. The trailer is approx 1,400 lbs.

As I indicated, I have no experience at this and as such I definitely will feel a lot better towing the "right way". I can live with a wd hitch for $300 to $400 if that will do the job. If that won't do then I'll have to find a way to pay for a more expensive one. Are there any good ones that anyone can recommend for $500 or less?

Thanks again for all the help. Its really appreciated.