is a class 3 hitch enough?
is a class 3 hitch enough?
looking for a hitch for my 2002, i pull alot of stuff and started thinking i needa get a hitch..all i can find is reese class 3's around here
most ill pull is about 7k and i see that the class 3's were rated at 5k?? is that right?
most ill pull is about 7k and i see that the class 3's were rated at 5k?? is that right?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
If you go with a Weight Distribution hitch setup, you can go up to around #1000 tongue weight and #10,000 trailer weight for 'most' Class 3 hitches... Now, that's not saying that's what your TRUCK is rated to haul! 
But, just plopping the tongue on the hitch and going, 'most' Class 3's are only rated for 500/5000.
If you need more drop on trailer weight, then you will have to find a hitch that has those kinds of ratings. I think the next step is a 750/7500 rating...
Mitch
But, just plopping the tongue on the hitch and going, 'most' Class 3's are only rated for 500/5000.
If you need more drop on trailer weight, then you will have to find a hitch that has those kinds of ratings. I think the next step is a 750/7500 rating...
Mitch
yea i know its not rated to haul that..but ive done it before i just dont feel safe pulling it with the bumper..id feel safer at #10,000
so should i look at a class 4? 750/7500?
i just dont feel safe pulling it with the bumper..id feel safer at #10,000so should i look at a class 4? 750/7500?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
I would if you aren't going to use a WD setup.
It's not like a Class 3 is going to break if it's overloaded a couple of times either, but anything can happen over time...
I'd get the highest rated 'dead weight' rated hitch I could find that would fit my truck if that's what you need to haul..
Realistically, I'd want to use a WD setup for an F150 when you start getting up into those weights however... Now, moving it across a lot or whatever, no problem, but if you are taking it out on the open road, that's different...
Even my little TT with only about a #650 tongue weight and #5000 total weight feels funny without the WD on it and going down the road with it..
Mitch
It's not like a Class 3 is going to break if it's overloaded a couple of times either, but anything can happen over time...
I'd get the highest rated 'dead weight' rated hitch I could find that would fit my truck if that's what you need to haul..
Realistically, I'd want to use a WD setup for an F150 when you start getting up into those weights however... Now, moving it across a lot or whatever, no problem, but if you are taking it out on the open road, that's different...
Even my little TT with only about a #650 tongue weight and #5000 total weight feels funny without the WD on it and going down the road with it..
Mitch
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
They probably don't make a Class 5 hitch to fit an F150 anyway?? But, yes, they would probably be a lot more $$ even if they did....
I know that a hitch company called "Brophy" has one for the F150 that has the 750/7500 dead weight rating on it and it was only around $200. I saw it a a GI Joes several years ago and thought about getting one for myself, but decided my factory hitch would be enough for what I needed it to do.. GI Joes isn't around anymore, but maybe you can still find that hitch maker? It was still only a 'class 3' hitch if I recall.. It just had the higher dead weight ratings..
Mitch
I know that a hitch company called "Brophy" has one for the F150 that has the 750/7500 dead weight rating on it and it was only around $200. I saw it a a GI Joes several years ago and thought about getting one for myself, but decided my factory hitch would be enough for what I needed it to do.. GI Joes isn't around anymore, but maybe you can still find that hitch maker? It was still only a 'class 3' hitch if I recall.. It just had the higher dead weight ratings..
Mitch
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitc...icleid=2002983
what about that..says class IV and V...towing #10,000 and WD #12,000
what about that..says class IV and V...towing #10,000 and WD #12,000
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,358
Likes: 1
From: Commerce Twp, MI
Anything wrong with just using a weight distributing system and a $100 class 3/4 hitch? It will provide a better towing experience than 750-1000 pounds that far back from the rear axle.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Curt also makes a Class IV with a Class V endorcement.
12,000#'s no WD bars, 14,000#'s w/ WD bars.
Part Number #15003
No drilling required unlike the Draw Tite mentioned above.
http://www.autoanything.com/towing/77A3874A3068204.aspx
$234
etrailer is good on pricing on some items, a little expensive on other.... Their hitches are priced a little high.
12,000#'s no WD bars, 14,000#'s w/ WD bars.
Part Number #15003
No drilling required unlike the Draw Tite mentioned above.
http://www.autoanything.com/towing/77A3874A3068204.aspx
$234
etrailer is good on pricing on some items, a little expensive on other.... Their hitches are priced a little high.