Hitch, Weight Distribution And Towing Accessories to Tow 12,000 lb Boat with 2000 Ford F350
Question:
I have a 2000 Ford F350 Super Duty Diesel Pickup and need to know what other parts I need in order to tow my boat that could weigh as much as 12,000 lbs if fully loaded most likely 10,500 lbs and the trailer weighs 1,645 lbs. In addition, I have the torklift 24inch extension from another truck that I sold for my pickup camper. Do I need a weight distribution system as well? If so, which one do you recommend?
asked by: Michael K
Expert Reply:
Unless you're planning on carrying a truck bed camper again, the Torklift # TLF1002-30 Hitch you referenced would be overkill for you. A Class V hitch like the Curt # C15410 would be a less expensive option. For a ball mount, use the Draw-Tite # 40331 with the # 19286 2-5/16 inch trailer ball.
Anytime the weight of what you're towing exceeds half the weight of the tow vehicle, weight distribution is recommended.
To choose a weight distribution system, you'll need to first determine the fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your boat and trailer. To that figure, add the weight of any gear stowed in the truck bed behind the rear axle. I've linked to an FAQ article that explains how to do this. These combined figures comprise the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your set-up. The TTW of your trailer should fall as close as possible to the middle of the effective range of the weight distribution system you choose.
Usually, trailer tongue weight is 10-15 percent of the trailer weight, but boat trailers tend to be back-heavy, because the motor and fuel tanks are in the stern of the boat. The fully loaded and ready to tow tongue weight of your boat and trailer is likely in the 600-1200 lb range. If this is the case, the Reese Steadi-Flex weight distribution system, part # RP66560 would likely be ideal for you. Not only will the system provide proven weight distribution performance, but the system will also provide a very effective sway control function. The weight distribution shank is included, but the 2-5/16 trailer ball is sold separately as part # 19286.
A pole tongue adapter, part # RP58393 will be needed for pole tongue trailers (most boat trailers have a pole tongue, versus an A-frame tongue).
If your truck doesn't already have a 7-way trailer connector, you can add one using part # 118243.
Products Referenced in This Question
Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way (Super Duty)
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tow Ready
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3" Rise, 4" Drop - 9-1/4" Long - 16K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1-1/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V XD - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class V
- 2550 lbs TW
- 17000 lbs GTW
- 17000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 2550 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Adapters
- Pole Tongue Adapters
- Reese
more information >
Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 12K GTW, 1.2K TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
TorkLift SuperHitch Magnum Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2-1/2" and 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class V
- 2500 lbs TW
- 20000 lbs GTW
- 30000 lbs WD GTW
- 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 3000 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- TorkLift
more information >
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