Parts Needed to Tow Safely with a 2010 Ford F-150

Question:

I would like to know all the required and recommended parts I need. 2010 Ford raptor/6.2 4x4. Used to tow a 28foot enclosed trailer+ car+ miscellaneous items. Most trips will be 5 hours or less but through mountains. Occasional trips of 2000 miles. I would like to know rear suspension upgrades to handle it, anti sway attachment, trailer brake controller, etc. Everything you can think of for safest operation. Thanks,

asked by: Steven N

Helpful Expert Reply:

First let's start with a brake controller. For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

To install this controller in your 2010 Ford F-150 will only require the install harness part # 22292 which will plug in under the dash of the truck. See install video for more install info.

Instead of suspension enhancement you would be best served by a weight distribution system since a WD system also helps level the vehicle like suspension enhancement but it does this by distributing some of the tongue weight of the trailer up to the front axle of the tow vehicle. This greatly helps with braking and handling performance, especially in emergency situations.

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached a help article on determining tongue weight for you to check out as well. You will want the loaded tongue weight of your setup to fall right in the middle of the tongue weight range of the system you use.

Once you know your tongue weight you will want to check out the link I attached that has all of the weight distribution systems we carry. You will be able to select your tongue weight from the filters to see what would be rated for your setup.

For a 2 inch ball you would want part # A-90 and for a 2-5/16 inch ball # 19286.

If you are in need of a trailer hitch the Draw Tite part # 75691 is the most popular option for your vehicle. I attached an install video as well.

To maximize the life of your transmission a cooler for it would be an excellent idea as well. The part # D13504 is a very popular option for your truck that would work well to prolong the life of the transmission.