Recommended Set-Up for Towing Heavy Dump Trailer with 2016 Ford F-350

Question:

Hello, I drive a 2016 Ford F-350 SRW w/6.7 diesel and 3.55 axle ratio. I want to be able to pull the vehicles max towing capacity of 14,000# The stock hitchs rating is 8,500# without weight distribution and 19,000 with weight distribution. If the weight I will be towing will vary, should I invest in a weight distribution system or in a new hitch with at least 14,000# capacity without weight distribution. I am planning on purchasing a dump type trailer that will weigh anywhere from 3,500 pounds empty to 14,000 pounds at max trailer capacity. I want to keep my configuration simple, but safe, too. Thanks in advance for your advice.

asked by: Roy G

Expert Reply:

To be able to tow a dump trailer at your 2016 Ford F-350's maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, you will need to use a weight distribution system. In Ford's towing guide, they state that the maximum loaded trailer weight requires use of a weight distribution system. Without using a weight distribution system, you will be limited to towing 8,500 pounds.

The weight distribution system I recommend for your is the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control # RP66130. This system is rated for use with trailers weighing up to 15,000 pounds and is designed for tongue weights between 800 - 1,500 pounds. The Strait-Line system will work well to distribute your trailer's tongue weight between both axles and will help prevent the trailer from swaying while it is being towed.

This system does not come with a shank for the system. The Reese Weight Distribution Shank # RP54970 is a great option that offers a 2 inch drop or 6-1/2 inch rise. I have attached a help article on finding the correct ball mount for you so you can ensure the shank has the needed rise/drop for your set-up. For a 2-5/16 inch diameter hitch ball, the Curt Trailer Hitch Ball # C40030 is a great option.

A weight distribution system is best chosen based on the trailer's loaded and ready to tow tongue weight. It is typically best if your loaded and ready to tow tongue weight falls somewhere in the middle of the tongue weight range. Since your dump trailer is going to have loads of varying weights, the system will be more useful to you if you have an additional set of spring bar arms that are rated for a lower tongue weight.

For arms that are the next weight range down from the 1,500 pound arms, you will want the Reese Trunnion Spring Bar # RP66009. To have a pair of arms you would want 2 of the # RP66009. This spring bar arm is rated for 600 pounds to 1,200 pounds tongue weight. The spring bar arms in the Strait-Line can be swapped out by rotating the 1,500 pound arms out of position, and then reinstalling the 1,200 pound arms the same way.

An easy way to keep track of your trailer's tongue weight is with a tongue weight scale, such as the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044. This scale has a capacity of 2,000 pounds and will work well to help you gauge which spring bar arms you need for the load that is in your trailer.

When it comes time to dump the load in your trailer, you will want to unhook the weight distribution system so that it does not undergo unnecessary stress while the trailer is dumping a load.