Recommendations to Improve Ride While Towing 13,800 lb Boat Trailer with 2015 Ford F-350

Question:

The truck Im pulling my trailer with is a 2015 Ford F350 with a 2 or 2 1/2 inch receptacle for the trailer ball mount. With a weight distribution system it will tow 19K. Without I believe 14k both with the 2 1/2 in ball mount. With 2 inch it will tow up to 12.5k. I have a large aluminum I beam boat trailer that the tongue extends for about 38 inches before the Y. With the brackets mounted I would need about a 40 inch bar to get to a spot on the Y. I was looking at RP66006 or is there another model that extends approximately 40 inches? The trailer loaded with my boat weighs approximately 13800 lbs and the tongue weight is approximately 1360 lbs . Also the I beam is about 5 inches across the top so I will need to have the bracket modified I guess to be able to attach it. It does sway quit a bit so I am looking for something with both level loading and sway control.

asked by: Roger C

Expert Reply:

I have a couple of options to improve your ride while pulling your boat trailer with your 2015 Ford F-350.

If you want to try and use a weight distribution system, the only option will be to use a system along with a Pole-Tongue Adapter like the Reese # RP58393, because there are no weight distribution systems available with arms that will be long enough to reach your trailer frame. The adapter platform will provide mounting space on your trailer tongue for the lift brackets of a weight distribution system like the Curt MV # C17063. The adapter plate will fit onto trailer tongue widths of 1-5/8" to 5" and tongue heights of 3" to 6".

Keep in mind that this is the highest rated adapter we have available with a tongue weight capacity of 1,400 and gross trailer weight of 14,000lb, so it may be a bit underrated for your setup if your estimated trailer weights are correct.

Otherwise, the next best option will be suspension enhancement for your 2015 Ford F-350. I recommend an air spring kit like the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 for your rear axle, part # AL88396, to help improve any sag on the rear of your vehicle and counteract the instability that towing your heavy boat trailer is causing. These offer up to 5,000 lbs of support and can be manually adjusted so you can have a smoother ride, whether you are carrying a lighter load or towing your 13,800 lb boat trailer.

I have included a video demonstration of this product for your review.