Recommended Trailer Hitch and Towing Parts Needed to Tow Camper with 2016 Ford F-150 XLT

Question:

I have a 2016 Ford F 150 XLT. I need to get the trailer hitch and all other necessary hardware to tow a camper trailer. Can you direct me to the products I need to buy?

asked by: Jose S

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Ford F-150 XLT without a factory trailer hitch, I recommend the Curt Class III Receiver Hitch # C86HR. This is custom fit for your truck and will provide a 2 inch hitch opening with a 900 pound tongue weight capacity and 6,000 pound towing capacity. No drilling will be required during installation but the spare tire will need to be lowered or removed temporarily. I have attached an installation video on your vehicle for you to check out.

For a ball mount and hitch ball I recommend the Curt Ball Mount - 2-3/8 Inch Rise, 3-5/8 Inch Drop # C45230 along with the 2 Inch Hitch Ball # 40038. I have also attached a link to our available selection of ball mounts as well as a helpful article that will help you decide the correct one for your setup.

For a brake controller to control your trailer's electric brakes, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This is a great proportional brake controller that will activate your trailer's brakes at the same time and with the same intensity that you apply to them in your F-150. This unit features a digital display and continuous diagnostics that will alert you to any potential issues. It is known for its reliability and ease of installation.

Then for wiring, the needed parts will depend on what your F-150 is already equipped with.

If your F-150 has a factory 7-way round connector under the truck's bumper, you will just need to add the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 22292 to install the brake controller. One end of the adapter will plug into the brake controller and the other end will connect to the built-in harness beneath the vehicle's dash.

If your F-150 just has a factory 4-flat under the bumper, then you will need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7, which will include everything needed to install the needed 7-way trailer connector. You will still use the above Wiring Adapter # 22292 for the brake controller.

I have also attached a few of helpful articles on towing a trailer and brake controllers that you may find helpful.