Recommended Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2015 Ford F-150 Pulling a 5,700 lb Boat Trailer
Question:
Im having a partial panic attack and getting confused on a few things. Im thinking you folks sell something that could help me out but want to confirm before jumping in deeper. I am getting a 22ft boat and trailer. Too late to back out now. Boat on trailer is 5400lbs. Figuring around 5700lbs if it had a tank of gas in it. I have a 2015 F-150. By all numbers Ive researched Im good on capacity of the vehicle GCWR, towing etc. Truck is rated for around 10,600 lbs tow and around 16k overall. My issue is coming down to the factory receiver on it. The manual doesnt saw jack. Fords tow guide hides the weenie and has receiver ratings of 10000/1000 for weight distributing and 5000/500 for weight carrying. I confirmed on sticker on bumper, same ratings. Pretty sure Im weight carrying on a boat trailer, so Im figuring my 5700 lbs boat is over the overall on the hitch and if using 10 of overall for tongue 570lbs Im over on that too. I figure its a package deal on those numbers and I shouldnt go over. Here is what Id hope you have. Do you have a hitch receiver that can replace my factory one and allow me to get up to a rating above my boat weights? Like over 5700lbs? Im not sure how all the weight distribution stuff works and I seriously dont want to scrap the truck or boat. I want to be legal and not void my warranty? Am I over thinking it? Or am I screwed? Any help or recommendations on products you have would be good thanks.
asked by: Brad D
Expert Reply:
I have a couple of solutions for you to choose from so that you can safely tow your new boat trailer with your 2015 Ford F-150.
The first thing that you can do is install another hitch that is rated for higher towing capacities. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C14016 is a Class IV hitch, which has a 10,000 lbs Gross Towing Weight (GTW) and 1,000 lbs Tongue Weight (TW). If you were to use a Weight Distribution (WD) system as well, it would bump those totals up to 12,000 lbs GTW and 1,200 lbs TW. Even though you would have those higher capacities, keep in mind that you will be limited by your F-150's weight capacity. The great thing about this hitch is that it can be installed on your F-150 without you having to take the OEM hitch off.
Since you will be altering the height of your hitch receiver, I recommend using a different ball mount so that you can use the correct Rise/Drop according to your application. The B&W Tow & Stow # BWTS10043B is an excellent option because it is adjustable so it will fit many different trailers, plus it has 2 different hitch balls. The 2-5/16 inch hitch ball has a GTW of 10,000 lbs and the 2 inch hitch ball has a GTW of 7,500 lbs.
If you would like to look into getting a Weight Distribution (WD) system, then I highly recommend going with a Reese Strait-Line WD system. What a WD system does is help to distribute the weight of your trailer evenly among your axles which will give you a more level towing experience. The Strait-Line has a dual-cam system which will help to prevent trailer sway before it happens as opposed to other options which just correct sway after it has already started. It will also allow you to back up your trailer without having to disengage the sway control.
When determining what weight range WD system to get, all you have to do is add the weight of your loaded and ready-to-go trailer, plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your F-150. You will then want to pick a WD system where that total falls in the middle of the weight range of the system. The Strait-Line system that I recommend for you to use is part # RP66084. It has a weight range of 600 lbs - 1,200 lbs which would work well for your application.
Check out the demonstration videos and helpful articles that I linked for you to review as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2" Hitch - 9" Drop, 9-1/2" Rise - 10K - Black
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Adjustable Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Matte Black
- Drop - 9 Inch
- Rise - 9 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- B and W
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 12,000 lbs GTW, 1,200 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 1000 lbs
- 1100 lbs
- 700 lbs
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Best Trailer Hitch Receiver Option For 2015 Ford F-150 XLT
- Search Results: running boards
- Search Results: step bumper
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: RockyMounts MonoRail Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 2" Hitches - Wheel Mount
- Shop: Dometic Portable Camping Toilet - 5 Gallon Tank - Gray
- Shop: Camper Tie-Downs
- Shop: Vehicle Air Mattress
- Shop: AeroTread Running Boards w/ Custom Installation Kit - 5" Wide - Aluminum - Polished Stainless
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Article: How to Choose a Bike Rack for a Truck
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Nerf Bars - Running Boards
- Shop: Hollywood Racks Trail Rider Bike Rack for 2 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Frame Mount
- Shop: Yakima GateKeeper Tailgate Pad for Full-Size Trucks - 6 Bikes - 62" Wide - Black
- Shop: Truck Bed Bike Rack
- Video: Curt Trailer Hitch Installation - 2018 Ford F-150 C14017
- Shop: Curt Multi-Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - Hollow, Black Powder Coated Shank - Black Balls
- Shop: Curt Multi-Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - Solid, Black Powder Coated Shank and Chrome Balls
- Search Results: hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Q&A: Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado
on Trailer Hitch
