Hitch Extension and Weight Distribution for 2000 Ford F-350 with Slide-In Camper Towing Boat

Question:

I have a 2000 f-350 super duty PU. with a class 5 hitch. I have a slide in camper and would like to tow a 20ft boat requiring a three foot extension for the trailer. Is this hitch strong enough if I put Weight distribution bars on it? If so, what product would you recommend? Thank you

asked by: Dan D

Expert Reply:

Often a pickup with a slide-in camper in the bed will need a hitch extension for enough clearance to tow a trailer.

Class V hitches for your truck can be either 2-1/2-inch or 2-inch, as shown on the linked page. The TorkLift 32-inch hitch extension # TLE1532 that you referenced fits the 2-inch size. This extension can be used with a WD system since it includes safety chains that stabilize the extension to the hitch.

Your set-up becomes a bit complicated in that you do not know the weight of just the part of the camper that sits behind the rear axle. When selecting any weight distribution (WD) system it is necessary to account for not just the loaded trailer tongue weight (TW) but also the weight of anything behind the vehicle's rear axle, since this cargo weight will appear just like additional trailer TW to the WD system. You can measure the loaded boat trailer TW with scale # e99044.

Since it is pretty tough to estimate that part of the camper's weight, I suggest you err on the high side and choose a system rated for the 1000-1200-lb TW range, such as the Equal-I-zer # EQ37120ET. This system handles total TW from 800- to 1200-lbs and it comes complete with a shank and 2-5/16-inch hitch ball.

expert reply by: Adam R