Recommended Weight Distribution System for a 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor

Question:

Hi I recently downsized from a old one ton to a 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor. I have a trailer which has a pint le hitch. My trailer weighs over 2500 lbs and my truck is rated for 5000 without weight distribution 8000 with. My question is there a hitch available that I can use on this truck to pull my trailer loaded to 8000 lbs. I don’t see any weight distributing pintle stuff? My trailer is a bit large for this new truck being rated at 14K. If it’ll require significant modification I’d just sell it and buy a cheaper smaller model. Thanks.

asked by: Frank

Expert Reply:

For a trailer hitch receiver confirmed to fit your 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor, I recommend using the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part # C26HR. The # C26HR is intended for trucks with the factory hitch. This trailer hitch receiver has a max gross trailer weight capacity of 10,000 lbs but you will need to subtract the gross vehicle weight (GVW) from your gross combined weight rating (GCWR) in order to determine the towing capacity of your Raptor. The (GVW) and (GCWR) can be found on an information sticker placed in the driver's door jam.

Unfortunately, pintle setups are not compatible with weight distribution systems. Therefore, the only way for you to use a weight distribution system with your current trailer would be to replace the lunette ring on your trailer with a coupler. I have attached a list of all our a-frame couplers for you.

As the gross trailer weight (GTW) of 8,000 lbs is well more than 50% of your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the use of a weight distribution system is recommended. In order to be sure you are choosing the correct weight distribution system, you will want to find the total tongue weight of your towing setup by adding the tongue weight of both your loaded and ready to tow trailer and any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the truck.

The average total tongue weight (TW) rating of a trailer is typically 10-15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). An easy way to find this would involve using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want your total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the weight distribution weight capacity. For example, the ideal weight distribution system for a total tongue weight of 600 lbs. is one that is rated for 400-800 lbs. of tongue weight.

For a total tongue weight between 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs I recommend using the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control part # EQ37100ET. The Equal-i-zer systems are considered to be one of the best on the market.