Aftermarket Class V Hitch for 2017 Ford F-250

Question:

So Ive see this issue come up before. I know my receiver says max 1,500 lbs hitch weight. To stay safe, I was thinking about upgrading to a class V receiver in case my tongue weight say 1,600 lbs exceeds my factory receiver. My toy hauler has a tongue weight using your recommended Sherline tongue scale of around 1,400 lbs with an almost full tank of fresh water and full propane but nothing loaded in the back. I dont want to always load something if I dont have to but Im concerned if I have too much up front I might exceed the hitch rating. Am I wrong for thinking a class V hitch will solve my problem? GVWR of coach is 11,200 lbs. Thank you.

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

If your bumper-pull toy hauler trailer has a tongue weight (TW) of 1400-lbs without your vehicles loaded (but with full water and propane tanks) usually the TW after you load ATVs will remain pretty much the same or potentially drop slightly. This depends on the weight and specific placement of the load relative to the axle. Two very heavy ATVs placed far to the rear of the trailer's garage area could tend to lift the tongue slightly, reducing TW a little.

Just the same, since you are pretty close to the maximum rated TW for the factory hitch on your 2017 Ford F-250 I agree that you will do well to install an aftermarket 2-1/2-inch Class V hitch like Curt # C15802. Since this hitch offers a 2700-lb tongue weight rating you will not need to worry about operating too close to its limit.

expert reply by: Adam R