Hitch Recommendation For 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty Towing a Jayco 33RLDS Travel Trailer

Question:

What hitch system do you recommend for a 2011 F250 super duty pulling a Jayco model 33rlds camper. Truck is diesel with 10,000 lb. GVW and camper is 8000 lbs. dry with GVWR of 10,300 lbs. Dry hitch weight is 1060 lbs. Thanks!

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

There are two sizes of hitches you can install on your 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel. There is a 2-inch receiver hitch and a 2-1/2 inch receiver hitch.

The towing capacity on a 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty Diesel will range from 12,500 lbs to 14,000 lbs depending on the model ( Regular Cab, Super Cab, or Crew Cab) of your vehicle. A 2-inch hitch would be sufficient enough for that towing capacity range.

I would recommend the CURT Class V 2 Inch Hitch, part # C15410. This hitch has a maximum gross trailer weight capacity of 17,000 lbs and maximum tongue weight capacity of 2,550 lbs. This hitch would be excellent for towing your 10,300-lb Jayco 33 RLDS Travel Trailer. This hitch will only work on vehicles with a spare tire and wheel that is smaller than 20 inches. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the CURT hitch.

You will also need the Draw-Tite Ball Mount, part # 40331, and a hitch ball like the CURT 2 Inch Hitch Ball, part # A-90, or the Tow Ready 2-5/16 Inch Hitch Ball, part # 19286.

I would also recommend to use a weight distribution system like the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution with Sway Control, part # RP66130. A weight distribution system will transfer the load sitting on the rear of the vehicle to all of the axles of the vehicle and the trailer. With the weight transferred the vehicle is leveled off and the performance is improved. Weight distribution should be used anytime the trailer weighs more than 50 percent of the vehicles weight. I am including a link to the instructions for the weight distribution system and a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution.

The other items needed would be the Reese Weight Distribution Shank, part # RP54970, and the CURT 2-5/16 Inch Hitch Ball, part # 63840.

You will also want to look at using a brake controller to control the trailer brakes by using the braking action of your truck. I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular brake controller. It is a proportional controller which means it will apply power to the trailers brakes in proportion to the braking in your truck. I am including a link to the instructions on the Prodigy P2 brake controller.