Towing Capacity and Recommended Upgrades for 2017 Ford F-250 to Pull 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
Chris R- We DO have the tow package in our truck... is a 4wd with trailer brake switch, tow assist, the towing downhill assist feature thing, NOT a dually, its got about every style of plug in for towing vehicles you can think of, I THINK its a 6.2 motor not sure, but I DO KNOW its a v8. SHOOT! I dont remember what else you mentioned... was this helpful? We DO HAVE the optional spots for either fifth wheel attachment or the center hole thing. And the bed is the 6.5 foot or so... Definitely Not eight foot or five foot... so it's gotta get in the middle somewhere, right? Lol
asked by: Colleen P
Helpful Expert Reply:
The first thing I recommend doing is simply making sure that your 2017 Ford F-250 has the towing capacity needed to pull the Grand Design Solitude 373FB Trailer. There are a variety of aftermarket components that will allow the truck to operate better and easier within its towing limits, but nothing that can actually increase the towing capacity set by the Ford.
Based on my research the Grand Design Solitude 373FB has a GVWR of 16,800 pounds. This is the most it can weigh when fully loaded. From what I could find the 2017 Ford F-250 can have a 5th wheel towing capacity from as low as 12,200 pounds to as high as 18,500 pounds depending on its engine size and axle ratio. Because of this I highly recommend visiting a local Ford dealer with your VIN so they can tell you the exact capacity of your particular truck.
As far as upgrades in addition to the standard equipment that will be needed to pull the trailer (5th wheel hitch, wiring, brake controller if the truck doesn't have a factory integrated unit), I recommend looking at suspension enhancement. A set of jounce-style springs like the SumoSprings # SSR-127-54, which are confirmed to fit your truck, will do a really nice job of upgrading the rear suspension for improved control and comfort when towing. They will also help to keep the truck level when hooked up to the trailer.
If the truck doesn't already have one I also recommend adding a 5th Wheel Wiring Harness like the Curt # C57008. This will plug in-line with the factory 7-Way on the truck to provide you with an additional 7-Way that can be mounted in the bed. This allows for easy hookup with the trailer when it's time to drive again.
As long as the Grand Design Solitude is in good condition you shouldn't really need to add anything to the trailer side. If you can tell me what size bed your F-250 has, whether or not it has the factory puck system, and if it has an integrated brake controller, I will be happy to make a hitch and brake controller (if needed) recommendation.
I have also attached a couple articles on towing that you might find helfpul.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector for Aluminum Beds - 7' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 7 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Standard Duty
- SuperSprings Intl
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
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Colleen P.
9/20/2018
Chris R- We DO have the tow package in our truck... is a 4wd with trailer brake switch, tow assist, the towing downhill assist feature thing, NOT a dually, its got about every style of plug in for towing vehicles you can think of, I THINK its a 6.2 motor not sure, but I DO KNOW its a v8. SHOOT! I dont remember what else you mentioned... was this helpful? We DO HAVE the optional spots for either fifth wheel attachment or the center hole thing. And the bed is the 6.5 foot or so... Definitely Not eight foot or five foot... so it's gotta get in the middle somewhere, right? Lol