Information for Understanding Towing Capacities of 2016 Ford F-150
Question:
Hello Etrailer, I have a 2016 F150 that is rated for 11500 lbs of towing with the max tow package. The tongue weight is based on 10 of the tow rating or 1150 lbs. this is the rule that Ford uses in their brochure. What actually controls your max tongue weight? a. the 10 percent rule or 1150 lbs. This is purely based on 10 of the max tow rating. b. the class IV hitch receiver which is rated at 14000 lbs and 1400 lbs max tongue weight. c. the hitch itself, which should be purchased based on the tongue weight you actually have on the trailer. from my research the tongue weight needs to be 10 to 15 of your trailer weight for ride quality given a proper set up. I have found this to be true. If we used 15 of the 11500 lb max for max tongue weight we would exceed the rating for the Class IV Hitch receiver. how does one know that the 1150 lb max tongue weight controls when it is simply 10 of the max towing rating versus the actual rating for a class IV hitch receiver 1400 lbs which is mounted to the truck?
asked by: Scott S
Expert Reply:
Towing capacities are a combination of several factors including but not limited to: hitch capacity, frame strength, braking power, suspension capacity, cooling system capacity etc. Ford states that your tongue weight capacity is 1,150 lbs and the total trailer weight capacity is 11,500 lb (which is a lot for a 1/2 ton truck) then you have to stay under both numbers. If the trailer weighs 10,000 lbs but the tongue weight capacity is 1,300 lbs you should not tow that trailer.
The hitches we offer for vehicle often times have higher capacities than the vehicle they fit. That's because they are first designed to fit the vehicle and then designed to be as strong as possible and tested independently from the vehicle. In these cases you are still limited by the lowest figure in the towing setup.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 800 lbs
- 900 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
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