What Is The Best Hitch For A 2010 Ford F-150 XL 4x2 Pulling A Car Trailer?

Question:

Hello Guys and Gals, 2010 Ford F-150 XL 4X2 SuperCrew Short Bed. Been doing my studies as I wish to install Receiver Hitch on our Truck. I am torn between Class III and Class IV for my projected needs. Wont be very often but I want to set up correctly for towing most likely rented flat open single Car Trailers. I really like the Draw-Tite Class III for the aesthetics. Don't want to under do it. Thank You in advance! This is all New to me.

asked by: Gary S

Expert Reply:

I agree with you on the aesthetics aspect with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Item # 75691 for your 2010 Ford F-150. Keep in mind the Draw-Tite class III hitch has a 600 lb max tongue weight and a 6000 lb gross tow capacity unless used with weight distribution then the gross towing capacity goes up to 12000 lbs but the tongue weight stays the same.

With the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2" Item # C14002 you have a 1000 lb tongue weight and a 10000 lb gross towing capacity unless used with weight distribution then your tongue weight goes up to 1200 lbs and the gross towing capacity goes up to 12000 lbs

If you look at it this way, if you are pulling a camper that is 7500 - 8000 lbs, the tongue weight is around 600 - 700 lbs. Pulling an open trailer with lets say your truck or a similar truck on it. The curb weight of your truck is 4,693 lbs - 5,908 lbs plus the weight of the trailer. The Draw-Tite hitch is going to be close to being maxed out if not used with weight distribution however, if you use weight distribution the gross towing capacity would be fine but you may be close on the tongue weight because that number doesn't change.

In my opinion, pulling a trailer with a car on it I recommend going with the Curt Class IV. That way you have more than enough for tongue weight and towing capacity for the trailer weight and car weight combined. You just want to make sure you are not exceeding your vehicles total towing capacity.

If you do not have trailer wiring I recommend the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Item # HM11140735. This wiring harness connects to your factory plug located on the driver side frame rail. It gives you your proper lighting functions however, pulling a trailer big enough to haul a vehicle is going to have brakes on it which require a brake controller.

I recommend the Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole Item # 37185 which connects into the 4 pole plug but still gives you both options for different trailers and allows you to tap into the factory wiring for the brake controller.

For the brake controller I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Item # RED44FR and the Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Item # 331-TPH-007. The controller can be mounted anywhere on your dash and the adapter plugs directly into the factory plug located above the driver side kick panel behind the dash.