Locating a Front Mounted Trailer Hitch With High Tongue Weight Capacity on 2017 Ford F-350

Question:

I have a 2017 F350 CC DRW LB with heavy duty springs and plow pkg and need to add a hitch to the front of my vehicle. Due to the camper tongue weight at 1045lbs and overall 8800lbs GVWR of the camper, I need to add a front hitch that will have a vertical weight rating greater than 1000lbs. The 306-X7906 is 45lbs shy of the vertical limit I need. This set up will allow me to move the camper into position because of street width/lot width/ 5 grade/ grass and gravel surface constraints that is not possible with a rig at 54foot long. Using a front hitch will be so much easier and cheaper than buying a trailer tug. I will need to add a 7 pin connector in the front to potentially utilize the electric brakes on the camper. What can you recommend to fit my needs?

asked by: Tillman

Expert Reply:

The EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" # 306-X7904 is the highest rated front mounted hitch that is confirmed to fit your truck. My recommendation is to try and reposition the weight in your trailer to alleviate the tongue weight to get you within the range of this receiver. You may need to remove weight from the tongue and place it behind the rear axle to lessen the tongue weight as a front mounted hitch is not rated for weight distribution to displace the weight along the frame. You can use the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity # e99044 to determine when you are within the correct weight.

Your only other option is to have something custom made at a local fabricator and tested for capacity.

For your trailer wiring I recommend using the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector for Aluminum Beds - 10' Long # C57010 and then splicing in extra wire for the length needed using the Deka Wire - Jacketed 7-Wire - per Foot # DW04914-1 and Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05745-10. If you just want the brake controller output wire, then you can splice into just that wire using # 12-1-1 and # PK12-707E.