Weight Distribution System Recommendation for a 2002 Ford F250 Super Duty

Question:

We are considering purchasing a travel trailer that has a dry hitch weight of 1290# and a GVWR of 9990#. Our tow vehicle will be our 2002 Ford F-250 Super duty Crew Cab Lariat pickup which currently has a V-5 hitch receiver attached that has a weight distributing max tongue weight of 1250#. We are going to purchase a Fastway E2 weight distribution system to help with the weight and sway control. The dealer has the round bar style 1000/10,000 or the trunnion style 1200/12000. I feel that we will be within the GCVWR of our Ford F-250 which is rated at 20,000# with this trailer. However, I am concerned with the hitch receiver that is currently installed not being adequate to handle such a heavy hitch weight. I know that we will probably end up with around at least 1500# once we have loaded new hitch, propane and items in the front of the travel trailer. I know that the hitch weight takes away from the payload capacity, but our payload capacity of the truck after full tank of fuel and two passengers is around 1800#. So, I am wondering if replacing the hitch receiver with something like the part #C15410 along with using a trunnion style weight distribution system would solve our problem or whether we should just cancel the travel trailer and keeping looking. I would really appreciate any information you might be able to give me. I am so confused with trying to figure all of this out and I want to tow safely. Thank you!

asked by: Marcus V

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your setup you will definitely need a hitch with a higher capacity. The Curt Hitch # C15410 that you referenced would certainly have enough tongue weight capacity. However, you will still need to determine what the capacity of your vehicle is. If your owners manual says you have a lower capacity than the # C15410 then you need to abide by that as the overall capacity.

When determining overall towing capacity you always need to go by the lowest rated component as the overall capacity.

If you determine your vehicle has the capacity for the travel trailer and you go with the # C15410 you will need to pick out a weight distribution system that can handle the tongue weight of your setup. Please note that tongue weight also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached an FAQ article on determining tongue weight for you to check out also.

Since you speculated that your tongue weight would be around 1,500 lbs you might be able to use a Strait-Line Weight Distribution System # RP66130. This system can handle up to 1,500 lbs tongue weight. If you need more than that you will need to upgrade to a hitch with a 2-1/2 inch opening.

For that you would need the Curt hitch part # C15810 and weight distribution system part # RP66075. This does not come with a shank so you would need one as well. For that I would recommend the Reese Titan Weight Dist Shank # RP54977.

I attached an FAQ article on weight distribution systems for you to check out also.