Trailer Hitch Receiver and Brake Controller Recommendations for 1977 Ford F-150 4X4
Question:
Im looking for a trailer hitch and brake controller for my 1977 F150 4x4, 400 engine, automatic and Im not sure the gear ratio. I am not sure how much weight it can tow. I was thinking it should be able to tow 6000. What hitch would you recommend? Would you recommend I measure my frame to make sure I get the right one? Also, for the brake controller I see allot fit my truck. Im confused on which on to get. Id like a proportional style. Since this is an old truck I dont have a computer to plug into. It seems these controllers are plug and play. Im just not sure which on to get as Ill obviously have to wire it. What would you recommend here? Thank you.
asked by: Michael
Expert Reply:
We can help you with both a hitch receiver and brake controller for your 1977 F-150.
Your truck can be fitted with several classes of 2-inch hitch and these different hitch classes have varying weight capacities, ranging from a 5000-lb-rated Class III hitch to a 16000-lb-rated Class V. You can see all hitches on the link provided. You will need to use the Select Vehicle Style drop-down menu at the top of the page to will select your truck's type of bumper and that will allow you to see the hitches that will work on your particular truck. I have linked several articles on hitch classes, hitch installation tips and towing essentials. Once you choose a hitch I can assist with selection of a ball mount, hitch ball and pin and clip. Please note that the Class IV hitch you referenced, # C14082 from Curt, fits only 1977 F-150 cab and chassis models and pickups with standard or step bumper.
If your 1977 is a pickup with standard or step bumper you can use # 14001.
I was not able to find a confirmed tow rating for your 1977 F-150. The owner's manual (if it still exists) or a local dealership if provided with your VIN, should be able to confirm its capacities. If the truck is rated differently than the hitch, then the lower-rated item becomes the limit for the entire truck/hitch system. You can use the information on the door jamb sticker to determine your towing capacity: find the rated GCWR (gross combined weight rating) and subtract from it the GVW (gross vehicle weight); the difference is maximum trailer weight.
Proportional brake controllers are preferred for their performance and because they will help to reduce excessive wear on the tow vehicle brakes that can occur with time-delayed types. The linked article explains this in further detail. Among the most popular and reliable units we offer is the Tekonsha P2 # 90885. This unit can operate both electric and electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes and can handle up to 4 axles (8 brake assemblies).
Since your truck lacks the under-dash brake controller connection port you will need to do a hard-wire install using our brake controller installation kit # ETBC7. I have linked an article and an install video that cover the process.
If your truck does not already have a 4-pole trailer connector you will need to install one such as # 18252 from Draw-Tite. This wires into your tail lights as shown in the linked video and connects to the 7-way in the ETBC7 kit.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 1000 lbs TW
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 12000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1200 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 72" Harness, Circuit Tester and Wire Taps
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- 6 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 1000 lbs TW
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 12000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1200 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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