Extended Weight Distribution to Tow a Trailer with ATV In Bed and Tailgate Down on a 2013 Ford F-150

Question:

I have a 2013 F-150 with a tow/hitch capacity of 11,200lbs. Id like to use an extension to pull a trailer that maxs out at just under 4690lbs after water and food added. Do you have the proper weight distribution and extension products for this? How far could I extend the hitch? p.s Id like to add an extra ATV to my carrier but have a smaller bed. This makes the second ATV stick out about 9inch past my tailgate.

asked by: Jason P

Expert Reply:

Weight distribution shank # RP63971 measures 15 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole when using a round bar weight distribution system. Measure from the center of the pin hole back to how far the ATV will stick out to determine if this is enough extension.

When choosing a system you have to go by the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and add to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the truck bed. With the ATVs back there it could be hard to tell how much weight is behind the rear axle.

To be safe, lets say it is 400 pounds. The trailer tongue weight at 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight would be 469 to 704 pounds. Adding the extra weight that goes up to 869 pounds to 1104 pounds. But of course you still need to stay within the capacity of the trailer hitch and truck.

An extension is not recommended because it will reduce the hitch tongue weight capacity by 50 percent and you would not be able to tow the trailer with the reduced capacity.

Based on the weights listed above a 600 to 1200 pound system, # RP66542, would be perfect. The system comes with a shank but you would want to use # RP63971 instead. And for a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 19286.