Towing 8000 GVW trailer with F-350 - Diesel Forum

Stealth03TDI · 04-28-2008, 08:43 AM

I'm in the process of purchasing a 20" 8000 GVW enclosed trailer. Trailer dealer tells me Fords towing receiver ratings are inflated and unless I purchase a frame mounted weight distribution setup also, the combination will handle squirelly and likely tear the hitch off the truck.

Any of the haulers out there care to offer an opinion if this guy is blowing smoke, or offering sound advice.

Thanks

collieguy · 04-28-2008, 09:01 AM

I just bought a new 08 F350 V10 and am under the impression that the hitch is rated for 15000lbs. This is a dually LB that I will be getting so it may tow more but I think the dealer is just trying to make a quick buck off you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stealth03TDI

I'm in the process of purchasing a 20" 8000 GVW enclosed trailer. Trailer dealer tells me Fords towing receiver ratings are inflated and unless I purchase a frame mounted weight distribution setup also, the combination will handle squirelly and likely tear the hitch off the truck.

Any of the haulers out there care to offer an opinion if this guy is blowing smoke, or offering sound advice.

Thanks

joshb159 · 04-28-2008, 10:17 AM

If you read the fine print, yes it may rated at 15,000 lbs, but probably with a weight distribution setup. Almost every sticker I've seen on the hitches for the rated capacity have 4 numbers: Weight Carrying (straight ball or pintle hitch) GVW, Weight Carrying Tongue Weight, Weight Distribution GVW, Weight Distribution TW. Figuring 10% tongue weight, a 15,000lb trailer will have a TW of 1500lbs. That's a lot. To the OP, an 8000lb trailer will have a TW in the ballpark of 800lbs loaded which is fine for the hitch, but it will give you a much better ride and much more stable towing platform with the WD setup. Trust me, I've been there.

Stealth03TDI · 04-28-2008, 12:13 PM

Looking at weight distribution hitches, they look the same as the OEM hitch the 08's come with. Are there additional rods or something that doesn't show in the picture? It would appear the stock receiver is already a load distribution type.

Educate me!

DXprowler · 04-28-2008, 12:37 PM

Here's some homework: || REESE PRODUCTS || Click on "Products" then "Weight Distribution" in the Main Menu.

PowerStrokeHD · 04-28-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshb159

If you read the fine print, yes it may rated at 15,000 lbs, but probably with a weight distribution setup.

100% correct. The numbers Ford lists are the maximum using a weight distributing set-up. None of them are rated to handle a 8K trailer in weight carrying form...

Here are the specifications for factory '08 Super Duty receivers...

F-250/F-350 Super Duty SRW and F-350 DRW w/5.4L engine (12.5K Receiver - 2")

Weight Carrying - 5,000 lbs. (500 lbs. Tongue)
Weight Distributing - 12,500 lbs. (1,250 lbs. Tongue)

F-350 Super Duty DRW w/6.8L or 6.4L engines (15K Receiver - 2.5")

Weight Carrying - 6,000 lbs. (600 lbs. Tongue)
Weight Distributing - 15,000 lbs. (1,500 lbs. Tongue)

F-450 Super Duty DRW (16K Receiver - 2.5")

Weight Carrying - 6,000 lbs. (600 lbs. Tongue)
Weight Distributing - 16,000 lbs. (1,600 lbs. Tongue)

NOTE... When using the 2.5" to 2" adapter with the 15K or 16K receiver you must follow the 12.5K receiver weight guidelines...

Rear step bumper rating for those who are interested...

Weight Carrying - 5,000 lbs. (500 lbs. Tongue)

shawnl · 04-28-2008, 09:19 PM

20" trailer? I'm thinking you could just haul it in the box!

Thompson · 04-29-2008, 07:36 AM

Weight distribution bars will help transfer tongue weight back to the trailer to lighten the weight on the rear of the truck but you may want to look at a sway bar set up after towing a bit to see how it handles.

fordson1 · 04-29-2008, 08:13 AM

Stealth,
I wholeheartedly agree with PowerstrokeHD and Josh. Josh hit it on the nose about the weight distribution hitch. With an enclosed trailer when you encounter side winds, or big trucks passing you; you'll feel the trailer give you a bit of excitement. To say it'll tear the hitch off is blowing the smoke out of proportion however. I think you will be satisfied with a weight transfer set up on the enclosed trailer. Get the trailer out and get some pull time on it and see how it handles at highway speeds. If you can test drive someone's unit with a weight transfer/anti-sway unit.... give it a spin. I think you'll agree with Josh, they are nice!

gamudslinger88 · 04-29-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawnl

20" trailer? I'm thinking you could just haul it in the box!

Thats what I was thinking, Hell thats the smallest trailer I have ever heard of, You could even put it up front with you then you wouldnt have to wory about a hitch. 20 inch trailer......just add water

04-28-2008, 08:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
Stealth03TDI Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Harrisburg PA Posts: 95 iTrader: (0) My Photos: (0)	Towing 8000 GVW trailer with F-350 I'm in the process of purchasing a 20" 8000 GVW enclosed trailer. Trailer dealer tells me Fords towing receiver ratings are inflated and unless I purchase a frame mounted weight distribution setup also, the combination will handle squirelly and likely tear the hitch off the truck. Any of the haulers out there care to offer an opinion if this guy is blowing smoke, or offering sound advice. Thanks

04-28-2008, 10:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
joshb159 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: GTA, Ontario / Central Jersey Posts: 45 iTrader: (0) My Photos: (0)	If you read the fine print, yes it may rated at 15,000 lbs, but probably with a weight distribution setup. Almost every sticker I've seen on the hitches for the rated capacity have 4 numbers: Weight Carrying (straight ball or pintle hitch) GVW, Weight Carrying Tongue Weight, Weight Distribution GVW, Weight Distribution TW. Figuring 10% tongue weight, a 15,000lb trailer will have a TW of 1500lbs. That's a lot. To the OP, an 8000lb trailer will have a TW in the ballpark of 800lbs loaded which is fine for the hitch, but it will give you a much better ride and much more stable towing platform with the WD setup. Trust me, I've been there. __________________ '05 F-250 XLT 6.0 auto CC/SB 4x4 ESOF riding on BFG Rugged Trail's. Bone stock 'cept for the Sirius radio and tonneau cover 77k miles (hardly broken in yet!)

04-28-2008, 12:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
DXprowler Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Aurora, ON Posts: 68 iTrader: (0) My Photos: (0)	Here's some homework: \|\| REESE PRODUCTS \|\| Click on "Products" then "Weight Distribution" in the Main Menu. __________________ 2008 F350 PSD XLT S/Cab 4x4 SRW L/B Job 2 2006 FR 29RLBS Wildcat

04-28-2008, 09:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
shawnl Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: MINNESOTA Posts: 27 iTrader: (0) My Photos: (0)	20" trailer? I'm thinking you could just haul it in the box! __________________ 2005 F-350 Crew Cab Lariat 6.0 4x4 2008 F-350 Crew Cab Lariat 6.4 4x4 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 425 hp 425 lb/ft torque 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7 H.O. 2006 Triumph daytona 675 (track use) 2006 Yamaha R6 (track use) 2005 Triumph Speed Triple 1050 2004 Aprilia RSV Factory 2004 Yamaha R1 2000 Triumph Daytona 955i

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04-28-2008, 12:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Stealth03TDI Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Harrisburg PA Posts: 95 iTrader: (0) My Photos: (0)	Looking at weight distribution hitches, they look the same as the OEM hitch the 08's come with. Are there additional rods or something that doesn't show in the picture? It would appear the stock receiver is already a load distribution type. Educate me!

04-29-2008, 07:36 AM	#8 (permalink)
Thompson Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 18 iTrader: (0) My Photos: (0)	Weight distribution bars will help transfer tongue weight back to the trailer to lighten the weight on the rear of the truck but you may want to look at a sway bar set up after towing a bit to see how it handles.

04-29-2008, 08:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
fordson1 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Eastern Colorado Posts: 10 iTrader: (0) My Photos: (0)	Stealth, I wholeheartedly agree with PowerstrokeHD and Josh. Josh hit it on the nose about the weight distribution hitch. With an enclosed trailer when you encounter side winds, or big trucks passing you; you'll feel the trailer give you a bit of excitement. To say it'll tear the hitch off is blowing the smoke out of proportion however. I think you will be satisfied with a weight transfer set up on the enclosed trailer. Get the trailer out and get some pull time on it and see how it handles at highway speeds. If you can test drive someone's unit with a weight transfer/anti-sway unit.... give it a spin. I think you'll agree with Josh, they are nice!

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