Hitch Recommendation For Higher Tongue Weight Capacity w/ Weight Distribution on 2005 Ford E-350

Question:

I have a factory hitch on my 2005 E-350 extended 15 passenger van that says it is good for 10,000# and 1000# TW with weight distribution. I look at the class IV hitch and it has the same 6 bolts and the same dia. bolts. What makes the class IV hitch handle more than my factory hitch if all the hardware is the same. Is it because thicker steel used, or am I good with what I have. I want to tow 1200# TW w/WD.

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

You will want to follow the weight limits as specified on the hitch and in the vehicle owners manual. Different hitches will have different construction which results in different classes of weight capacity. Exceeding the weight capacity of the factory hitch or the vehicle can result in damage to the hitch and/or vehicle and is not safe.

The hitch you selected, Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 41906, has a higher capacity because of the construction and the testing that was done on the hitch. The Draw-Tite # 41906 has a gross trailer weight capacity of 10,000 lbs, and tongue weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. Those capacities increase to 12,000 and 1,200 respectively when a weight distribution system is properly used.

I have linked an FAQ article on trailer hitch classes and trailer hitch installation tips. Also linked is a video installation of the Draw-Tite # 41906 on a 2003 Ford F-350 Van.

expert reply by: Reno H