Recommended Hitch and Weight Distribution for a 2012 Ford F-150 Towing a 2016 Dutchmen 6K Camper

Published 03/09/2016

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Question:

Trying to help a friend, I haven’t seen his truck yet but his concern, having never towed a travel trailer before is if he turns sharp in an emergency which I told him he should not do can he damage his truck or trailer by contacting each other. I told him that if he buys the right trailer hitch, weight distribution equipment and stabilizers and sway bars etc… Not a bumper pull, he wants to buy a tt. A hitch and WD set up required The details I know now are: 2016 Dutchman 29’ 6000lbs camper 2012 Ford F150 with a 5.5’ bed, it concerned me that the truck came without a receiver on the back but he says it had a towing package??? He is considering these and I don’t know what if any he has purchased… C14002 C51140-C51436 C17062

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

I can help you figure out if the setup your friend is looking at will work well for the 2016 Dutchman Camper. You are correct about having the correct equipment to help prevent any contact with the truck and camper, even in an emergency situation.

Let's start with the hitch, the Curt # C14002 is a great hitch for his truck if it didn't already come with one. Its weight capacity is the highest among the ones offered for his vehicle but its important to note that it will not increase his trucks weight capacity, so you will be limited by the lowest rated setup.

It is likely that all the wiring is run for towing if he has the tow package model, but you are correct usually this would come equipped with a hitch too. If you find he needs wiring the correct 4-way harness for his vehicle is the # 18252. If he is in need of a 7-way then the # ETBC7 is a great harness to take your factory 4-way to a 7-way.

For the brake controller, I would instead highly recommend the Tekonsha P2 # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. With this harness he will need the # 22292 adapter to plug into his truck.

A few things to know about weight distribution systems are that you should not exceed capacities, you want to stay within the middle of your tongue weight range, trunnion style bars work well for low riding trailers, and sway control is good to have. So if his 2016 Dutchman when fully loaded weighs 6,000lbs his tongue weight will be about 10-15% of that, 600-900lbs. The Curt Weight Distribution System # C17062, he was looking at will work, as it has a 10,000lbs capacity. As long as he has the ground clearance for this round bar system it should work. The trunnion version of this Curt weight distribution hitch is # C17322. If you find that the trailer will be heavier than 6,000lbs when fully loaded, this includes all items behind the rear axle of the truck then let me know and I can help you find the right weight distribution setup for your needs.

Another safety feature I would recommend getting is a BreakAway kit like # 20099. This system is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes, should it disconnect while you are towing. The box simply mounts on the side of the trailer tongue.

I have linked several installation videos as well as weight distribution help articles for you and your friend to check out.