Difference Between Line Pull and Gross Trailer Capacity for Curt Front Hitch 31038

Updated 04/21/2020 | Published 02/21/2016

Question:

Part number 31038 for the 03 F150 4x4... It says the line pull is 5000lbs then when you click the product it says 9000 1st link that shows 5000 After clicking shows 9000lbs WHICH is it? Also send me your install instructions on it. The link to that isnt working either I am starting to wonder the quality of this company

asked by: Brad

Helpful Expert Reply:

Front hitches have different weight capacity listings so both numbers are correct. The Curt Hitch part # 31038 does have a straight line pull rating of 9,000 lbs and a gross trailer capacity of 5,000 lbs. So if you have a rolling load on level ground pulled straight (no side-to-side angling) to the hitch it could be up to 9,000 lbs.

If you needed to maneuver a trailer around with the front hitch it would have to weigh less than 5,000 lbs.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Iceman

4/18/2020

Not certain I understand what straight-line pull means as oppose to Gross Weight which I do understand..?And what if I want to PUSH, not pull? And what if the RV I want to push weighs 7,500 lbs?And what f there is a slight incline?

Chris R.

4/20/2020

The straight line rating, just as the name implies, refers to how much weight the hitch can handle when pulling in a completely straight line. If you're making any kind of turn, maneuvering the trailer into a spot, etc - then you'll need to go by the gross weight rating. When you start turning with the trailer it just puts more torque on the hitch and truck frame, which is why the capacity drops. I don't recommend pushing a trailer of that size up an incline - this will put too much stress on the hitch/truck. A better option would be something like the Trailer Valet # TVXL2.

Craig E.

4/20/2020

Thanks, but not only does the make-shift road have a slight incline, it also curves, and it is on ground, not pavement. ...Are you saying they dont make a front-end hitch strong enough to push 7,500 lbs on those conditions? Another option I was considering is a back-end hitch on the trailer itself, so I can pull back out of its position when Im ready to use it again. ...Is there such a Hitch that would work on my GD Imagine 2970RL to my Tundra 5.7 V8?

Chris R.

4/21/2020

There's not a hitch available rated for that kind of weight on your F-150. It's important to remember too that it's really likely the truck itself that's limiting the capacity here - the front frame/bumper really isn't designed to push a load like that. You could potentially fabricate a coupler to attach to the rear of the trailer, but there's not something readily-available that's designed to this. I wish I had a better solution for you.