Class V Trailer Hitch, Weight Distribution, Brake Control for 1988 Ford F-250 Towing 10K Trailer

Published 06/28/2016

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw - 25K

(510)

$40.65

Question:

I have a 1988 Ford F-250 HD with a 35 gallon tank where the original 19 gallon and spare tire used to be... Im going to pull a 28 ft race car trailer with a 10000 GVW. Im a belt and suspenders kind of guy so rather than be at the max of a IV I think a V would be safer.. Opinion? I have Firestone bags. Do I need weight distribution? Opinion? What sway control options are best for a 28 ft 9 ½ ft high slab side? Opinion? Best Brake Control? Opinion And $$$ is always an issue but safety first... Right? BTSw the truck is a 7.5 L has C6 Automatic with a 3.55:1 Locker Still have the 4.10s but fuel goes way down when in use

asked by: Greg L

Helpful Expert Reply:

The fuel tank should not be a problem provided that the bottom of the frame where a hitch like # DT45502 installs is clear on your 1988 Ford F-250.

If a hitch were rated right at 10K and the trailer was 10K I do recommend going to a higher capacity high for safety. But it also depends on the towing capacity of the truck because if the truck is rated lower than the hitch you still have to go by that lower rating.

Weight distribution is recommended if the trailer is at least half of the vehicle weight. Since the trailer weighs 10,000 pounds that is more than half the weight of the truck so weight distribution is a good idea.

You can get sway control built into a weight distribution system. To choose a system you go by the total tongue weight which is the trailers tongue weight plus the weight of anything carried behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle.

On a trailer weighing 10,000 pounds the tongue weight is likely to be around 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. I recommend the Reese Strait-Line system, # RP66130, rated for 800 to 1,500 pounds tongue weight. It comes with dual-cam sway control that prevents trailer sway from starting. The only additional parts you will need are a ball, # C40086, and a shank, # RP54977.

For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and it is reliable. It isn't the most expensive or fanciest controller but it works and does its job well! I have included some links on weight distribution for you.

expert reply by: Michael H