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
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.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitches - 6-1/2" Rise, 8" Drop - 20K
- Shop: Curt Heavy Duty Forged Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitch - 2-5/16" Ball - 6" Drop - 20K
- Shop: BulletProof Hitches 2-Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitch - 7-1/4" Drop, 7" Rise - 22,000 lbs
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw - 25K
- Q&A: Size of Wrench/Socket Required for Installing Ball Mount C40086
- Shop: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Rise - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - 10,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Tow & Stow 2-Ball Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 7-1/2" Drop/Rise - 18K - Black
- Shop: Curt Heavy Duty Forged Ball Mount for 2-1/2" Hitch - 2-5/16" Ball - 8" Drop - 20K
- Q&A: What Size Socket Is Needed to Tighten Down B&W 2-5/16 Inch Trailer Hitch Ball
- Video: 2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise Review
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball w/ 1" Rise
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Video: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Manufacturer Breakdown
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
on Trailer Hitch
