Is Weight Distribution Required on 2014 Ford F-150?

Question

Question:

Ford recommends using a WDH when towing a trailer over 5000 lbs but I am wondering if that recommendation has to be followed IF you are within all legal limits of tongue weight, axles weights, combined weights etc. I use a WDH when towing our new TT as the sheer bulk of it almost ....no...does require weight distribution to be safe on the road. My question is regarding my equipment trailer. It is at 6900 lbs and a tongue weight of 760 lbs. My specs Ive found on the Class IV hitch is that its rated for 750 lbs / 7500 lbs dead weight. Basically, Im within those tolerances. My rear axle is 100 lbs under max GAWR, only settles 1-3/4 inches at the bumper and the front end only raises 3/8 inch at the fender well. Tows like a dream....attributed, Im assuming, to the low center of gravity...very little air resistance etc. My truck has the factory tow package and Ive installed SumoSprings on the rear. Would you shake your head at running this trailer setup or is my thinking of sane mind?

asked by: Harry V

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for the information you provided, and I'll start by telling you that as a general rule it is a good idea to follow the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer in regards to towing. Do you HAVE to use a weight distribution system if you're within the limits of both your equipment and the law? No, but if it adds to the safety of yourself, your passengers and other drivers, then there really is no reason not to.

In regards to your specific equipment trailer, you mentioned that you have a tongue weight of 760 lbs and a hitch rated for 750 lbs. In this case I would highly recommend using your weight distribution system to increase the capacity. I wouldn't "shake my head" at your set up (and clearly, you are of sane mind), but going over the tongue weight capacity is something you should avoid. It will put stress on your F-150's rear suspension, even with SumoSprings, not only hindering it in the long term but also potentially causing issues with steering control because your tires have less contact with the ground. It may be fine now but over time it could become a noticeable issue. You are also putting stress on the trailer frame and hitch receiver. In short, you don't absolutely have to use a WDH, but doing so is definitely better than not.

expert reply by: Kyle S

1

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Answer 1

With there already being a factory hitch installed on your 2010 Ford F-150, we do have an option to up the tongue weight capacity. That being said, there are no Class V hitches that we have available for your vehicle, so this will be a Class IV hitch…

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Answer 2

There are two ways to add a hitch to your 2013 Ford F-150 that already has a factory hitch installed. The first is to add the TorkLift #TLF1005H. This is only designed for short bed models and trucks with a factory hitch rated for 10,500 lbs. It also…

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Answer 3

I looked up the owners manual for the 2014 Ford F-150. On a 4x4 SuperCrew with the 3.5 liter EcoBoost, 145 inch wheelbase, and 3.55 rear end the gross combined weight rating will either by 13,400 pounds (for limited models) or 15,500 pounds. If you…

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Answer 4

The owner's manual for the 2014 Ford F-150 only shows the gross combined weight rating which is the most that the truck and trailer can weigh together. So I checked the towing guide from Ford for the 2014 model year. Capacity is also dependent…

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Answer 5

E track like the part #E19148 (5 foot section) would work well for what you are looking to do. People use E track for car haulers all the time and it works well. We even have a wheel strap designed for E tracks, part #EM58523 which will work great.

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Answer 6

Hey Jason! We have a one option to add a class IV hitch to your 2023 Ford F-150. It is the Curt item #C26HR. This mounts below your factory hitch and will give you a 10,000 lbs towing capacity. The main draw back of this hitch is you won't be…

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Answer 7

Hello Andrew, Well that sounds like quite the fun trip, what state or states will you be traveling through? You're asking a really important question, especially since you're planning a cross-country trip with about 250 pounds of bikes and…

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Answer 8

A 2012 Chevy Cruze can be flat towed but it has to be a manual transmission model. Automatics would need to be towed on a tow dolly like the part #RM-2050-1. For flat towing you'd first need a base plate kit for the vehicle like the Roadmaster…

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Answer 9

Curt actually offers three different hitches for a 2010 F150 (see link). Part #13368 is a Class III with a square tube crossbar and #13371 is a Class III with a round tube crossbar. Both hitches have a 600 lb tongue weight, 6000 lb towing capacity. A…

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Answer 10

You are correct, the use of an adapter typically reduces the tongue weight capacity by 50%, but the amount can vary slightly. Since you are towing a trailer, you do not want to use the Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 6" Drop/Rise…

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Is Weight Distribution Required on 2014 Ford F-150?

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