Recommendations for Towing 9,600 Pound Trailer with 2013 Ford F-150

Updated 07/10/2019 | Published 07/09/2019

Products Featured in This Question

TorkLift SuperHitch Hero Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - Dual 2" Receivers

(5)

$716.09

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 15,000 lbs

(3940)

$25.09

Question:

After reading Fords brochures on my 2013 truck and QandA answers, I am so confused right now about what I can tow and what I cannot. I purchased a 2018 Cargomate E Series 8.5 X 20 enclosed car hauler to carry not only my 1988 Mustang GT to car shows but also haul my parents Dodge Grand Caravan if needed. According to Ford, my Super Crew short bed F-150 with 3:55 gears and tow package has a max towing capacity of 9600 lbs. but Ford shows the hitch receiver at 5000 lbs. max trailer capacity and 500 lbs. tongue load or 11,300/1130 weight distributing. I dont get why Ford shortchanged me on my receiver capacity on a truck supposedly able to tow 9600 lbs.. My trailer has a GVWR of 9800 lbs. with 2, 4900 lb. rated axles. I thought I was in the clear as long as I kept under 9600 lbs. but apparently all is not as it seemed. I keep seeing two Ford factory receiver load specs for my F-150 in the etrailer answers that hitches will and wont fit. 10,500 lbs. and 11,500 lbs. So, what is my factory hitch rated? 5000 lbs.? 10,500 lbs.? 11,500 lbs.? Is my hitch within my trailers load range? What weight distributing hitch, if any, do I need?

asked by: Daniel M

Expert Reply:

I completely understand your confusion, as pinpointing a truck's actual towing capacity proves time and time again to be one of the more frustrating experiences for our customers. As you alluded to in your question, you are going to be restricted by your weakest link so if your hitch is rated for less than the truck, you have to adhere to the hitch's limits.

I wasn't able to verify the factory trailer hitch capacity on your F-150 but there should hopefully be a sticker right on the hitch itself that lists its ratings. If you can't find anything there then I honestly recommend taking the dealer's word for it as they should be able to track down exactly what the truck is equipped with based on its VIN.

If the hitch truly does have a 5,000 pound towing capacity but the truck itself is rated for 9,600 pounds then your best option is to add a weight distribution system so that you can take advantage of the higher limits. This really is a great idea anyway as it's going to provide a much more comfortable towing experience as well as reduce any rear sag you might be getting with the loaded trailer hooked up to the truck.

When picking out a weight distribution system the most important factor to consider is your total tongue weight. This number includes both the loaded tongue weight of the trailer along with any added cargo weight coming from behind the F-150's rear axle. Ideally this number falls comfortably within the system's operating range.

If we use a maximum trailer weight of 9,600 pounds we can estimate that it's loaded tongue weight will be around 950 to 1,400 pounds. This is because a trailer's tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight.

With this in mind I highly recommend the Reese Strait-Line # RP66130 that features a tongue weight capacity of 800 to 1,500 pounds and uses a superior self-centering sway control that not only quickly reduces side-to-side movement but works to prevent it from happening at all. You will just need to add an adjustable shank # RP54970 and a compatible hitch ball like the 2-5/16 inch # C40030.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this system that you can check out as well.