Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2010 Ford F-150 Towing a 6,500 lb Boat  

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There are a few things to consider to determine if you can safely tow your 6,500 lb boat with your 2010 Ford F-150. The first thing to determine is the towing capacity of your truck. This information should be listed in your owners manual. If the towing capacity of your truck is lower than 6,500 lbs, then I would not recommend towing your boat at all with your truck. Towing capacities range from 5,000 lbs to 9,000 lbs on the Ford F-150, so it is important that you check the capacity for your specific truck.

If you determine that your truck has a towing capacity higher than the weight you are planning on towing, then you will want to select a properly rated hitch. For your set up, I would recommend installing the Curt Class IV Trailer Hitch, # C14002. This hitch has a 2 inch receiver and that a gross trailer weight capacity of 10,000 lbs and a tongue weight capacity of 1,000 lbs. Keep in mind that this trailer hitch does not increase the towing capacity of your truck. Your towing capacity will be limited to the lowest rated item in your set up.

I have attached the installation instructions for this trailer hitch for you to check out.

Another system that you may be interested in is a weight distribution system like the Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System with Sway Control, # RP66074. A weight distribution system adds spring bars to the hitch system that apply leverage between the tow vehicle and the trailer. This will eliminate the sag at your rear axle and transfers the weight sitting at the rear of your truck to all axles.

The Reese Strait-Line system is one of the best weight distribution systems we offer and includes dual cam sway control for a comfortable ride. I have attached an article on weight distribution for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H

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