Can 2017 Ford F-250 Short Bed 6.7L Diesel w/ 3.55 Axle Ratio Tow 14,000 lb 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 09/21/2021 | Published 09/19/2021

Question:

Not sure if my truck will tow a certain 5th wheel not knowing how to figure the king pin weight? I have a 2017 Ford F-250 6.7 turbo diesel crew cab short bed it has a 3.55 ratio rear axle. I’ve never pulled a 5th Wheel. The Ford dealership said I can tow 16500 lbs. The 5th wheel I’m looking at has a dry weight of 12850 lbs. if I add my cargo, our body weights and weight of the 5th wheel hitch to the dry weight that all= 14190. Is this too much weight for my truck?

asked by: HCK F

Expert Reply:

Since your dealer said your 2017 Ford F-250 short bed with a 6.7L diesel and 3.55 axle ratio can tow 16,500 lbs, you can tow a 5th wheel trailer that weighs a total of about 14,000 lbs without issue.

You mentioned pin weight, and for a 5th wheel trailer that will be roughly 15 - 20 percent of your loaded trailer, or somewhere between 2,100 lbs and 2,800 lbs, so you'll want to check that against the GAWR, or axle rating, on the label on your door jamb, but it should be well above that since your '17 F-250 is rated for towing a 16,500 lbs 5th wheel trailer.

Then in order to tow your 14,000 lb 5th wheel trailer you'll need a hitch, base rails with an install kit, and a wiring harness, with the best options being the following:

- Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider # C16521
- Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50074-58
- Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector for Aluminum Beds # C57008

I really like the A16 because of its strong interlocking dual jaw system that wraps totally around the king pin, ensuring full contact; this is important because it helps minimize the back-and-forth chucking, bucking and jarring that you get when towing with lesser hitches, giving you a far more comfortable ride.

The Reese base rail kit is great because it does not require any drilling into your frame rails to install. Not having to drill is not only great for your truck but will benefit you whether you are doing the install yourself (saving hours) or having a professional do it (less install time equals less expensive labor costs).