Best Front Mount Hitch For 2017 Ford F-150 For Maneuvering Trailer In Tight Spaces

Updated 02/28/2025 | Published 02/26/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(197)

$250.05

EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(8)

$468.30

Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly with Chain Drive - 2" Hitch Ball - 10,000 lbs

(456)

$849.00

Question:

I purchased the Curt C31083 a couple of years ago and it is great for bike racks and other accessories. Id like to also use it for maneuvering my travel trailer into tight spaces. I am seeing though that the vertical load rating of 500 lbs is less than the tongue weight of my travel trailer ~750 lbs. Many small travel trailers actually have tongue weights in this range. Is there anything that can be done to increase the vertical load rating or do you carry another model that has a higher rating? My truck is a 2017 F150.

asked by: Dan R

Expert Reply:

Hey Dan, thanks for getting in touch. And good questions.

For starters, there is no way to actually increase the vertical load rating of the Curt # C31083 front hitch. 500 lbs is the limit, and I cannot recommend using that to move a 750 lb tongue weight trailer, even if over a short distance. It would be risky and I would hate for you to damage something.

One option to consider is a different front hitch. Specifically the EcoHitch Front Hitch for the 2017 F150, part # EH87SR. This has a 750 lb vertical load rating. I would feel MUCH more comfortable moving your camper with this hitch rather than the Curt. You would be right at the limit for the weight capacity, but this is much better suited for what you are trying to do.

Another potential option is a trailer dolly, like the Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly with Chain Drive # TVXL2. it has a 10,000 lb capacity, so no worries there. It operates with a hand crank, and also has an attachment for a powered drill. These things are great for maneuvering trailers into tight spaces.

You will find a link to our video review for the Trailer Valet dolly just below.

Leave a reply below and let me know what you think, or if you have any questions and I will get back to you.