Bumper towing weight versus a hitch.

[tomytek]

I am looking at a used 2005 Ford F150 Crewcab 4X4. The bumper towing capacity says 5000lbs, the seller told me that if I got a hitch installed, it should be able to tow a little over 8000lbs. I checked online and it says that the maximum towing capacity is 9500lbs. Would that mean I could potentially tow up to 9500lbs? I'm planning to eventually get a new boat that is 7600lbs with trailer. Do you think I would be safe buying this truck? This truck will be used primarily for towing my boat and taking things to the junk yard. I will occasionally use it when I cannot use my commuter car.

Thanks,
Tommy

[Riverine1969]

From numbers on this link.............................................. ....

http://www.fordf150.net/specs/05f150.php

tow capacity can be between 6,000 pounds and 9,200 pounds, depending on transmission, engine, and rear axle gear ratio.

See if you can find tthat information on the truck, either on a sticker under the hood on in the door frame.

[Striper huntin]

7600 lbs with a 1/2 ton truck is a load, especially when you back down and pull up a steep boat ramp.

[CFISHN]

http://www.trailerlife.com/output.cfm?id=42175

[MartyJ16]

I tow a small boat with a small truck using the bumper. It works fine after installing heavier than standard shocks - no squat or poor handling. However, I would not do anything bigger, boat or truck, without a hitch receiver.

[mr.jhlove]

Just look in the owners manual and make certain you're looking at the right model as various ones will be listed then make sure the hitch you buy is properly rated too. One thing to keep in mind is your tongue weight will be around 750lbs on that 7500lb boat which may cause some squat in the back of the truck. Trailer brakes will be needed too as well. I think I'd be looking for a 3/4 ton diesel but if you are set on 1/2 ton gas then it will work but won't be exactly ideal. IMO. Good luck!

[watercat]

I have always been told that with that kind of weight an anti-sway device is necessary. Do any of you have anti-sway control on your vehicle? I am looking for a good after market anti-sway for a Silverado. Any ideas?

[throrope]

I have always been told that with that kind of weight an anti-sway device is necessary. Do any of you have anti-sway control on your vehicle? I am looking for a good after market anti-sway for a Silverado. Any ideas?

Our DLX 2180 tows like a dream on just the ball without weight distribution or sway control.

We used a package by Reese on our 29 ft camper and I wouldn't use anyone else's. The bars come in different spring stiffness depending on your use.

http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Reese-66072-Strait-Line-600-lbs-Trunnion-Bar-Camper-Trailer-RV_p_2485.html

They also have a bar type that I'm not familiar with.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[tomytek]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm still up in the air about this truck. I was also looking a 3/4 ton Ram. I spoke with a guy who owns a boat like the one I want to eventually buy and he pulls it with a 1/2 ton Tundra. He said that he has had no problems towing his boat back and forth between NJ and VA. He did mention the different gear ratios to look out for and having trailer brakes like some of you mentioned. I'll keep you guys posted on what I get. Thanks again for the help.

Tommy

[wjsmith82]

I have been thinking the same thing about new boat and tow vehicles. I came across this on line:

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/top-10/top-10-vehicles-for-towing.html?articleid=102426&

Engine and transmission are important, but so are brakes. I would think about a trailer assisted braking system.

[corl]

I have a 2006 Dodge RAM 1500 with the Hemi engine and a lower rear end with air bags. I used a weight distribution hitch for towing my 24 ft race car trailer. It was about 6500 lbs loaded. With all that plus an antisway bar the trailer towed great. The HEMI engine has a lot of torque and goes up the mountains pretty well. It is not a diesel but fitted out this way it got the job done a lot cheaper than the diesel or the 3/4 ton truck. The rear was replaced under warranty at 43,000 miles. There is no substitute for heavy duty.

[texasspud]

Regardless of which vehicle you decide on, your always better going with an installed hitch vs a bumper hookup. With the bumper you have no height adjustment. With a hitch you can choose from varius heights of drop hitchs to ensure your trailer is level. The vehicle and trailer will also handle better with a frame installed hitch.