F53 Receiver Hitch upgrade

Question

Hello, all.After reading a few old threads where others like myself were looking for a receiver upgrade, I thought I would post this for the benefit of others who may follow on. Because the receiver was the weakest link between the chassis specs and the toad, I elected to upgrade it before towing a larger toad. Ford's specs of 26k GCVWR provide more capability than the factory 5k hitch could handle.You won't find a lot of published options for this chassis, but if you search for hitches for the F-350, 450, 550 or 650 cab and chassis you'll find plenty. And that's exactly what this chassis is (F-550).Curt for example has the part number 14048, rated for 10k weight carrying and 12k WD. There are plenty of other choices with even higher ratings, but I can't see needing more given what most coaches are already carrying on board.I am well under GVWR, GCVWR, and Ford's own tow rating (which is just one minus the other). We have a short coach, so frame extensions are not an issue in my case.I don't advocate anyone else changing their hitch, but if you need/want to, there are plenty of options.

wyotraveler · Answer

I changed out my 2008 F250 hitch. Replaced it with a Curt. The Curt hitch was twice as heavy. A real quality hitch.

corkey05 · Answer

Correct about it being a 550 frame, but there are mods to make it RV ready.

One biggy is frame extensions to gain the length for the motorhome. On my previous F53 chassis those extensions required additional support to allow for the added capacity of a class IV hitch. Those extensions are the weak link, but can be reinforced to work by a good frame shop.

It's not quite as simple as just adding a bigger hitch unless the frame is already up to the task.

I have to say, once my rig was set up with the class IV, I never looked back. It's nice to 'not worry' about the little things.

disneyfix · Answer

Ductape wrote:Hello, all.After reading a few old threads where others like myself were looking for a receiver upgrade, I thought I would post this for the benefit of others who may follow on. Because the receiver was the weakest link between the chassis specs and the toad, I elected to upgrade it before towing a larger toad. Ford's specs of 26k GCVWR provide more capability than the factory 5k hitch could handle.You won't find a lot of published options for this chassis, but if you search for hitches for the F-350, 450, 550 or 650 cab and chassis you'll find plenty. And that's exactly what this chassis is (F-550).Curt for example has the part number 14048, rated for 10k weight carrying and 12k WD. There are plenty of other choices with even higher ratings, but I can't see needing more given what most coaches are already carrying on board.I am well under GVWR, GCVWR, and Ford's own tow rating (which is just one minus the other). We have a short coach, so frame extensions are not an issue in my case.I don't advocate anyone else changing their hitch, but if you need/want to, there are plenty of options.Really? Everything I read aid I have a F53...no wonder I cant find anything to fit. Where can I find the specs for this to know the frame rail width is the same?Thanks,Chris

carringb · Answer

Disneyfix wrote:Really? Everything I read aid I have a F53...no wonder I cant find anything to fit. Where can I find the specs for this to know the frame rail width is the same?Thanks,ChrisThey actually are not quite the same. The rear half of the frames are, the power trains are the same, axles brakes etc. But the front section of the frame is not the same, and some of the engine accessories are packaged differently (sometimes by Ford, sometimes by the coach builder because Ford supplies them in a "dunnage box"). But yes, from the driver's seat back, the frames are the same standard 34" width, and many aftermarket truck hitches will fit the frame.Dimensions are here:https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2015/2015_F53_F59_v1-0.pdf

hikerdogs · Answer

I can't understand why there are so many people who think they can pull larger loads than the chassis is rated for without problems and complications.

The maximum trailer capacity Ford certifies the F53 chassis is for 7,000 lbs. That's for the smallest 16,000 lb. GVWR chassis. All other chassis are rated for 5,500 lbs. or less.

http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/brochures/2014/Class_A_brochure-2014_LoRes.pdf

This isn't the motorhome manufacturer derating the towing capacity because they add frame extensions. This is the maximum towing capacity rating Ford gives the bare chassis.

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F53 Receiver Hitch upgrade

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