F53 Receiver Hitch upgrade

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.