This question is plaguing me. Ford's literature for their F-350 SRW Diesels states "Fifth-wheel tow rating limited to fifth-wheel hitch rating of 18,000 lbs.". Does this mean that since their OEM fifth wheel hitch is rated at 18k this is the limit? Gooseneck rating is 20700 seeming to mean they can tow more. B&W makes a hitch meant for the OEM puck system that is rated at 20k. If I use that am I legal to tow a 20k trailer?

I'm confused. Are you concerned about what is "legal" to tow or what might break? As far as legal is concerned, you can tow anything you want as long as properly licensed and registered in your state; and a cop doesn't see you as a serious hazard.As far as what might break, I haven't a clue.

The rating is all about what is your pin weight!!! A triple axle gooseneck or 5er RV can be towed at those numbers. Change to tandem axle and NO GO.

I am looking for legal. This is important for insurance reasons. If you are over limit per manufacturer's spec then they don't have to cover you in the event of an accident. People are crazy out there and both my buddy's that tow fifth wheel have gotten in unavoidable accidents with their trailers. I just want to be able to legally tow a 20k trailer with a SRW diesel.

TheOutdoorJohn wrote:I am looking for legal. This is important for insurance reasons. If you are over limit per manufacturer's spec then they don't have to cover you in the event of an accident. Of course they do. Insurance covers stupid acts by the insured.

You must have very forgiving insurance. My brother had a call stolen and they accused him and stealing it.

Ford F-350 Towing Spec | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

Grit_dog
Navigator
Sep 06, 2019
TheOutdoorJohn wrote:
You must have very forgiving insurance. My brother had a call stolen and they accused him and stealing it.

Lol!
You mean a car stolen and the ins company said he stole his own car?
Now that's funny right there...What profession is your brother in?
noteven
Explorer III
Sep 06, 2019
I checked with a close acquaintance who owns a towing business. To his knowledge in 30 plus years no one has ever shovelled up the wreckage of a RV and weighed it to see if it was one that got by the RV.net weight police.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Sep 06, 2019
In some states the insurance company may not "cover" YOUR losses but in all states they will pay to the max covered amount other people's losses.
TheOutdoorJohn
Explorer
Sep 06, 2019
You must have very forgiving insurance. My brother had a call stolen and they accused him and stealing it.
drsteve
Explorer
Sep 06, 2019
TheOutdoorJohn wrote:
I am looking for legal. This is important for insurance reasons. If you are over limit per manufacturer's spec then they don't have to cover you in the event of an accident.

Of course they do. Insurance covers stupid acts by the insured.
TheOutdoorJohn
Explorer
Sep 06, 2019
I am looking for legal. This is important for insurance reasons. If you are over limit per manufacturer's spec then they don't have to cover you in the event of an accident. People are crazy out there and both my buddy's that tow fifth wheel have gotten in unavoidable accidents with their trailers. I just want to be able to legally tow a 20k trailer with a SRW diesel.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Sep 06, 2019
The rating is all about what is your pin weight!!! A triple axle gooseneck or 5er RV can be towed at those numbers. Change to tandem axle and NO GO.
troubledwaters
Nomad
Sep 06, 2019
I'm confused. Are you concerned about what is "legal" to tow or what might break? As far as legal is concerned, you can tow anything you want as long as properly licensed and registered in your state; and a cop doesn't see you as a serious hazard.

As far as what might break, I haven't a clue.

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Ford F-350 Towing Spec

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