WD hitch on a F150

Go with an 8000/800 lb rated Reese Straight Line (Dual Cam). it will be money well spent!

Seriously. Yes the ratings in the manuals might be on the low side as a CYA measure on the part of the manufacturer, but what else do you have to go by?

NOTHING. That's what else you have to go by.

So who is willing to risk life and limb by pushing past the manufacturer ratings further and further until they experience a failure? The only way you're going to find that "real" limit is by going past it, in other words, making something bad happen.

Even the guys who knowingly and willingly overload their vehicles still draw the line at a manufacturer's rating. Usually, the tires. Why? Because as long as the tires stay round on the bottom you've got a shot at getting the truck off the road without killing anyone when something bad happens.

That said, one test to failure does not determine the "real" limit. The next one might fail at 1/2 the manufacturer's rating due to an unseen defect. The one after that might exceed the original test by orders of magnitude. Testing of dozens and an average value is necessary. Not exactly something the average guy can afford to take on.

joshuajim wrote:
I've read the manual on my truck completely, but you must remember that the manual is created by engineers and then edited by the lawyers to make sure that there is minimum liability for the manufacturer.

Why do people say that?? Is there credible documented evidence from engineers, lawyers or other experts somewhere that prove that? Not the first time I've seen this. Comments like these really don't help the OP or others new to towing a TT.

Some of us like to be be conservative and safe and stay within ratings, and being an engineer, I stay within engineer's or manufacturer's specifications and ratings no matter what it is. Ratings are there for a reason - to protect you and the public at large.

Have used the Equalizer brand for years. Keep an extra set of L-Pins. They are known to wear out over time. In fact we had a trucker hail us that our Spring Arm Bar was sticking straight out from the hitch (due to the bar slipping over the bent L-Pin).
Be sure you get the proper Shank Size and hitch size for you trailer hook up.
Happy trails,

In all likelihood, your F150's receiver is rated for 500/5000 in weight-carrying mode, and 1000/10000 with a WD hitch. Check the sticker on the receiver, or the owner's manual if it is OEM.

If such is the case, a WD hitch is absolutely required for the heavier trailer. The old standbys of Reese Dual Cam and Equal-I-Zer are virtual can't-go-wrong choices. You can go for the full Hensley or Propride treatment too, though the effect will probably be lost on that size trailer.

I've read the manual on my truck completely, but you must remember that the manual is created by engineers and then edited by the lawyers to make sure that there is minimum liability for the manufacturer. The lawyers don't really care what the cost is to the consumer.

Real life experience from forum menbers, taken with a grain of salt and substantial skepticism,, can be very valuable.

Your truck's owners manual will have WDH requirements in its towing manual.
it still amazes me that so many owners don't check their owners manual first, before asking strangers.

I think it is called a forum, for real life experience. Sorry to bother you. Thanks for the advice. I will check the manual also.

We use an Equalizer hitch on Chev 1500 with trailer weighing 6600 loaded. It works very well. No push from tractor trailers. It is important to get the setup correct by careful measurement and best doing a full weight series at a CAT scale. It seems to be important to have the bars parallel to the tongue - at least that is what I found. Don't underestimate your tongue weight. The brochure weight will be way low. Best would be to weigh. Next would be to use 15% of trailer GVWR.

Your truck's owners manual will have WDH requirements in its towing manual.
it still amazes me that so many owners don't check their owners manual first, before asking strangers. :h

I haven't used any other brands or styles, but our Equalizer has worked great for us. Behind the F150 and everything else we've used.

Good luck!