How To Set Up An F-250 For Towing?

DallasSteve wrote:
I see now that it has 3 factory installed hitch connection plugs on the tow bumper.

We have no idea what you mean by that phrase.

With regard to a hitch, the selling dealer where you are buying the RV can sell you an appropriate weight distribution hitch.
Some dealers even include them with the sale of an RV. Some "USED to" anyway.

Weight distribution hitch is all you need.

Your truck should have an ITBC (internet acronym for Integrated Trailer Brake Controller)

bikendan wrote:

ferndaleflyer wrote:
I might suggest that a trailer ball in that hole in the bumper is not enough, but then again we don't know the size of the trailer. I hope it has a real hitch installed under the bumper. The plug on the trailer should match one of the receptacles on the truck. It may or may not have factory installed controller. Need a lot more info just to answer your questions.

The OP listed the trailer in his signature.
Since the TT is over 36ft long, he's going to need more than just a trailer ball. He's going to need a WDH with sway control.
He needs to educate himself a lot more on towing. It's clear he doesn't have much of a knowledge base.

What makes you certain that a wdh/sway is a requirement or necessity and not just a want or a luxury? (Because by specs on that truck it actually isn’t a requirement.)

ferndaleflyer wrote:
I might suggest that a trailer ball in that hole in the bumper is not enough, but then again we don't know the size of the trailer. I hope it has a real hitch installed under the bumper. The plug on the trailer should match one of the receptacles on the truck. It may or may not have factory installed controller. Need a lot more info just to answer your questions.

New F250s come with a 2.5” or 3” class V receiver. All of them afaik. Haven’t seen a HD pickup come without a stout factory receiver in this century at least. (I’m sure there’s some special order anomalies out there but his ain’t one of them).
Trailer was pegged by the OP as 37’ long and 9klbs.
Either OE hitch option will be more than sufficient, weight carrying, for a TT anywhere near those specs.

bikendan wrote:

ferndaleflyer wrote:
I might suggest that a trailer ball in that hole in the bumper is not enough, but then again we don't know the size of the trailer. I hope it has a real hitch installed under the bumper. The plug on the trailer should match one of the receptacles on the truck. It may or may not have factory installed controller. Need a lot more info just to answer your questions.

The OP listed the trailer in his signature.
Since the TT is over 36ft long, he's going to need more than just a trailer ball. He's going to need a WDH with sway control.
He needs to educate himself a lot more on towing. It's clear he doesn't have much of a knowledge base.

I'm trying to educate myself now. I've got a few weeks before I pick up the trailer. It sounds like it may not be as complicated as I imagined. I wrote Jayco customer service and they replied that the trailer a "backup camera wiring print" so it sounds like a camera may already be installed. I'm trying to verify that.

ferndaleflyer wrote:
I might suggest that a trailer ball in that hole in the bumper is not enough, but then again we don't know the size of the trailer. I hope it has a real hitch installed under the bumper. The plug on the trailer should match one of the receptacles on the truck. It may or may not have factory installed controller. Need a lot more info just to answer your questions.

The OP listed the trailer in his signature.
Since the TT is over 36ft long, he's going to need more than just a trailer ball. He's going to need a WDH with sway control.
He needs to educate himself a lot more on towing. It's clear he doesn't have much of a knowledge base.

I might suggest that a trailer ball in that hole in the bumper is not enough, but then again we don't know the size of the trailer. I hope it has a real hitch installed under the bumper. The plug on the trailer should match one of the receptacles on the truck. It may or may not have factory installed controller. Need a lot more info just to answer your questions.

Your trailers connection should plug directly into one of your connectors on the truck. Your truck likely came with a brake controller if not buy one and install. You will need a weight distribution hitch with sway control to go with the ball.

Steve...the trailer plug/cord will plug directly into the truck, which connects lights, and brake controller. You will need to set your IBC to owners manual start point, and adjust as needed, following manual instructions.

A few new things to learn, but pretty simple setting/adjusting, per brakes needed.

Good luck with your new rig!

Jerry

DallasSteve wrote:

MFL wrote:
^ What??...are you saying your new 250 has no receiver hitch, factory plug-in for seven pin hookup, and no IBC?

I'd think the most you'd need, is a WDH, and your ready to tow?

I'd not worry about back up camera, just get out look, as needed.

Jerry

Jerry

You are correct. My original post is wrong. I will edit it. I was looking for a wiring harness dangling below the bumper. There are in fact three nice factory installed hitch connectors on the bumper itself. I suppose those are also factory wired so I don't need to do anything further. So I guess I'll need to buy a harness from the those connectors to the trailer's connector. I guess the dealer will have what I need but I will confirm. And I'll need to buy a hitch ball.

Thanks, Steve

You might be surprised to find the 3rd connector is for plugging in the tool to lower the spare tire….

I’m really confused as to whether you have a trailer yet. One of your last posts about how obtrusively long the truck was alluded to it.
But in short, you need the right height 2-15/16 ball stinger. Adjustable is nice for a couple reasons. 1 because you’re likely to get it wrong the first time and 2 because it allows for towing a much wider range of trailers. And 3 if you get a flip over 2” and 2&5 combo you’ll have it covered for towing a smaller trailer as well.
Remember to buy the RIGHT size hitch shank. And DONT use adapter sleeves unles you like bent hitch pins and worn out receiver pin holes.
The trailer that you don’t have yet will have a 7 pin plug on the end of a cord. Plug it into your truck. Just like plugging in the toaster in the kitchen.
Only thing left to do then is adjust the brakes. Read owners manual. (For the truck if wondering)
If’n it somehow tows like poop (swaying) then consider remedial action on the trailer or the purchase of a heavy steel band-aid (wdh with sway control).

Regarding cameras, idk man, I’m having trouble envisioning you backing up a 55’ + combo as is.
First, haul that sucker to the biggest empty parking lot you can find and don’t leave until you can put it inbetween some appropriately spaced cones without running them over. Don’t use the parking lot luminaire bases as cones until you can successfully not hit things that won’t damage the truck or trailer.
I’d say skip the trailer camera so you have to get out and see what you might hit next, as well as promote a greater level of skill training backing trailers up.