Should we buy a Ford 5th Wheel Hitch?

That's a lot of pin weight on a F250!

I have the B&W from the factory and love it!!

Rich1961 wrote:

Crespro wrote:
Hello,

We have an F250 on order and are thinking about a 5th wheel. It should be about 15.5K loaded (16.8K max gross weight). The Ford F250 has the eight foot box and the 5th wheel prep.

Would you buy the Ford hitch (18K rating) or another 5th wheel hitch?

Thanks,

Crespro

Crespro,

Are you aware of the drivers license requirement for 5th Wheels over 15k GVWR in California? Just asking as most aren't aware, and most dealers don't or won't tell you.

Rich

Thanks. I will contact DMV for the test. It seems both the 15K 5th wheel and 10K TT drivers need this.

Hello Folks,

I appreciate the thoughts of those who suggest we should all follow the proper specs and the statement that the Ford is a Reese hitch. Let me share our specs and then I will return to the 5th wheel hitch question.

We had a 40DP from 2005 until 2017, so some of our user specs come from that experience. We traveled with the 40 DP in all 48 lower states, but now plan to stay mostly on the California coast in our favorite RV parks. So a towable makes sense.

The Solitude we looked at Saturday passes the Kitchen, Living Room, Bath and One-Half, Bedroom, and Décor Specs.

The tow vehicle must pass both the Ford and the user specs. The current Super Duty Towing Guide on the Ford website shows 19,000# 5th wheel towing capacity for the 7.3 with 4.30 axle. The F250 truck manual shows 26,000# for the GCWR. The UVW spec is 6,500# for the 7.3, eight foot bed and our options. The gross is 10,000#, producing a payload of 3,500#. The RAWR is 6,340# and initial pin weight is 2,800#. With growth to 3,100# pin weight, DW and I, we should be about 15.5K on the 19K, 22K on the 26K and about 6K on the 6.34K axle ratings. We can store any extras in the RV.

The 40DP had four air bags for suspension and that has created an expectation. We hope the 4x2 front axle IFS and two airbags on the rear axle will produce a compliant ride spec. A 4WD or F350 will fail the desired ride spec. :-(

Many years ago I was in Detroit and had friends who were Ford engineers. The Ford engineers create the 19K and 26K specification with unpublished but real safety margins. My numbers show added safety margins over theirs (about 3K or 4K under the towing and GCVR numbers). I understand safety and these two margins are sufficient.

Thanks for everyone who responded. The Ford website does not offer any details other than the 18K rating on the Reese hitch. Knowing Ford, I suspect this is derated from a higher level.

Thanks for replying,

Crespro

valhalla360 wrote:

Crespro wrote:
I appreciate the caution and have researched this quite a bit. It is rated for 19.2K on towing a 5th wheel, has 26K GCWR, 3.6K payload and scored 94.5 points on the IKE. It meets the weight specs. The Ford engineers are right on this truck.

At 16.8k loaded, assuming 20% hitch weight (lower end of recommended percentages), that's 3360lb hitch weight. Add in a 200lb hitch and you used your full 3600lb payload before putting anything else in the truck.

People, firewood, gas jugs, running boards, etc...all count against your payload.

If it's nearer to the upper end of 25% you will be way over with an empty truck.

Not saying it will be a death trap but if you can change the order, why not fix the issue now when it's simple and cheap.

X2!
Depending on tires and empty (unloaded ready to camp) scaled rear axle weigh you might need better tires.
Keep in mind that 3.6K payload is for a base model XL, so if it has any option packages , like the 5er perp, that number starts going down.
I think you will be first surprised at the payload on the yellow sticker, and the greater reduction once you scale ready to tow..

Crespro wrote:
I appreciate the caution and have researched this quite a bit. It is rated for 19.2K on towing a 5th wheel, has 26K GCWR, 3.6K payload and scored 94.5 points on the IKE. It meets the weight specs. The Ford engineers are right on this truck.

At 16.8k loaded, assuming 20% hitch weight (lower end of recommended percentages), that's 3360lb hitch weight. Add in a 200lb hitch and you used your full 3600lb payload before putting anything else in the truck.

People, firewood, gas jugs, running boards, etc...all count against your payload.

If it's nearer to the upper end of 25% you will be way over with an empty truck.

Not saying it will be a death trap but if you can change the order, why not fix the issue now when it's simple and cheap.

Pin weight 16800 @ 20% is 3360 lbs leaving 240 lbs for all other cargo, including the hitch (200 +/- lbs) and passengers in the truck.
Pin weight maybe less but could be up to 25%. Also is that 3600 payload a brochure weight for a basic truck with no options.

Ken

Lwiddis wrote:
16,800 pounds with the F250 diesel?
Page 23 https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2020/f-series-super-duty/2020-Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf

Nope, it's a gasser and a 2 wheeler, so it has more "payload." Lol

Actually payload isn't the reason to upgrade and nothing wrong with a 250, but that truck will be suckin wind westbound anywhere where the wind blows.
Diesel ftw with a trailer that size or get used to the right lane and 4ways in headwinds and up mountians.

Crespro wrote:
Hello,

We have an F250 on order and are thinking about a 5th wheel. It should be about 15.5K loaded (16.8K max gross weight). The Ford F250 has the eight foot box and the 5th wheel prep.

Would you buy the Ford hitch (18K rating) or another 5th wheel hitch?

Thanks,

Crespro

Crespro,

Are you aware of the drivers license requirement for 5th Wheels over 15k GVWR in California? Just asking as most aren't aware, and most dealers don't or won't tell you.

Rich

Second Chance wrote:

Lwiddis wrote:
16,800 pounds with the F250 diesel?
Page 23 https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2020/f-series-super-duty/2020-Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf

Made your link clickable:

Clicky

I agree - reconsider the combination.

Rob

Fixed your fix!:B

Fixed link

Lwiddis wrote:
16,800 pounds with the F250 diesel?
Page 23 https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North%20America/US/product/2020/f-series-super-duty/2020-Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide.pdf

Made your link clickable:

Clicky

I agree - reconsider the combination.

Rob