Ford F150 Max Tow Question

[TheFlagGang6]

Could someone who has the Ecoboost with Max Tow give me the maximum hitch capacities listed on the rear bumper and hitch. I'm primarily looking for what is listed for using a weight distributing hitch. The receiver tube on my current vehicle actually started to split at the bottom front. The seam in the tube was located where the weight distribution shank bears at the front. Thankfully I was checking my setup out before our first trip this year and found the problem. It's interesting that most if not all receiver tubes you see have the additional ring around the tube where you insert the shank, but nothing at the front to accommodate the condition when a weight distributing hitch is used.

[dretired]

look at Fords 2012 F 150 towing capacity on-line

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by TheFlagGang5

Could someone who has the Ecoboost with Max Tow give me the maximum hitch capacities listed on the rear bumper and hitch. I'm primarily looking for what is listed for using a weight distributing hitch. The receiver tube on my current vehicle actually started to split at the bottom front. The seam in the tube was located where the weight distribution shank bears at the front. Thankfully I was checking my setup out before our first trip this year and found the problem. It's interesting that most if not all receiver tubes you see have the additional ring around the tube where you insert the shank, but nothing at the front to accommodate the condition when a weight distributing hitch is used.

How about a photo fo the split ?? I have a 2006 F150, and want to watch out for potential problems.

[Triguy]

FlagGang,
While you are waiting for someone with the Ecoboost, is this what you are looking for? Looks like 1,130lbs is the max tongue weight...

This came from the Ford Towing Guide.

[21C1]

My '10 F150 Screw with Max Trailer Tow has a bumper rating of 5000# with a tongue weight of 500#. My receiver is rated for 11,300# with a tongue weight of 1,130#. I am guessing the newer F150's are the same.

[acadianbob]

Mine says 11,500 and 1,150 WD right on the hitch. Just crawled under there and took the number right off of it.

[TheFlagGang6]

Unfortunately I did not take a picture of the crack/split but I'll do my best to explain it. If you drop your spare tire, climb under the truck, and look out through the receiver tube. On the bottom right corner of the receiver tube, a crack started where the bottom of the tube starts to radius at the corner. The crack had not opened up, but extended about an inch from the front end of the tube towards the back. When the tube was being welded back together, you could actually see the manufacturing seam as the heat from the weld built up and dissipated. It's entirely possible that this happened because of the location of the seam. If the seam was on the top part of the tube, it probably never would have happened.
I recommend anyone pulling a trailer to check your bolted hitch connections, but also take a look at major stress points. In my opinion the receiver tubes are relatively short for the amount of force they must resist when using a weight distribution setup.

[TheFlagGang6]

Thanks for the responses. I'm wondering if Ford designed a heavier hitch for these increased tow capacities. Might be something to watch out for.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by TheFlagGang5

In my opinion the receiver tubes are relatively short for the amount of force they must resist when using a weight distribution setup.

I've always thought the same thing!

[MtnGuy]

Thanks, TheFlagGang5. I think my receiver tube is welded down the middle of the bottom of the tube, but I will definitely check that out.