Hitch issue.

[Bgribb]

The dealership where we bought our trailer will only install hitches they sell. I want to buy a different hitch. I spoke with the salesman and he informed me that they do not install custom hitches. Now my question is, is it safe to tow the trailer home( 3hr drive) with just a standard 2in ball hitch? Trailer weights 5300 lbs.

[jay2703]

Depends on your tow vehicle. Most hitches don't take a lot to install if there isn't anything in the way that needs to be moved. You could do a quick install then dial it in when you get home.

[Bgribb]

Thank you. My tow vehicle is a f150 5.0l. The hitch I am getting is a hensley. The videos on this hitch are a little involved for the install.

[007matman]

You can probably get it home if you take it easy. I would not try and set any records and watch out for crosswinds and large trucks.. they'll toss you around somewhat.

Are you sure that's a 2" ball? Could be 2 5/8 too.. I'd check with the dealer.

[Bgribb]

Ok thank you. Yea I would definitely not set any land speed records. I will check on the hitch size.

[AlanMoor]

I don't think you'll like towing it with your F150 but it's probably doable. I towed a 2509S (5,300 lbs) with my 2002 F250 7.3L diesel and it was fine on the state roads, but on the interstate I could "feel" it more than I wanted to. It was of course empty (even the propane tanks) so I wouldn't be surprised if the hitch was light. I now have an Andersen hitch but haven't tried it yet. I think you could do it as long as you use state roads or go slow on the interstate. When we came back I found trucks driving 60-65 and stay behind them. A working brake controller is probably the most important part.

[ependydad]

I don’t think it’s a 2” ball. For those better in the know, wouldn’t it be a 2 5/16” or something?

[Bgribb]

Ok. Thank you for the info. I have untill May to work this all out.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Bgribb

The dealership where we bought our trailer will only install hitches they sell. I want to buy a different hitch. I spoke with the salesman and he informed me that they do not install custom hitches. Now my question is, is it safe to tow the trailer home( 3hr drive) with just a standard 2in ball hitch? Trailer weights 5300 lbs.

Are you talking about a hitch or hitch RECEIVER?
If your truck has the factory tow package, it should already have a hitch receiver.
Are you wanting the dealer to setup the Hensley?

Next, you're making a number of newbie mistakes. First, your use of fictional dry weight numbers. No TT weighs those numbers when it leaves the factory. It'll weigh more than that on the dealer's lot. Second, the fictional dry tongue weight of 709lbs is 209lbs over the truck's receiver max non-WDH hitch weight of 500lbs. And I guarantee it'll be over that 709lbs with the batteries installed.

[Bgribb]

My TV has the factory tow package. So I guess I am talking about the hitch. Yes, I was hoping the dealer would install/setup the hensley for me. The numbers I put out there were from the specs of the trailer I have seen online and from the manufacturers website.I am truly a newbie. Just trying to learn and get some help from everyone here.

[Bgribb]

I not sure I mentioned the T.W. which is 709# according to the websites I found and the manufacturers website. I understand those numbers maybe fictional. I am going by what I know so far. I am learning already. Thanks for the information.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Bgribb

I not sure I mentioned the T.W. which is 709# according to the websites I found and the manufacturers website. I understand those numbers maybe fictional. I am going by what I know so far. I am learning already. Thanks for the information.

The generally accepted formula for figuring ballpark loaded tongue weight is taking 12-13% of the trailer's GVWR, which is 6869lbs.
So that would be 824-892lbs.
But even though it should be unloaded, I would have the dealer weigh the tongue and go from there. No matter what, it'll be over the max amount without the WDH.

I get that you're new but you've done that right thing by coming here for answers BEFORE buying the trailer, so good for you. Many newbies buy without doing any research or asking questions. Then they come on RV forums and complain or rant.

[KansasJohn]

First of all, my guess is that a 5300lb dry weight trailer will have a 2 5/16" ball, not a 2", so make sure that you have the correct hitch ball size.

The first thing you need to check is whether the hitch receiver on your truck is rated for at least 750-800 pounds of tongue weight without weight distribution. If it is the factory receiver, it very likely isn't. The factory receiver on my 2018 Silverado is only rated for 700 lbs tongue weight without WD, but 1200 lbs if WD is used. So, that would be the first thing I would check. If the receiver is rated for less than 750 pounds, I would not tow the trailer home without WD. If it is rated for at least 750 pounds, and your hitch drawbar and hitch ball are rated for the weight, then I would probably tow it home as-is, and just keep your speed down and leave lots of extra room. Also, try to carry as little cargo in the truck as possible, as I suspect squat will be significant.

[llr]

How far are you from the dealer? What type of roads and terrain? A few miles away on side roads I wouldn't worry about it. A hundred miles away through mountains I wouldn't consider it.

It may be best to buy the cheapest WDH the dealer offers to get it home. Then sell it after you get the Hensley setup.

Or se if you can find a trailer / auto shop near the dealer that will install the Hensley. I would be sure they know this is not a typical WDH.

I don't blame the dealer for only installing what they sell, liability is too high.

[SailorSam20500]

A speculation and others can correct me if they know I'm wrong.
I think the receiver weight rating goes up with WD installed due to the impact on the trucks steering, not that the receiver itself can't handle the weight. Over 500 lbs, you will loose more weight from the front axle than the required government testing allows.

So towing without WD may significantly impact your steering and braking. FWIW, I saw a lawn crew go by me who's trailer so removed front axle weight that the front wheels bounced off the ground as it went thru an intersection.
Adjusting the balance of your trailer to keep the tongue weight down causes other problems. Mostly an increase in the trailers tendency to sway, which increases significantly the faster you are traveling.

Personally, I would be very leery of making a 3hr drive, is that at freeway speeds? If I even considered it, I would be driving much slower than that.
I think I would be searching near your dealer for a mechanic to install or aid installation (mobile RV Tech?). Or I would be making the trailer purchase contingent on installing your Hensley, walk away if they won't. My Propride was installed by my dealer, though they put the stinger together upside down.

[Thomas ho]

i would get a 2, 5/16 ball , 3 ball combo at harbor freight. pull home and do the hensley hitch set up at home. i have pulled trailers lots heavier than the one you have bought . and further. this was before wdh hitches wete available. 45 mph to 50 mph . you will get there.

[Bgribb]

Thanks everyone for the helpful info. I appreciate everyone's comments.

[lbrjet]

Kansas John saved me a bunch of typing.

[dedobias]

My dealer agreed to install a blue ox they don't sell. Hensley is complex. Can't you find a hensley dealer near the trailer dealer or on the way?

[oxcamper]

The hitch ball size will be stamped on the trailer tongue on the hitch. You could ask the dealer what size ball is required, or go there yourself and take a look see.