SIC_HDPP

We usually use my dads. 06 f 350 diesel to pull this trailer to the atv trails. His truck needs some repais so were thinking about using mine. I have a 2013 XLT 4x4 super crew with the max tow package. There will be 4 atvs inside and some Gear with 4 adults in the cab. Am I safe to tow this?

SIC_HDPP

And I don't have bags or a weight distribution hitch.

bubbabud

My advice would be if in doubt load it up, hook it up and weigh it compare the actual weight with the weight ratings for the truck then decide.
Side note you can probably fudge the numbers a little without hurting any thing as long as you have a good working brake set up do what you are comfortable with but that looks like a lot of trailer for a 1/2 ton

brulaz

The simple answer is no, your hitch is only rated to 5000# weight carrying.

And that trailer could have 1000-1200# on the tongue depending upon how you load it. That would sag the rear a lot and pull a lot of weight off your front axle. Air bags would fix the sag but not the weight problem.

I wouldn't do it without a WDH..

superdave150

Whoa hold on there. I bit of clarification about the hitch capacity (with Max Tow pkg) -- I noticed the same markings on mine, and had an extended discussion with my service manager about it. We even called Ford HQ while I sat in in his office --
the hitch is rated for 5000# yes, but that number goes up to 10,000# with a WDH!

Sag or not, get a quality WDH and sway control setup!

EricJ

Any trailer weight over 5000 lbs (500 lb tongue weight) requires a WDH.
Check your payload sticker on your door frame, the yellow one.
It will be your limiting factor.

Passengers + Stuff + tongue weight must be less than payload.

smokeywren

That trailer requires a weight-distributing hitch, regardless of whether the tow vehicle is overloaded or not. But your Dad's truck needs a WD hitch to safely tow that trailer too. If he has it, then use it with your pickup when towing that trailer. If he doesn't have one either, then that would be a good present for him. So order a Reese Dual-cam Strait-Line WD hitch and install it on that trailer. It's a simple matter to plug the WD head and shank into different pickups, so when you have finished your trip, present the rest of the WD hitch to your Dad.

Here's the one I have for a similar cargo trailer:
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66084.html

superdave150

Yessir, smokeywren called it on the WDH to get! That is what I use and it works like a champ.

EcoboostKev

I say the Equal-i-zer with 4 way sway control is just as good and i think cheaper than the Reese Dual cam. Either way you need a WDHitch...

PHX 150

2nd the Equalizer.
Although the adjustment system (washers) is bit rudimentary, it's effective at moving the weight back to the trailer and the steer axle, plus it's great at sway control.
It's a bit noisy, but it takes care of the tail wagging the dog, and getting your weights distributed to the appropriate axles.