ForestStranger

2018 F150 4x4 6.5 bed 3.5 Eco Max Tow. My 2" hitch receiver is wearing out… wallering … getting wider. Stinger from my ~7,000 fully loaded trailer, with about 1,000 pound hitch weight, rattles in the square tubing. I'm taking it to the dealer I bought it from and will claim poor quality materials. Any suggestions?

mikeinatlanta

I'd first measure and compare to specs. Verify it isn't an undersized hitch.

ForestStranger

Thanks, Mike. It was a factory build with Max Tow. I assumed the hitch box would be stout… but when we were at another dealer in New Mexico getting an oil change, a tech said, "Gee, that sure looks like an undersized hitch." The photo is taken of a decal on the hitch itself. I'm taking the truck and my stinger into the local dealer tomorrow. I'll post what their response is...

mikeinatlanta

To clarify, I didn't mean undersized receiver, I meant your hitch (stinger). How much wider has your receiver gotten? Measurements?

Flamingtaco

Check the dimensions on the draw bar. Some undersize it a bit so it doesn't stick in rusty receivers. This is a problem for anyone that tows approaching capacity regularly. A 1/8" gap is too much, and I've seen bigger.

Boomerweps

Definitely a Max Tow receiver at 13,200# tow, 1330 tongue. Regular receiver is rated at 11,600# towing, 1160# Tongue weight with a weight distributing hitch. 1600/160# difference. Same weight carrying, non WDH ratings.
So, engineer types, what’s the difference, better frame mounting? Just the thicker truck frame? Thicker receiver? Added Receiver reinforcing plates?

Flamingtaco

This thread boils down the HD Vs Max Tow receivers. In summary, the Max Tow receiver has a thicker chain plate, that is also welded in a manner that would provide better support against bending during braking. The price difference is just a few dollars between the three 're-enforcements'.

Boomerweps

Thanks. Great pics in that thread. Seems really stupid that that less costly Max Tow receiver isn't standard. Everyone should read that thread that has a factory receiver and, heaven forbid, get rear ended. Save some insurance deductible AND get the heavier capacity receiver for the replacement.

Georgia Terrapin

I don't know whether the OP's receiver was actually wallowed out,but here's the solution -- https://www.stowaway2.com/hitch-tightener:

Flamingtaco

Supply and demand changes the price of retail parts. Both receivers being other wise the same, the thicker/larger chain bracket would have cost Ford more to have produced.

I'd bet the Max Tow receiver was only a 30¢ upcharge for Ford... now here's where the bean counters come in. Why not produce just Max Tow receivers? Because of the over $250,000 per year savings in not doing that. 1.5 million saved during production of the current gen!

I bought one, they do nothing for horizontal motion, and really only address noise made by light trailers when you can't load the tongue enough. For eliminating noise and greatly reducing motion of everything I hook to, I made six shims from three thickness of aluminum flat bar.