Hey folks
I just bought a 2019 f150 xlt and it came with the xtr package. It’s got the 5.0 with 3.31 gears.I didn’t even check to see if it had a hitch, and it don’t. So I got looking around the truck and it’s got tow mode and trailer sway. The truck only had a 4 pin outlet below the bumper. It does have the fuse installed in the fuse box for a trailer brake control. I’ve got a camper that weighs about 4000lb. I do have a weight distribution hitch that I use. The truck also comes with heavy duty shocks and my payload is like 1938lbs. What’s my best way to add a hitch, tbc, and 7 pin connector. Can the truck actually tow more than 5k if I added a class 4 hitch?

 

You can get hitches off sites like etrailer.

You can get a factory hitch at a junkyard too as a complete assembly with the 7 way since you are only towing 4000. Might be the easiest way.

If you cut your bumper pad (or put a precut one on it) for the 7 way, you have the use plyers and bend the tabs outwards some so the clips snap in.

Your truck won’t have the fuse but its only $10 or so bucks at a parts store. You will need to figure out the rest of the harness. You can get a knock off oem or factory oem controller off ebay and they both have worked ok for me.

As far as people towing over 5000 on the factory hitch without WD I see it all the time and have done it. The fulcrum point is a the absolute rear and it jerks it around some, squats a bit much too. If you put an aftermarket higher rated, higher that the factory optional hitch, you will have to pull the spare and its a little more involved to install as you need go get at the frame rails and install some saddles etc.

Its probably a better investment to go that way in the long run because it does pull better and the rating is higher.

Edit, also someone will snag your factory set up since you are supposed to use the non hitch bumper bracket when installing an aftermarket hitch. Even possible to do a trade?

 

Was your truck originally a rental? Those are some of the only ones I see without the standard tow package.

You’ll need to add the 7 pin. I’m not sure if there will be a connector back there or if you’ll have to wire it up to the front.

Since the fuse is there for the brake controller, I’d imagine the wiring would be too. It will be plugged in the the rear of the cubby under the 4wd ****. You need to take a few dash pieces off to get to it and the oem brake controller installs there. I’d recommend the oem conntroller over aftermarket.

Aftermarket hitch would probably be easier. Otherwise the oem hitch is integrated with the bumper and I’m not sure if you’d either need a new bumper or different brackets to mount your current bumper.

 

Per your year’s owner’s manual, generically speaking, you can tow 7000# with the 5.0. With the bumper ball mount limited to 5000#.
You have to cross reference your truck details in the Ford Towing Guide, engine, gear ratio, wheelbase, body style if considering more.

xtr package? Thought that was a Canadian only.

Brake Controller is required in most states at 3000# towing, some as low as 2K#, some higher.
Wiring one in depends on your truck’s wiring harnesses. Hitch maker CURT has a Bluetooth app based brake controller that plugs in between the truck and trailer. Only probs mentioned about it is it doesn’t play well with other apps active at the same time.

 

NY stiffs you at just 1000lb. Can't load up my 5x8 with gear to head up into Maine for a few weeks of fun because of their stupid law. Fat state blocks all of the northeast US from me.

But you can overload a diesel pusher and haul *** at 90mph all the way through and the cops won't bat an eye. They love those snowbirds doing the Maine to Florida cannonball runs twice a year.

 

I am curious to know about the wiring too incase I ever run across one for sale without a hitch (equipped with just the bumper ball and 4 way).


As far as the factory set up, his fastest way to do this is get the whole bumper bracket with the 2 inch receiver and the 2 sides, pad, and 7 way in one piece. 20 minute install without wiring. Its 4 bolts at the rear frame horns and easy to get to. Make sure to get the bolts misc off the donor truck incase there are some modest differences or if its the Max Tow equipped bumper bracket because it would have 6 bolts.

 

I think that law is 1000 unloaded and 3000 loaded last I saw. Is that what you meant?

 

Yes, 1000lb unladen. I've got a custom enclosed that's just over the limit because I had the mfg add a few things, but with a GVWR of 2990, no brakes. Wouldn't even load it over 2000lb.