Here we go again . . . . (see next post for specs)

 

Some of us only tow U-Haul trailers, and I'm one. The specs can be tough to find in advance, but people ask the questions occasionally. Here's what I've learned from my most recent experience (Part I last weekend, Part II this Memorial Day 2019 weekend).

All U-Haul trailers are designed for an 18" ball height. I bought a 2" ball and ball mount both engineered for 10,000 lbs, and with a 1" rise, because the top inside of the hitch receiver tube is 17". Perfect for U-Haul trailers. U-Haul gives a wide range for acceptable ball heights, but the actual, correct height is 18".

I chose 10,000 lbs for more versatility. I didn't want the ball and ball mount to be the weak links in the system. Be careful, my 10,000 ball has a 1.5" shank which requires 450 ft-lbs of torque as compared to a home-shop manageable 150 ft-lbs for a 1" shank.

Per trailer stickers, the 6' x 12' is 1,920 lbs empty and has a GVWR of 4,400 lbs. Using a tongue scale, the empty tongue weight is 160 lbs. The recommended minimum loaded tongue weight per the stickers is 260 lbs. That would only be 6% of the loaded weight, way too low.

The F150 generally is limited to a 500 lbs tongue weight without a weight distributing hitch, which would be 12% of a fully loaded trailer. That's within specs, I think. But if one went to a 13% tongue weight it would exceed specs by 72 lbs (max 500, tongue weight 572).

In fairness, I'm talking like an expert, but this afternoon I got the trailer jacked up in a nearby cul-de-sac and had to ask a landscaper for help getting out. A few minutes later I snugged it nicely into the driveway so I maybe should get a participation trophy.

Advice: To anyone who exclusively uses U-Haul on occasion, don't worry. I think if you get the ball close to 18" and try to load the heavy stuff toward the front, you'll have a pleasant experience. Try to avoid having a ball that's 4" too low, like I have in the past. That's when you drag chains in driveways, etc. It's just unpleasant. The truck will be fine.

GT

 

I was told there would be pics.

 

OK, here are some pics, the first showing a level trailer (note the crosshairs in the center):

 

I'm surprised you needed a riser bar. Although a touch lower than my 4x4, the 2-5/16" ball on a 2" drop bar hits just below my kneecaps, which are apparently about 18" from the soles of my boots according to the tape measure I have on my desk. I'm very familiar with that ball's height, it whacks that spot that makes my leg kick when I'm not paying attention.

 

Update: Measured while I was taking a break, the top of my draw bar is right at 18".