Weight distribution hitch didn't fit trailer rails

[ryno1234]

I purchased a weight distribution hitch from Harbor Freight (https://www.harborfreight.com/10000-lb-capacity-weight-distributing-hitch-system-67649.html)

After attempting to install it, I now know what I didn't know. I realize now I made a couple of mistakes:

• Mistake #1: I have surge brakes and apparently certain types of WD hitches are not compatible with surge brakes because they limit the travel of the trailer and could prevent the surge brakes from ever kicking in.
• Mistake #2: The bars which attach to the WD hitch are only so long. On my trailer, the the trailer beams don't split out into the "A" structure until 30" past the coupler. It's not until 37" + that you could even begin to secure the WD bar attachment points. None of the WD hitches I've seen have bars that attach that far back.

My boat and trailer are 8-9K total pounds. I'm currently towing with my 2013 F-150 Super Crew 4x4 with a hitch / tow set up rated for 5,500lbs without WD hitch, 10,500lbs with. Again, another case of didn't know what I didn't know that the weight rating I originally saw when purchasing the vehicle was with a weight distribution hitch which I did not have at time of purchase and am looking to acquire now (or alternative mentioned below)

So, my question is two-fold:

• What type / brad of hitch and / or components are necessary to work with a trailer like mine since most of what I'm seeing wouldn't connect or be compatible. I've found some which work with surge brakes, but none that have long connection points (+37" from the coupler)
• Alternatively, what about helper airbags to prevent sagging. I've heard that may be a good option as well. Pricing would be less than $1K to get that installed and it would have more uses than just towing my trailer.

Thoughts?

 

[Horigan]

My thought is that your questions are moot since you're severely overloading your tow vehicle and shouldn't be towing your boat with it.

 

[ryno1234]

My thought is that your questions are moot since you're severely overloading your tow vehicle and shouldn't be towing your boat with it.

I see I didn't specify my max towing capability. My mistake. I've updated the original question.

 

[CapriBX]

What vehicle is it? It sounds like you're trying to tow with a small SUV, which i would NOT trust with a 8k lb boat.

 

[ryno1234]

What vehicle is it? It sounds like you're trying to tow with a small SUV, which i would NOT trust with a 8k lb boat.

2013 F150 Super Crew.

 

[briangcc]

You need to call around to trailer shops to see what options you have.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Sounds to me like you're overloading your truck. What does the yellow sticker on the driver side door jamb say your payload and towing capacity is?

Also, how much weight (including passengers, gear, and trailer tongue) are you putting on the truck?

I'm wondering how using a WDH on a boat works... I would guess you have to disconnect the weight distributing bars before launching or retrieving, yes?

 

[Lou C]

Try contacting the people who sell The Equalizer WD hitch; it is made to work with surge brakes & boat trailers often need a special adapter to make the whole system work.

 

[dingbat]

Where did you come up with the need for a weight distribution hitch with that truck?

A WDH is only required for bumper pull over #5K.

https://tailoredtrucks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2013-f150-owners-manual.pdf

 

[Scott Danforth]

from my limited experience

if you need to run a WD hitch, you need to step away from surge brakes and move to electric over hydraulic or electric brakes to work with the brake controller in the truck

or

get a weight distribution hitch setup that is certified compatible with surge brakes. However I have yet to find one that actually works with surge brakes or that you can even use to launch a boat without removing the sway bars. Teh Equal-i-zer brand is supposed to work. however you will be spending 5X of what you spent at Harbor Freight

 

[Bondo]

So, my question is two-fold:

• What type / brad of hitch and / or components are necessary to work with a trailer like mine since most of what I'm seeing wouldn't connect or be compatible. I've found some which work with surge brakes, but none that have long connection points (+37" from the coupler)
• Alternatively, what about helper airbags to prevent sagging. I've heard that may be a good option as well. Pricing would be less than $1K to get that installed and it would have more uses than just towing my trailer.

Thoughts?

Ayuh,..... WD hitches, generally aren't used on boat trailers,.....
The trailer is usually adjustable enough to balance the load to 60/ 40,....
80/ 20 is the minimum for me, if the trailer is gonna tow nicely,....

It ain't about liftin' the truck,.... it's 'bout Stoppin' the whole load,.....
Honestly, you need an F250,.....

 

[ryno1234]

get a weight distribution hitch setup that is certified compatible with surge brakes. However I have yet to find one that actually works with surge brakes or that you can even use to launch a boat without removing the sway bars. Teh Equal-i-zer brand is supposed to work. however you will be spending 5X of what you spent at Harbor Freight

Why would you need to remove the bars prior to launching?

 

[JASinIL2006]

Why would you need to remove the bars prior to launching?

Some WDH don't allow you to back up easily or make tight turns. Also, when the trailer is unloaded, the weight could be shifted disproportionately to the front wheels, which could cause a problem on the ramp (although less likely if you're in 4WD).

I think @Bondo is spot on; you are at the upper range of the F150s capability and an F250 is probably a safer tow vehicle.

If you really want some guys who can geek out on towing issues, you should try visiting the Towing/Hauling/Plowing forum at F150Forum.com. Those guys are really knowledgeable, too.

 

[airshot]

Surge brakes in a 9k loaded trailer?? I thought that heavy a load would require hyd or electric brakes...mabey I am wrong, but would not be comfortable with surge only on that big of a load !! Hope his truck is 4 wd or getting it up the ramp might be a bigger issue !!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Why would you need to remove the bars prior to launching?

as stated above, turning sharp or backing up usually require the bars to be removed.

biggest service item at any heavy trailer or RV service center is replacing WD load bars that get bent

 

[dwco5051]

Surge brakes in a 9k loaded trailer?? I thought that heavy a load would require hyd or electric brakes...mabey I am wrong, but would not be comfortable with surge only on that big of a load !! Hope his truck is 4 wd or getting it up the ramp might be a bigger issue !!

I rent a trailer a couple of times a year to haul my skid steer which is a total weight of about 9k including the trailer. Now and then all the electric brake trailers are rented out and I have to take one with surge brakes. I have not noticed any difference in my ability to stop between them. Tow with a GMC 2500HD so the extra braking capacity of the truck may help.

 

[CapriBX]

I rent a trailer a couple of times a year to haul my skid steer which is a total weight of about 9k including the trailer. Now and then all the electric brake trailers are rented out and I have to take one with surge brakes. I have not noticed any difference in my ability to stop between them. Tow with a GMC 2500HD so the extra braking capacity of the truck may help.

Yeah, I’d say the HD truck would have a bit of an effect.

 

[dingbat]

Surge brakes in a 9k loaded trailer?? I thought that heavy a load would require hyd or electric brakes...mabey I am wrong, but would not be comfortable with surge only on that big of a load !!

Depends on the option package(s) on his truck.

If he has the 3.5EB with the heavy tow and payload packages, he has 4 wheel disc plus the “engine braking” feature in tow haul mode.

My wife’s horse trailer is pushing #8k pretty hard. She drove around for a week or so without (electric) brakes and didn’t know it. Asked me to look into the intermittent “trailer disconnected” warning she was getting.