Owner`s manual

23
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch is used in conjunction with a hitch platform (receiver)
to distribute tongue load to all towing vehicle and trailer wheels. Required for
certain Class III and all Class IV applications (see the chart on following page).
– Weight-distributing hitch platforms are welded or bolted to the vehicle frame.
Bolt-on types are recommended because they can be removed
– A properly installed bolt-on weight-distributing hitch platform will not weaken
the vehicle or underbody as heat of welding might
– Equalizing arms are connected from the hitch to the trailer’s A-frame. They can
be adjusted for best towing performance. Lengths of chain are pulled up and
tightened to bend spring bars upward, which lifts some of the weight from the
rear wheels and transfers weight to the other wheels of the vehicle and trailer
Gooseneck Hitch
A gooseneck hitch attaches in the truck bed using custom or universal rails.
This hitch style provides great stability and is suitable for heavier loads, since
the weight of the tongue rests directly on the truck bed over the rear axles.
Goosenecks are commonly used for horse and other agricultural trailers. Other
features include:
– Tight turning radius
– “Fold down” and “install under bed” models provide unobstructed bed area
for carrying cargo
– Attachment rails require no welding (sold separately)
5th-Wheel Hitch
A 5th-wheel hitch is mounted in the pickup bed to put more of the trailer
weight directly over the towing vehicle. The receiver centerline of the hitch
should be mounted at least two inches forward from the rear axle of the truck
chassis. This mounting location will distribute the king pin weight of the trailer
for optimum load-carrying and sway-control performance. 5th-wheel hitches
are commonly used for RV trailers.
Weight-Carrying
(Non-Weight-Distributing) Hitch
A weight-carrying (non-weight-distributing) hitch is commonly used to tow
small- and medium-sized trailers. Choose a proper hitch and ball, and make sure
its location is compatible with that of the trailer. Use a good weight-carrying
hitch that uniformly distributes the trailer tongue loads through the bumper and
frame (through the body with Escape; bumper hitch not available with Escape,
Explorer or Expedition/Navigator). Ford rear step bumpers and hitch receivers
provide weight-carrying capacities as shown in the chart on the following page.
(A label affixed to the hitch receiver provides both the weight-carrying and
weight-distributing capacities for each receiver.) The vehicle owner is responsible
for obtaining the proper hitch ball, ball mounting and other appropriate
equipment to tow both the trailer and load that will be towed.
Metric Conversion – To obtain information in kilograms, multiply pounds by .45; to obtain information in kilometers, multiply miles by 1.6.
2013 KNOW BEFORE YOU TOW
All hitches are not created equal.