Weight distributing hitch questions

[56FordGuy]

I've started looking for a weight distributing hitch setup for my 14K bumper pull trailer. I have an old one, and it has all the parts except for the brackets that attach to the trailer. I can't find anywhere that sells just the brackets yet. Any advice on where I could find such a thing would be great, might save me buying a new hitch. :laughing:

That said, I am looking at new ones. I see a lot that are rated at 10K, but only a handful that are rated at 14. Are there any preferred brands that I should look at?

 

[56FordGuy]

Found some brackets, part number is 17108, made by Curt. They might just work. I can't tell if they just hang on the trailer frame, or need to be bolted/ welded. Seems like pressure would keep them in place when in use, but I would feel better if they were attached somehow. Opinions?

 

[zzvyb6]

I got the two brackets that you might need for free today at a garage sale. I can post pictures tomorrow if you are interested. If you could pay the shipping, you can have them. They look like cast steel with square headed bolts to lock onto the trailer square (or rectangular) tube sections.

 

[56FordGuy]

That's a very generous offer, and I really appreciate it! I'll send you a PM. :thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

Free is always good. If you do need to buy them there are weld on and bolt on.

Chris

 

[zzvyb6]

Here's what they are. Not stamped steel. Very heavy. I'll see what it takes to ship. Then PM me with an address. I'll never have a use for them and maybe this action can be passed by you on to someone else some day.

 

[Dutch445]

if they don't work, i found one online and bought it and it
mounted on my tongue fine. i just need the pipe to
latch it up!
Weight-Distributing Snap Up Brackets - #6637

 

[zzvyb6]

On there way USPS Priority Mail: If it's Fritz, it shets.

 

[TRR]

One additional piece of info. Reese has a hitch that is rated to 17,000# bumper pull type trailer. It provides 1700# tongue capacity - otherwise I have no idea why someone would go that heavy on a bumper pull type trailer.

 

[wny770]

I sold my light weight curt and then bought a Valley from Valleytrailerhitch.com and REALLY like it. Price was good, and if I remember correct, free shipping. Heavier hitch hauls better when you have a heavy load. Make sure your receiver is rated properly.

 

[Diamondpilot]

One additional piece of info. Reese has a hitch that is rated to 17,000# bumper pull type trailer. It provides 1700# tongue capacity - otherwise I have no idea why someone would go that heavy on a bumper pull type trailer.

Have to on boats. I pull boats that are 25,000# BP. Many many we pull are in the 15,000# range.

Chris

 

[Highbeam]

One additional piece of info. Reese has a hitch that is rated to 17,000# bumper pull type trailer. It provides 1700# tongue capacity - otherwise I have no idea why someone would go that heavy on a bumper pull type trailer.

Why on earth not?

 

[slowzuki]

Exactly. Mine gets loaded to that ++ as a weight carrying hitch for very short trips hauling hay. Much heavier though and you need a 450 or 550 with frame plate right behind the rear axle. Pickup with hitch so far back unloads the front axle badly without the WD hitch.

 

[newbury]

I sold my light weight curt and then bought a Valley from Valleytrailerhitch.com and REALLY like it. Price was good, and if I remember correct, free shipping. Heavier hitch hauls better when you have a heavy load. Make sure your receiver is rated properly.

Also make sure your balls are rated for the heavier hitch. A lot of them are only rated for 6,000 lbs. Valley has them for up to 30,000 lbs. Southwest Wheel Company - Regular

 

[Highbeam]

Good point. The rating is stamped right on the freaking ball. If you use the wrong ball then you have nobody to blame but yourself. High rated balls are available but not common at walmart.

 

[slowzuki]

Note too, the shank size isn't the end of the story. I've got a pair of 1.25" shank balls, one is 20,000 lbs I think the other is 5000 lb more or so. I've got a really expensive 1" shank rated high and a cheap 1" shank rated at only 5000 lbs or something silly. Sit them next to each other and you can't tell.

 

[tulenutn2o]

Also make sure your balls are rated for the heavier hitch. A lot of them are only rated for 6,000 lbs. Valley has them for up to 30,000 lbs. Southwest Wheel Company - Regular

Boy, this thread could go south in a hurry..................just sayin!:laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[Highbeam]

We haven't even begun to talk about whether or not to grease your balls.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

We haven't even begun to talk about whether or not to grease your balls.

While we're talking about making sure your balls can handle the work load, make sure your shaft is up the the task as well. The ball mount shafts are rated for different weights, too.

I just recently had an issue where I bought a new ball with a 1 1/4" shank, but I couldn't find a ball mount locally with that big of a hole. I ended up buying a different ball from Amazon that is rated to handle my trucks towing capacity. Luckily my ball mount is very heavy duty.

The last thing any of us want is for something to go wrong with our balls or our mounting shaft while we're in the middle of a ride.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Now that is funny. Balls and Shafts.would make a great Bevis & Butthead skit.

Chris