class iv or v receiver?

[2airishuman]

hi folks

my question is for those with a 34's.....and the appropriate tugboat...

just purchased a 2005, f-250 crewcab longbed 4x4 with the psd.
plenty of length and towing capacity for the 34'.....sweet v8.

i'll probably go with the hensley.

factory ford receiver is class IV with 12,500 capacity using a weight distribution hitch, so even with the trailer "plumped" to max of 11,500 i should be fine.....but now i'm wondering, do i need a class V receiver? would that be better? don't i need to have this issue settled before ordering the hensley?

oh and two 40 lb. lpg cans on the front.....

i've read pages of posts on towing, hitches and so on but still i'm not sure about this issue, so any help is appreciated.

moe, porky class 4 or 5?

cheers
2air

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

hi folks
factory ford receiver is class IV with 12,500 capacity using a weight distribution hitch, so even with the trailer "plumped" to max of 11,500 i should be fine.....cheers
2air

The other missing question is what is the max hitch weight capacity of your Ford receiver? You have two numbers to consider which are the trailer weight and the hitch weight. I went to a Class V Hidden Hitch with a 1,400 lbs hitch weight capacity. My Classic is 1,125 +. My GMC Savana van factory limit for hitch weight was 1,000 lbs. Nice thing about the Hidden Hitch is that the receiver box is still 2" (some are larger) and from a look standpoint doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. It's pretty much the profile of the factory hitch.

Jack

[cosmotini]

I've been looking at the F-250's also. Their hitch receiver is 2" and has a 12,500# rating. The Class V on the F-350 is 2.5" and has a 15,000# rating.

Dennis

[RoadKingMoe]

The hitch on our F250 is 12,500/1,250 weight distributing, and I suspect that even with the Hensley, it's within limits, but I honestly haven't weighed it since we've never had it loaded up much beyond a tank of fresh water and some weekend stuff.

If the 34 was a slide model, I'd upgrade it to a 15,000 lb unit, but for a non-slide unit now, I'd just use it until you can get it to the scales and get it weighed.

--
Moe

[PWRSTRK]

I was told that the factory Class IV on the Excursion cannot be removed and replaced with a Class V... not sure if same is true of F250 or not. And we're fine with our tongue-heavy 28 slide. Tom

[RoadKingMoe]

The frames on the F250, single rear wheel F350, and dually F350, are all the same, model for model (i.e. cab and bed length combination). The Excursion frame isn't the same as any of them.

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by PWRSTRK

I was told that the factory Class IV on the Excursion cannot be removed and replaced with a Class V... not sure if same is true of F250 or not. And we're fine with our tongue-heavy 28 slide. Tom

Interesting since if its a bolt on, I'm sure someone has made a compatible model.

Could this issue be more of an issue that the Excursion frame isn't up to supporting or pulling the weights that a Class V hitchs are rated for???

Jack

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by RoadKingMoe

If the 34 was a slide model, I'd upgrade it to a 15,000 lb unit, but for a non-slide unit now, I'd just use it until you can get it to the scales and get it weighed.

--
Moe

Heck, I'd upgrade it even with a 30' slide out. 1,125 on my unit isn't that far off of 1,250 and I wouldn't be surprised that you are approaching that max once you load the LP and other goodies.

Jack

[PWRSTRK]

We were told it's not a bolt-on, but rather welded. Just FYI. Who knows the real truth.

Originally Posted by jcanavera

Interesting since if its a bolt on, I'm sure someone has made a compatible model.

Could this issue be more of an issue that the Excursion frame isn't up to supporting or pulling the weights that a Class V hitchs are rated for???

Jack

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by jcanavera

Interesting since if its a bolt on, I'm sure someone has made a compatible model.

Could this issue be more of an issue that the Excursion frame isn't up to supporting or pulling the weights that a Class V hitchs are rated for???

Jack

I'd be more willing to bet that it's a capacity issue, Jack... the Excursion spring stack just isn't up to that kind of weight... I'm pretty much maxed out with my Ex and my '94 Behemoth... it would never do a 34 slide model...

Roger

[jcanavera]

I screwed up an accidently deleted this post from 2airishuman. Here it is back only under my name. Sorry to all

"thanks for the input all on the hitch.

as moe points out, the f-250 has a 12,500/1250 wt max with if using
weight distributing equipment so even if the trailer were loaded to the
limit, 10% tongue would still be 1100-1150. with the weight of the hitch
and loaded lp tanks it's close to the class iv limits. i guess i'll
just use it like that until i can get a complete set of on scale weight
figures. i'm ok doing that but was thinking the class 5 receivers have a
bigger receiver opening. my inexperience lead me to believe the actual
hitch apparatus (hensley or other brands) would have to be modified
if/when i do go up to class v.

it odd that ford doesn't offer the 15000/1500 receiver on the f-250,
but does on the f-350. same frame rails and holes....

not a big deal because the aftermarket options for the ford will work
just fine.

the truck is great; first 38 gallon tank of the diesel......17 mpg
(city/highway) not too bad since starting from new, should improve once
it's conditioned.

i usually like to change oil at 2-3 at new. given this thing has 16
quarts (4 gallons) of oil i may follow the factory schedule.

cheers"

[jcanavera]

>i'm ok doing that but was thinking the class 5 receivers have a
>bigger receiver opening. my inexperience lead me to believe the actual
>hitch apparatus (hensley or other brands) would have to be modified
>if/when i do go up to class v.

There are some Class V hitch receivers that do have 2 1/2" openings. One I'm thinking of is the Reese Titan. I think its capacity is 1,700 lb. hitch weight. They have a sleave that slides in to reduce it to 2" if necessary.

Jack