guest2 -- the tongue weight on mine can reach 1800lbs. I use the Blue Ox's bars. Kind of like the theory of "can't have too much truck"--can't have too much control of the trailer when conditions get really squirrelly, too, IMHO.

I tried it one time with a TT and did not like it at all. The truck was more than capable of handling it but it bounced bad on my roads. If you are comfortable with it keep on, but I do not recommend it.


Brian

Just be aware that the absence of problems to date is not proof of soundness. It is certainly possible that divergent sway could occur, given the right road conditions, speed, loading conditions, tire conditions, flat tire, etc.

Guess I should have clarified, I'm referring to the use of spring bars tor weight distribution. I get that a sudden gust or flat, etc. can create an unseen problem so I am considering a different hitch with supplemental sway control, but no weight distribution. Our truck does not need the weight distribution spring bars. I've been towing tongue pull trailers since before I had a driver license, and the "porpoising" everyone talks about is just part of the equation. If you're towing a trailer and want a stiff, smooth ride then you should buy a motorhome. JMHO
Safe travel ya'all.

I find it depends on the design of the particular trailer. I tow a cargo trailer for work, it was originally designed for the previous owners Avalanche and golf cart, I think its 12,000 pound rated, it scales at 6,000 pounds empty. We use it for moving equipment for work, and usually loaded its around 8-9,000. Occasionally I use it to move a car for a friend and interstate driving is involved. With my old short bed truck I needed the weight distribution bars and sway control (integrated Reese Dual Cam) for a decent towing experience, same for my buddy who uses his Excursion, and my other friend who uses a GM short bed. When I moved to the long bed a few years ago it came with the 3" receiver and I tried it without due to needing spacers and it tows beautifully with a standard drawbar. I use one with a built in tongue scale so I can see the tongue weight when we load it, and its usually right around 15%.

That is a long way of saying my longer wheelbase of my truck makes a huge difference, as well as the location of my trailer axles, and construction of the trailer. If you are within the specs of your truck for non weight distribution, and you do not need the sway control then give it a try. Worst case if it tows badly is you would need to go back to it.

I can see how towing that size trailer with an F-150, it would need spring bars/sway control as the suspension and tires are not up to the task.
Cruise easy.
Rich