I have a 1998 f150 4x4, 5.4L, Reg. Cab, Factory tow package, 3.55LS. The factory frame hitch has seen better days (Rusty and abused), and I have often exceed the weight limit. (5000# with out WD hitch.)

I want a biggest and best custom frame mounted hitch available. Something that exceeds the 7700 tow limit of my truck. What brand or part # do you recommend?

I was looking at a few Curt hitches from Summit Racing, one was class 4 (10000# max without WD) one is class 5 (Around 12000# max without WD)

 

The only available 2" recievers with class V rating is by Curt/Putnam. To keep that classification you will also need one off their ball mounts. (EDIT: all other class V hitches require a 2.5" ball mount) The class V 2.5" ball mounts are not available everywhere and are pricey compared to a class III/IV 2" ball mount.

Personally class III with a class IV endorcement is more than plenty for any half ton truck. Any major brand from U-haul, Draw-Tite, etc., etc., etc. and they all have the same overall design and insurance liability keeps them made well. I like 1 piece mounts instead of 3, but that is just me.

 

Towing more than 5000 pounds on a regular basis will really benfit from a WD hitch. Just stick to those Class 3/4 ones and use the WD.

 

I like my Draw-tite one, I'm sure it's class IV rated which exceeds my trucks limits. It comes with a harness plate which got in the way of my little factory tow hook eyelet deals, so guess what got hacked?

 

BTW, more than 500 pounds on a hitch on a truck with 10 year old springs doesn't sound good either.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions.

This is the one I was looking at. It sure looks like it is class 5.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...15+4294860906+

I will be adding a WD set up if I purchase this model.

As for my ancient leaf springs (They may be 10 years old but only have 85K miles on them)..........They have been updated with 2 new add-a-leafs on each side plus hell-wig helper / overload springs on top of the updated spring pack. I think I'll be fine.

Is the hitch and spring overkill along with my load E tires? You bet, but it doesn't seem so silly when I'm pulling 6-7,000 pounds through the rolling hills of Ohio.

But sooner or latter I'll have to step up to a 3/4 ton (Probaly when my tranny gives out). Until then I'll have to use my ancient, undersized 1/2 ton truck to get the job done. I'm just going to enjoy not making any monthly payments until then.

 

Seems ok, but a bit pricey. Mine from Draw-tite was $220 canadian (which if you follow, even though our dollar is near par, prices are still far from par).