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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). 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.
Things To Know
About Hitches
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.
WEIGHT-CARRYING (NON-WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING) HITCH
WEIGHT-DISTRIBUTING HITCH
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When towing, it is vital that you use the proper hitch.
Here is the hitch information you should know:
