Towing Capacity and Recommended Upgrades for 2017 Ford F-250 to Pull 5th Wheel Trailer

Question

Question:

Chris R- We DO have the tow package in our truck... is a 4wd with trailer brake switch, tow assist, the towing downhill assist feature thing, NOT a dually, its got about every style of plug in for towing vehicles you can think of, I THINK its a 6.2 motor not sure, but I DO KNOW its a v8. SHOOT! I dont remember what else you mentioned... was this helpful? We DO HAVE the optional spots for either fifth wheel attachment or the center hole thing. And the bed is the 6.5 foot or so... Definitely Not eight foot or five foot... so it's gotta get in the middle somewhere, right? Lol

asked by: Colleen P

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The first thing I recommend doing is simply making sure that your 2017 Ford F-250 has the towing capacity needed to pull the Grand Design Solitude 373FB Trailer. There are a variety of aftermarket components that will allow the truck to operate better and easier within its towing limits, but nothing that can actually increase the towing capacity set by the Ford.

Based on my research the Grand Design Solitude 373FB has a GVWR of 16,800 pounds. This is the most it can weigh when fully loaded. From what I could find the 2017 Ford F-250 can have a 5th wheel towing capacity from as low as 12,200 pounds to as high as 18,500 pounds depending on its engine size and axle ratio. Because of this I highly recommend visiting a local Ford dealer with your VIN so they can tell you the exact capacity of your particular truck.

As far as upgrades in addition to the standard equipment that will be needed to pull the trailer (5th wheel hitch, wiring, brake controller if the truck doesn't have a factory integrated unit), I recommend looking at suspension enhancement. A set of jounce-style springs like the SumoSprings # SSR-127-54, which are confirmed to fit your truck, will do a really nice job of upgrading the rear suspension for improved control and comfort when towing. They will also help to keep the truck level when hooked up to the trailer.

If the truck doesn't already have one I also recommend adding a 5th Wheel Wiring Harness like the Curt # C57008. This will plug in-line with the factory 7-Way on the truck to provide you with an additional 7-Way that can be mounted in the bed. This allows for easy hookup with the trailer when it's time to drive again.

As long as the Grand Design Solitude is in good condition you shouldn't really need to add anything to the trailer side. If you can tell me what size bed your F-250 has, whether or not it has the factory puck system, and if it has an integrated brake controller, I will be happy to make a hitch and brake controller (if needed) recommendation.

I have also attached a couple articles on towing that you might find helfpul.

expert reply by: Chris R

1

Colleen P.

9/20/2018

Chris R- We DO have the tow package in our truck... is a 4wd with trailer brake switch, tow assist, the towing downhill assist feature thing, NOT a dually, its got about every style of plug in for towing vehicles you can think of, I THINK its a 6.2 motor not sure, but I DO KNOW its a v8. SHOOT! I dont remember what else you mentioned... was this helpful? We DO HAVE the optional spots for either fifth wheel attachment or the center hole thing. And the bed is the 6.5 foot or so... Definitely Not eight foot or five foot... so it's gotta get in the middle somewhere, right? Lol

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Chris R.

9/20/2018

Since you have the shorter 6-3/4 foot bed you will want to go with a sliding 5th wheel hitch. The slider is needed to provide you with cab clearance when making sharp turns with the trailer attached. For your 2017 F-250 I highly recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3370. The Companion line is considered by many to be the best hitches on the market and this particular model is designed to mount directly to the factory pucks in your truck bed. The hitch features 1 inch thick dual jaws that will provide an excellent connection with the trailer and a fully articulating head that will not only ease hookup but also limit chucking during travel. This just allows for a much more comfortable towing experience. It has a 20,000 pound capacity (more than enough for your Grand Design Solitude) and 12 inches of front to back slider travel. I have attached a video demonstration that you can also check out. It sounds like the truck is already equipped with the 7-Way wiring connector and a brake controller so you are good to go on those fronts! I do still recommend visiting your local Ford dealer with your VIN so they can verify the truck's engine size and factory towing capacity. If you do in fact have the 6.2L engine then it looks like its capacity likely maxes out at around 15,700 pounds, so you will want to check this to be sure. Just let me know if you have any further questions!

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