Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 1999 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4 Towing a Boat Trailer

Question:

Which is best hitch, ball size for towing small boats, pontoon at level? I have a 1999 F-150XLT 4x4, it may sit up higher than 4x2 ?

asked by: Ross

Expert Reply:

There are a few factors that you will need to consider when choosing a trailer hitch for your 1999 Ford F-150 XLT 4x4.

First, you will need to know the weight of the trailer or trailers that you intend to pull and the towing capacity of your truck. Class III trailer hitches like the Draw-Tite Hitch Trailer Hitch, # 75065, are common trailer hitches for customers that tow boats. This hitch will fit stepside or styleside models and has a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs and a towing weight capacity of 5,000 lbs.

To tow your trailer level, we will need to know a few measurements to ensure that we recommend a ball mount with the correct drop or rise. We will need to know the hitch height, which is how far the top of the receiver of the trailer hitch sits from the ground and the coupler height, which can be found by measuring from the ground to the bottom of the trailer coupler when the trailer is level.

The top of the receiver of the # 75065 Draw-Tite Hitch will sit about 7 inches below the frame rails on your truck. To find the hitch height, you can simply measure from the ground to the bottom of the frame rail on your truck and then subtract 7 inches.

Once you have the hitch height and coupler height, you will subtract the coupler height from the trailer height to get the amount of drop that you will need in a ball mount. For example, lets say that your frame rails sit 26 inches above the ground and your coupler height is 17 inches. You will subtract 7 inches from the 26 inches to get your 19 inch hitch height. Then, you will subtract your 17 inch coupler height from your 19 inch hitch height to get the proper amount of drop, which would be 2 inches.

I have attached an article on choosing the correct ball mount for you to check out. I have also attached a link to all of our 2 inch ball mounts for you to select the correct drop for your set up. You may also be interested in an adjustable ball mount if you will be towing multiple trailer like the Convert-a-Ball Adjustable Ball Mount, # TK5007. The hitch ball size is also going to depend on the ball size that your trailer coupler requires.

If you can send me your coupler height, how tall your frame rails are above the ground and if your trailer needs a 1-7/8, 2 or 2-5/16 inch hitch ball, then I can make a better recommendation for you.