Thanks to all for your input. As for the pics. I'll do that when I get her wet.

So the it's not rated for towing more than 8500 without the load distribution hitch right?

Sorry I high-jacked your thread!

I run WD hitches when towing both boats. Really helpful when pulling the 260 SS with the Tahoe (upper end of the towing limit of the truck) and also with the 382 behind a DRW F350 diesel. Much better ride, easier on the trucks, and all but eliminates the bucking you get when you hit bumps and uneven pavement at highway speeds.

2000 Ford DRW F350, 4.11 gears.

I scraped the stock (junk) Class-III hitch. (called the V5)
It is the HITCH RECEIVER's requirement in for the case on my truck that required the WD setup, that is--with that stock hitch.

I upgraded to a Putnam (out of business) true Class-V hitch rated to pull 15K lbs., weight carrying. (no WD required)


I did the same on my previous truck, Avalanche 2500, also rated for 12K lbs. I dumped the stock hitch, (affectionally known as the Flexi-Flyer); and put a true Class-V Putnam hitch on that as well.

Also, most hitches ship with Grade 5 bolts. Dump the Grade 5 and go with Grade 8 bolts, and I like having them long enough to double nut. (Double nut is always better than single nut. )

WD Hitch......not the same as upgrading the hitch to Class V. Just upgrading the hitch doesn't upgrade the truck GCVFR.

The stock ford hitch is supposed to be a class 5 on a F-350 dually. It is a 2.5" style. The aftermarket class V hitches are more solid for sure, I just weld two gussetts on a angle to triangulate the rectangle box so you can still get the spare tire in....does the trick

What is GCVFR?

I spoke with one of the guy who runs Ford Service for Texas, and got clarifications on the hitch and that stuff. In MY case, my truck came with the "V5" hitch which is a 2" piece of garbage. (The NAME of the hitch is he V5. Its really a Class-III hitch. Confusing and bullchit, i know; blame Ford, not me.)

SOME Ford trucks came/come with the 2.5" hitch which is solid piece and a true Class-V hitch.

As it was explained to me:

WC vs. WD does not have anything to do with the strain on the drivetrain. Hence towing capacity is towing capacity, with either setup.

The hitch receiver itself is where the WC/WD comes into play.

Correct, but it does make the heavier loads at the upper end of the rating more pleasant and manageable by spreading the tongue weight over both axles of the tow vehicle instead of just loading the rear axle. I can very much feel the difference when the trunion bars are on.