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hitch and brake controller question

2K views 19 replies 8 participants last post by  Monkeyevil 
#1 ·
I need to buy a hitch and brake controller for my '89 F-250. I'm clueless when it comes to a hitch. I'm looking for something that will reliably tow 7500 lbs, which is the most the truck would ever see. It's much more likely to be a 5k load, but I want the option to tow a loaded Waggy and not be at 100% capacity. I thought all Class IV hitches were about the same, but I noticed they don't all carry the same ratings. I've just used factory hitches on all the other tow rigs I've used, so this is all new.

I'm pretty sure I want this brake controller based on what I've read, but let me know if there is a better choice. I'm not concerned about the cost of a hitch or controller since they are safety equipment.

http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html

Thanks for any help.
 
#2 ·
1. Not sure what you're asking here, but buy a hitch with the rating you want. If you want to save a few bucks, find a factory hitch in any of the fine auto salvage yards in the greater Monroe area. Last time I was in Stoney Creek, they had many '96 down Ford trucks. The hitch for your truck would be compatible with '77-'96 models.


2. Damn nice controller. I'm not saying that just because I own one. The sensitivity control is great. I'd be surprised to hear bad comments about the Prodigy.
 
#3 ·
Hidden Hitch and Draw Tite both offer class V hitches. This is what you are looking for.

Most class v's will allow you to pull up to 10,000 lbs w/ weight distribution. (IIRC...check to make sure) check out www.hiddenhitch.com for more info. Southgate hitch and plow....and I'm sure Monroe Truck accessories sell these.

I run a tekonsha brake control on my dad's van. I am VERY happy with it. It's not the prodigy, but they make a good product overall
 
#6 ·
Give me a call and I will go through my catolog with you, pricing and advice is free!

Whiterhino has tried the prodigy and it did not live up to it's promise of being the top dog.

The DrawTite Activator 2 is my best seller and is what I have used on all of my tow vehicles.

Also see this post for anything else towing related you might need.
http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?p=914087#post914087

Pat
Ironman Offroad
989 832 7538
 
#8 ·
If I run class V, I need a reducer so I don't need to buy a bunch of new inserts. I've got a nice collection of 2" inserts since I've used about 20 different tow rigs in the last 2 years. I'll check out their class IV stuff.
 
#9 ·
as far as the hitch, most of the companies are very good, and i also prefer to have a hitch with the highest rating...

As for brake controllers, i have 3 vehicles with them, all use the prodigy. i have yet to find a brake controller that works better for my needs...
 
#10 ·
Maybe I just got a bad prodigy but it continued to cut in and out. I lost brakes trailer brakes on I-75 in TN 2 years ago while going to Tellico. Not fun at all. I started swapping out components; first one plug, then another, rewired THE ENTIRE TRAILER, then rewired the entire motorhome, all because I knew my Prodigy was brand new.

Went to Autozone & bought a $80 controller & haven't had a problem since.

I won't even bother to try one again.
 
#11 ·
i had a similar problem with a valley controller... half way to michigan even the slightest brake pressure instantly locked up the trailer brakes... not good with a customer car on the trailer...
 
#15 ·
Apparently:

Class V – The XDR – Xtra Duty Receiver - the heaviest rated 2" receiver hitch in the industry. The XDR Series Class V receiver hitches can handle the BIG loads...up to 15,000 pounds with 16,000 pound weight distribution and tongue weights up to 1,600 pounds. (As part of the XDR Series, we have produced a complete line of accessories including ball mounts and pintle mounts to help you maximize your towing system.) The XDR is made for only the toughest SUV’s and pickup trucks on the market today.

2" Square Receiver Tube, 5/16 " End Plate, 1/4 " Maintube
Up to 15,000# Weight Carrying MGTW
Up to 16,000# Weight Distribution MGTW
"No Drill" applications available
Polyshield Finish
Includes a complete line of accessories
 
#16 ·
That kinda scares me. Long time reliable companies like Reese & Drawtite consider 2.5 to be the proper size for class V and a smaller company says we can handle the same loads with a 2". That means they are running with a lower safety factor.

So I end up saving a hundred bucks to haul my several thousand dollar trailer/ rig/ personal property? Not worth the risk in my book.

Is there an industry standard set up by the NHSTA? (or whatever it's called)
 
#19 ·
This is a bit old, but....

Hitches for towing are submitted to testing, you can't just build one willy-nilly (which is why aftermarket bumpers never have tow ratings on them).

Have you ever taken a close look at a pintle hook? They have a little pin that holds it closed.

Or a semi-trailer? Slightly larger version of a fifth-wheel.... Kinda scary to pull 40,000 pounds with that.....

Hitch ratings also depend on the vehicle they are installed on. A Class IV hitch on one vehicle may have a lower capacity than a Class IV hitch installed on another vehicle.

This "smaller company" was founded in the 1960's making hitchballs for the other "larger companies". In the 1980's they started making their own hitches, so it's not like their the "new kid".
 
#18 ·
The way I see it, the hitch would be more than fine for my intended uses. I don't think my truck would be very happy with 15k in tow, if I could even find 15k to tow. The rating is still about double what I need. If it's cheaper than other hitches and is made by a company in MI, why not run it?
 
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