Any setup that can safely tow my 5500lb tractor?

[Ray Knight]

I don't know why people spread mis information like this. The gen2 Raptor does not weigh 6800 lbs...maybe your thinking of the Gen1? According to the sticker on my truck and the ford web site the truck weighs 5,525–5,697 lbs depending on SCAB or SCREW.

You claimed that a good weight distribution hitch would be 250lbs...OMG what are you talking about. https://andersenhitches.com/Product...itch-4-droprise-2-ball-3-4-5--6-brackets.aspx Shipping weight less than 50 lbs.

You're estimates are off by several hundred lbs and contain false information that is not helpful to the OP.
It is true that maxing out the tow rating at 8k lbs will mean you have less left over for passengers/additional cargo.
I also agree with your tongue weight calculation.

I think my andersen hitch with all components can't wright more than 20-25#. Its not heavy at all! Sure helps balance the truck.

 

[Loufish]

Just please don't tow whatever it is anywhere near me, my friends, or family.

I see this exact quote on many of the Towing forums....a little overstated...
To the OP:

Get the total trailer weight with load correct - 8,000 lbs
Get the tongue weight correct - not to exceed 800 lbs
Get the WDH set up correct (The Anderson works very well and could save 40-50lbs of tongue weight)
Get the air pressures correct - start with 40 lbs (you DON'T need "D" or "E" rated tires, the truck was designed to tow its max weight with the tires you already have)
Get the brake controller set up correctly for the weight and the trailer....

Now your truck is set up to tow safely at Fords recommended max weight AND it should not become a 12,000 lb missile!

Just about everything on this truck is over kill for its weight rating except the rear suspension (springs are kinda sucky )....Don't fret if the rear drops 1.5"-1.75"...

 

[Johnkn]

^ and the Raptor is purposely derated ~5000 lbs compaired to the F150 with tow package specifically due to its compliant suspension, tires, etc.. Have no fear towing to its limit when properly set up and using common sense. As a point of reference, the Expedition with its non towing friendly IRS is rated at 9000+ lbs. Good luck...

.

 

[pbtjrlmrt]

disagree. The stock springs are awful for everything and absolutely will sag, weaken and make towing that tractor downright dangerous by the 3rd trip.

A simple Deaver +2 HD spring pack will ride better than stock every day, will reduce sway and will last for quite some time.

We aren't talking about 5500 lbs. We're talking a 5500 lb load on a 2000-2500 lb trailer. And that is with nothing in the bed, nothing else in the cab, and no fuel.

If you want to do it, and you're confident in it, go for it. Just please don't tow whatever it is anywhere near me, my friends, or family. Just because you get lucky, doesn't mean you're being safe. you ALWAYS want to plan a buffer between limits and practice. If something does go wrong, you're suddenly behind the wheel of a 12K lb missile with no control.

Ridiculous. The truck is capable of towing more. The 8k limitis based on suspension and completely safe...thus the "RATED" towing limit. It's a joke to think new springs are a requirement or somehow the stock springs won't last or be unsafe. It's rated for 8k and will be perfectly safe and controllable. Different springs will certainly improve load carrying but they aren't required which is what the OP was asking. With all due respect to your uninformed opinion there is buffer built into the 8k limits as Ford would be sued if it was a problem.

 

[pbtjrlmrt]

I think my andersen hitch with all components can't wright more than 20-25#. Its not heavy at all! Sure helps balance the truck.

Exactly.

 

[Cliff Lohner]

I tow my 7k 28 ft. boat with my Raptor during summer times. Pulls it without issue. Only pain is the trailer sag. My truck sags about 3”. I added SVC’s Fox bump stop it. I lower the bump stops to tow mode and it cuts the trailer sag to 1.5”. Best fix I’ve found thats easiest, takes maybe 5 min, and allows me to keep normal drive quality and suspension travel.

 

[John Rathjen]

Cliff that’s the setup I’m looking at. What rear springs are u using, and can I assume ur using a WDH?

 

[zombiekiller]

Ridiculous. The truck is capable of towing more. The 8k limitis based on suspension and completely safe...thus the "RATED" towing limit. It's a joke to think new springs are a requirement or somehow the stock springs won't last or be unsafe. It's rated for 8k and will be perfectly safe and controllable. Different springs will certainly improve load carrying but they aren't required which is what the OP was asking. With all due respect to your uninformed opinion there is buffer built into the 8k limits as Ford would be sued if it was a problem.

disagree. enjoy your darwin award, just dont take me with you.


Just because you can, doesnt mean you should. I shudder to think what would happen if you tried to haul that tractor with a raptor from dateland to san diego. yikes.

 

[zombiekiller]

I tow my 7k 28 ft. boat with my Raptor during summer times. Pulls it without issue. Only pain is the trailer sag. My truck sags about 3”. I added SVC’s Fox bump stop it. I lower the bump stops to tow mode and it cuts the trailer sag to 1.5”. Best fix I’ve found thats easiest, takes maybe 5 min, and allows me to keep normal drive quality and suspension travel.

and this is why i say deaver +2 HDs. They ride better than stock springs unloaded, and dont sag like crazy when you hook up the trailer.


I liked the 2 sets that Ive had on my raptor so far, that I put the version that deaver makes for Carli on my superduty. ( made the mistake of not going HD on the first set, and I wore them out in about 18 months.)

and just like on the raptor, I feel like it is how the superduty should have come from Ford.

 

[Cliff Lohner]

and this is why i say deaver +2 HDs. They ride better than stock springs unloaded, and dont sag like crazy when you hook up the trailer.


I liked the 2 sets that Ive had on my raptor so far, that I put the version that deaver makes for Carli on my superduty. ( made the mistake of not going HD on the first set, and I wore them out in about 18 months.)

and just like on the raptor, I feel like it is how the superduty should have come from Ford.

My buddy has +2’s. He let me drive it and I can tell the rear end is stiffer. There’s a spot on a freeway near me where there are rolling bumps and his truck doesn’t handle it well. I want +2’s but I didn’t want to sacrifice the plush drive of the truck.