Hi everybody, just registered on this forum since the "old" econoline message board is gone. At least I guess! This forum looks great so I checked in.
Need some explination about a trailer hitch for my E-150 which I just bought on ebay.com, I'm aware I just had to register here first before asking this. But than again shit happens! WD, weight distributing is this trailer+cargo? WC, weight carrying means????? Let me know, best regards Robert

Welcome to the site Robert ...

Hi Robert, Welcome to the site!

Weight Carrying vs Weight Distributing hitch on the trailer. 2 different types of trailer hitch hookup. Read the columns vertically, as labeled.

A weight distributing hitch uses additional hardware to increase load capacity, and to control sway. Max trailer weight is listed as an additional 5000 pounds, Max tongue weight is an additional 500 pounds.

Weight carrying on your label lists the capacity of the vehicles trailer hitch with a conventional ball hitch only.

Depending on equipment, your vehicle may not be rated to safely tow over 5000 pounds. Be sure to check prior to doing so.
Safety First! Hope this helps.

Welcome! Van On!

Thanks.

Thanks for the response, I´m very sure that the van can tow 3500kg approx 7716 pounds. Overhere the Mercedes sprinters and Iveco Daily´s may tow 3000 and 3500kg because the Daily have a chassis. The chassis from the econoline is much thicker and stronger than the Iveco´s.
Went to a workshop for a customized hitch which cost 600-700 Euros but legaly noted on te Title. I geuss the one I bought doesn't have the hardware as you discribed. I need at least a trailer hitch for 3000-3500Kg, so the one I bought is waasted money? Or can there be hardware mounted for increasement?

The hitch is rated as labeled. AS long as proper fasteners were used. LOL.

The weight distribution hitch accepts a bigger ball, plus spring loaded bars which are also mounted to the trailer. Insert the hitch into your reciever, hitch up the trailer, attach the bars, crank up the tension to preload the bars. Increases the weight distribution.

I have a 1990 Chevy G30. Even with a 1ton, 454/T400 powertrain, the weight limit on my factory powertrain tow setup is only 5000 pounds. Why? The 3.42 rear end ratio.

GVWR plus the trailer must not exceed the combined GCVWR recommended by the factory. Other important factors come into play, such as cooling, suspension, brakes, trailer brake control. Your ratings will be unique to your type of setup.

Always maintain a margin of safety under the max is a good rule of thumb.

Happy Trails!

I have to admit that I had to look up some things you wrote. It´s getting more interesting but also more complicated, allthough for me! A very rare construction if you aslk me as a mechanic in a roadconstruction company. Also I noticed that in the US different diameter balls are used, correct me if I'm wrong. Overhere just one ball size from 750-3500kg tow. For anti sway we use an adapter on the trailer which sqeezes the ball if the trailer starts to sway. I wanne thank you for the explenation allthough I'm sitting on a fence for mounting an Iveco trailer hitch onto my E-150! Best regards Robert