5k tow hitch? vs Tremor and Hybrid?

[MAVRICKDAVE]

Just read a thread off of here about a guy putting a 5k harbor freight tow hitch on his Maverick. This is where i show i'm an old fart. My Tremor and my Hybrid both only go up to 2k and I think one is only 1500. Just bolting of a 5 k hitch doesn't make it so does it? Doesn't frame engine suspension transmission all go into it? Thanks for the input. https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/f...ght-5000-lb-hitch-receiver-diy-install.49625/

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[Carlitos_92]

I think you could've politely asked in the original thread and gotten good discussion there, but:

No, the hitch they put on doesn't magically do anything for the towing capacity; it only allows a way for a trailer to be hooked up. As you probably already read, there is some debate on how to even tie in the lighting harness... And absolutely add "brakes" to your list of things that need to be considered.

As for how much weight these trucks can/should tow, everybody has their own opinion on that depending on their experience and confidence level. It did not sound like the OP in the other thread had any intention of stress-testing the Harbor Freight hitch capacity.

 

[Crash11]

I think you could've politely asked in the original thread and gotten good discussion there, but:

No, the hitch they put on doesn't magically do anything for the towing capacity; it only allows a way for a trailer to be hooked up. As you probably already read, there is some debate on how to even tie in the lighting harness... And absolutely add "brakes" to your list of things that need to be considered.

As for how much weight these trucks can/should tow, everybody has their own opinion on that depending on their experience and confidence level. It did not sound like the OP in the other thread had any intention of stress-testing the Harbor Freight hitch capacity.

Yeah there's no way I'm towing any more than 2000 lbs with my Maverick. It doesn't have the right combination of capabilities. I was just stating an opinion on the "stoutness" of the Harbor Freight hitch part and how strong it feels. Under the right settings I could believe that thing is capable of pulling much more than 5000 lbs.

 

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

I'm kind of curious as to what all goes into the 4K package. I mean, the stuff listed is obviously there - Transmission oil cooler, higher capacity radiator, 7 pin connector, trailer brake control, upgraded fan, and a higher final drive ratio (3.81 versus the standard 3.63, I'm pretty sure). I don't know if there are any structural changes, reinforcements, or how the trailer hitch actually attaches to the frame on the factory setup.

The setup in the OP's link shows only 2 bolts attaching the hitch to a cross member that is probably the structure of the rear bumper. I'm not sure that's adequate, but I'm not an expert on such things.

 

[Crash11]

The setup in the OP's link shows only 2 bolts attaching the hitch to a cross member that is probably the structure of the rear bumper. I'm not sure that's adequate, but I'm not an expert on such things.

I added a piece of 2"x2"x1/8"thick angle stainless steel to the backside with extra M10 bolts holding it in both directions (forward and down)

 

[The Real Maverick]

On my hybrid I added some aftermarket equipment to safely tow 3,000 lbs because I have a specific, but infrequent need that does not justify buying a larger truck.

It does well in literally 99% of conditions.
There was only one time towing 3k I wished I had more power. And that one time I didn't need it to get by, I just had to go 10 under the speed limit one time on a very steep highway. Still passed the 18-wheelers on that hill.

It's remarkably well equipped for towing. Even on a really hot western desert day. Just don't sustain the power needle above 50%. Use that top half of the power band for accelerating and passing. It's amazing what the hybrid can do with the bottom 50%. Most of the time towing at 62 mph / 100 kmh the power needle was at 40% and under.

 

[Maverickman74]

Weight X distance X elevation change X balls = max Maverick towing capability.

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