Towing Montana HC 365BH

[gutowscr471]

All,
I know this is a never ending question, but want to verify I'm within my limits of towing and I believe I am. I have a 2018 F350 SRW Short Bed. Attached are my inside stickers on Ford and the specs of the Montana. Follow on question, I know I should get a slider hitch, but is a auto slider really needed for the 2018 Fords with the 'longer' short bed or can I mostly survive with a manual and ONLY need it when getting into tight spots a campsite.

F350 Specs: In Attachments


Montana HC 356BH Specs:
Hitch: 2730
Carrying Capacity: 3157
Shipping Weight: 12843
Max Capacity: 16000

[chuckster57]

look at your second picture: "should never exceed 3619"

HC is 2730 king pin, is that EMPTY? that means before you add the battery, propane and any camping equipment in the front basement/compartment?

3619 minus 2730 equals 889 pounds left for you, DW, kids if any, pets if any, fuel and other things.

[gutowscr471]

The hitch weight is directly off the Montana site. I wish it was max, but most likely Unloaded, unsure. Just doing some math, the king pin seems to be 21% of trailer weight. Really want this Montana, but want to be safe and within limits.

Trailer Weight Pin Weight % Calculation
12850 2730 0.212451362
13850 2942.451362
14850 3154.902724
16000 3399.22179

[chuckster57]

My personal opinion and take it for what it's worth: your REAL CLOSE if not over. Lots of people are and Ill leave it at that.

These threads always seem to derail into "weight police" and name calling. It gets old having to remind members and even giving "time outs". YOU DECIDE if its over and what your going to do about it.

[gutowscr471]

Agree, I'm on the edge about it and still haven't pulled the trigger on the purchase It's so damn close. There is another Montana HC which is about 600lb pin weight lighter I'm considering.

Any other thoughts on the manual vs auto slider with the new Fords?

[chuckster57]

I've always had long beds, but My personal thoughts: better to have it and NEVER need it than to not have it and NEED it once!
Most manual sliders I have seen/dealt with require you to be pretty straight to move the hitch or they bind, and with an auto slider you don't eve need to think about it.

[gutowscr471]

Chuckster, really appreciate the help today.

[chuckster57]

Your welcome, any time.:)

[notanlines]

Your 350 will only come in 2 bed lengths. 6-9 and 8-2 approximately. We still have our autoslider and have had no problems. Generally the manual will need to somewhat straight as mentioned by Chuckster.

[gutowscr471]

notanlines, what autoslider are you using. I have the 6'9" bed in my F350 SRW.