I'm new here --My name is Mark and I'm having my LEII built

[Rivernerd]

The only weight distribution hitch that works with the Elite II is the Andersen.  I expect your F150 owners manual requires a weight distribution hitch when towing over 5K lbs.  If so, you need the Andersen.

We use an Andersen with our 2019 Tundra tow vehicle.  Once you get used to it, easy-peasy.

[topgun2]

3 hours ago, Mark Meadows said:

I'm planning on towing with my F-150 hybrid. I'm seeing posts on other sites stating I might want to consider purchasing a sway bar.  What is the general consensuses?  

Mark - 

I've never felt the need for a sway bar for my F-150 and I have both the max payload and max tow packages on my FX4.

Ford does require the Andersen weight distribution hitch (WDH) because the hitch weight will be over 500 pounds.  For what its worth - all of the other 1/2 ton trucks also require a WDH.

While the Andersen does have an incorporated anti-sway function I'm certain that you will never use it since Olivers do not sway.

Bill

p.s.  as far as wiring series versus parallel - simply Google it and you will get a bunch of diagrams showing you the way this is done.

[ScubaRx]

Welcome to the forum. All Ford F-150’s will require the Andersen, as do all the light duty trucks. 

[Galway Girl]

Mark,

Welcome to Oliver ownership and the forum.

For your truck specifics, look at the RECEIVER  of your F150 Hitch for a Rating Sticker. 

The one below is from a 2018 F150 with max tow package.

It shows two sets of numbers,

Weight Distributing:   States max trailer weight and max tongue weight for the hitch if you are using a weight distribution trailer hitch (like the Anderson used on Olivers).  In this case 12,200 lb trailer and 1,220 lbs direct downward force of tongue weight.  An Elite II full of food and gear weighs between 5500-6500 lbs.  The tongue weight is about 10% of that and can range from 525-700 lbs depending on how you've loaded the trailer.  (10% of Trailer Wt calculated as tongue weight is a goal for a very stable tow with the Oliver Elite II)

Weight Carrying:  States the max trailer weight when you are NOT using a weight distribution hitch.  This is just dropping a trailer on the ball and driving away.  Note it's set to a 5000 lb trailer (like the Elite single axle) and 500lb's max tongue weight.

Most of the time you'll find that a loaded Oliver Elite II will have greater than a 500lb tongue weight.  (Ours runs in the 620+ range because we have a front basked full of gear.

Implication:  
If you have an F150 with these receiver ratings, you should be using a weight distributing Anderson hitch with your Oliver Elite II for safety purposes.

Hull 505 

Galway Girl

Craig Short

 

 

[Mark Meadows]

On 4/13/2023 at 3:49 PM, topgun2 said:

Mark - 

I've never felt the need for a sway bar for my F-150 and I have both the max payload and max tow packages on my FX4.

Ford does require the Andersen weight distribution hitch (WDH) because the hitch weight will be over 500 pounds.  For what its worth - all of the other 1/2 ton trucks also require a WDH.

While the Andersen does have an incorporated anti-sway function I'm certain that you will never use it since Olivers do not sway.

Bill

p.s.  as far as wiring series versus parallel - simply Google it and you will get a bunch of diagrams showing you the way this is done.

Thanks for the information Topgun2.  I have the max tow package as well. I suppose I can add it later if need be