The Numbers -- Will it Work?

[ykcamom]

Happy Sunday everyone!

We currently own a Jayflight 24FBS and are considering upgrading to a larger model. Our issue is our tow vehicle, which is a 1/2 ton Ford.

When checking out some options at a local RV dealer that are in the 27 foot length range, and weighing in at roughly 9500-9900 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight, I expressed concern about the payload on our truck, which is 1465 lbs. A trailer with that GVW would have a hitch weight of at least 1000 lbs, and that doesn't leave alot of room for people (and the dog) in the truck and other assorted sundries in the truck bed.

We were told that use of the equalizer hitch will spread out the hitch weight of the unit, and we shouldn't be concerned about the 1000 lbs. I've read on a few sites to never blindly trust what a RV dealer says your vehicle can tow, so am hoping to get some advice from all the experience on this site.

So here are the numbers:

Truck:
2010 Ford F150 SuperCrew Lariat, with 5.4 L V8 and 3:73 rear axle and Tow Max package
Payload is 1465
Towing capacity is 11,200 lbs
GVWR 7700lbs
Front and Rear GAWR are both 4050 lbs

We are looking at a variety of trailers, but essentially they are all between 26 and 28 feet in length, with dry weights of about 7500 lbs and GVW's in the 9000 to 10,000 lbs range.

What are people's thoughts? Will it work? Am I just being paranoid? I know people pull larger trailers than 27 feet with their half-tons, but I want to be sure it's safe and doable! Thanks in advance for your input!

[ALJO]

The TW will kill the payload. Ad a few passengers, fuel and truck accessories you probably will be over your payload.
With my Jay Feather at 900 TW I am over and my TT GVWR is only 6500 lbs.
In the TV 2 people = 320 lbs. and 3 small dogs would be 45 lbs.
Being slight over I can handle. If I keep the truck bed empty I'm OK.
Half tons just lack the payload capacity.

[need-a-vacation]

As ALJO mentioned, 150/1500 trucks lack the needed payload for a 9000lb tt.

For a safe, stable tow, you need between 12-15% tw. A (estimated ready to camp) 8500lb trailer should be between 1020-1275lbs. Now add in your passenger weight, any cargo (coolers, bikes, firewood) in the bed, the wdh weight, AND any added accessories you have on the truck (truck cap/tonneau cover, step bars, etc). Are you still under the 1465lb payload? Yes, some of the tw does get transferred back to the trailer axles (and the trucks front axle), but probably not enough to make it possible. Ford only suggests returning 50% of the lost weight back to the front axle for your truck if I remember right. Our ~9200lb loaded, ready to camp trailer (empty tanks though!) has ~1400lbs of tw for comparison. We do pack a little heavier in the pass through, but gives an idea.

Our last truck and trailer combo, the trailer weighed ~7200lbs loaded up, with ~920lb tw. With a cab high truck topper, and about 200lbs in the bed (4 bikes, tool box, leveling boards), we were over the gvwr of the truck by about 200lbs, and just under the rear axle rating by about 50lbs.

Hope this helps!!

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by ykcamom

snip....... and weighing in at roughly 9500-9900 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight, I expressed concern about the payload on our truck, which is 1465 lbs. A trailer with that GVW would have a hitch weight of at least 1000 lbs,........ snip

Your concern is legitimate...., and your RV dealership's response of; "use of the equalizer hitch will spread out the hitch weight of the unit, and we shouldn't be concerned about the 1000lbs", tells me they are focused on selling a TT rather then insuring that you drive off the lot with a compatible TV/TT combination.

In reality the majority of a WDH's weight distribution stays with the TV, and a small percentage goes to the TT axles (approx. 10% -25% & varies with TV/TT combo's).

IMO your F-150 would fall short of being an ideal TV for any TT with a 9,500lb - 9,900lb GVWR, even under conservative loading habits.

My Eagle 278FBS has a 9,000lb GVWR......, has a CAT scale loaded weight of 8,500lbs and a loaded tongue weight of 1,300lbs.

If you really want to know what "your" F-150's available payload capacity is, visit a CAT scale (only $9) and weigh it under loaded conditions (full fuel, passengers, simulated cargo weight), subtract the CAT weight from your F-150's 7,700lb GVWR....., the remaining weight is for a TT's loaded tongue weight and a 50lb WDH.

The CAT scale will also confirm your axle weights, sometimes one's rear axle weight may be the limiting factor (in lieu of available payload capacity) because we all have different loading habits.

Bob

[canadiankid]

I 100% agree with what everyone is saying. Taking your truck to the scales loadded the way it usually is with a full tank of fuel is the only way to know what your actual payload is. It's surprising how much weight is in/on your truck, mine anyways, from box liner to tonneau cover, car seats etc etc! I took my new truck to the scales yesterday for a good idea on my available payload. That being said if your actual payload is under 1500lbs I do strongly believe you'll be over. I thought my 1500 would be enough for my 29qbs last year. Not the case.

[ykcamom]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. They have confirmed my concerns that our truck isn't suitable for a unit that weighs that much. SIGH.

[The Logans]

We had the same truck, set up the same way pulling a JayFlight 25RKS. It had a 800 pound hitch weight, and was at 7,400 pounds (lightly loaded).

We used an integrated equalizer and anti-sway, and it was still a little scary. The best we could in the mountains was 45mph.

Think F250!

Good Luck

Oh, was the salesman's mouth moving... probably lying! lol

[Country_Mouse]

We had an Expedition with same engine and axle stats. I *think* but someone else can confirm it is the same chassis as the 150. Our trailer has a GTWR of 5995#. Our payload was slightly more though at 1700#. With our full load of family we were over the RAWR. Even though on paper I ran the numbers a million times and knew we would be at the limit I could not really anticipate what the rear axle weight would end up being and was surprised we were over. Rear end squatted more than we liked too. Adjusted our Equalizer as best we could and even though at CAT scales they confirmed hitch was working properly the ride was still not ideal. Couldn't add airbags either because we had coil over shocks. That would't add more payload anyways but was hopi g to help with the sag. Ended up upgrading to a 3/4 ton and couldn't be happier. No more white knuckles or worry.

Here is a nifty calculator : http://rvtowcheck.com

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