Ford, chevy, ram towing configurations

[Evman]

Truth is overkill on the maintenance. Example would be rear diff fluid 11 times because it so easy for me to do. Chevman

[BigRedGrandPa]

At a half ton Ford F150 with the turbo six and gear ration 3.21 is the best.

[NewBlackDak]

Originally Posted by jfk69

With 110k miles on a 16 year old truck, no surprise you haven’t had any issues. You also predate the diesel emission systems which are the source of many issues on the new ones. Enjoy it, I have no doubt it’s a gem!

No kidding. I’m nearly to that on my 6yr old truck.

[Sundancer330]

Ford recently released specs for the 2021 F150.

Max Trailer Tow and Heavy-Duty Payload option packages. Here's a look at the maximum payloads delivered by each powertrain:*
3.3-liter V-6: 1,985 lbs
2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: 2,480 lbs
5.0-liter V-8: 3,325 lbs
3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6, turbo-diesel: 1,840 lbs
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6: 3,250 lbs
3.5-liter PowerBoost V-6, hybrid: 2,120 lbs

Max Tow
3.3-liter V-6: 8,200 lbs
2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: 10,100 lbs
5.0-liter V-8: 13,000 lbs
3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6, turbo-diesel: 12,100 lbs
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6: 14,000 lbs
3.5-liter PowerBoost V-6, hybrid: 12,700 lbs

[NewBlackDak]

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

Ford recently released specs for the 2021 F150.

Max Trailer Tow and Heavy-Duty Payload option packages. Here's a look at the maximum payloads delivered by each powertrain:*
3.3-liter V-6: 1,985 lbs
2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: 2,480 lbs
5.0-liter V-8: 3,325 lbs
3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6, turbo-diesel: 1,840 lbs
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6: 3,250 lbs
3.5-liter PowerBoost V-6, hybrid: 2,120 lbs

Max Tow
3.3-liter V-6: 8,200 lbs
2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: 10,100 lbs
5.0-liter V-8: 13,000 lbs
3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6, turbo-diesel: 12,100 lbs
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6: 14,000 lbs
3.5-liter PowerBoost V-6, hybrid: 12,700 lbs

Assuming max payload and max tow stacked together…
An uninformed person would think they can hitch up my 10K lb(14max) toy hauler fifth wheel to an eco boost F-150, and be fine.

Don’t do it kids.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

Ford recently released specs for the 2021 F150.

Max Trailer Tow and Heavy-Duty Payload option packages. Here's a look at the maximum payloads delivered by each powertrain:*
3.3-liter V-6: 1,985 lbs
2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: 2,480 lbs
5.0-liter V-8: 3,325 lbs
3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6, turbo-diesel: 1,840 lbs
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6: 3,250 lbs
3.5-liter PowerBoost V-6, hybrid: 2,120 lbs

Max Tow
3.3-liter V-6: 8,200 lbs
2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6: 10,100 lbs
5.0-liter V-8: 13,000 lbs
3.0-liter Power Stroke V-6, turbo-diesel: 12,100 lbs
3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6: 14,000 lbs
3.5-liter PowerBoost V-6, hybrid: 12,700 lbs

Holy cow!! Look at the payload numbers on the 5.0L and the 3.5L EB with max payload and max tow!! That's almost as much as my 3/4T gasser had, and that had just about the most out of ANY 3/4T gas at the time!

I wonder if they have the brakes, bearings, axles, etc to put up with those kinds of numbers on a consistent basis? Or hell, they'd even have to put 10 ply LT tires on those bad boys!

[curver900]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Holy cow!! Look at the payload numbers on the 5.0L and the 3.5L EB with max payload and max tow!! That's almost as much as my 3/4T gasser had, and that had just about the most out of ANY 3/4T gas at the time!

I wonder if they have the brakes, bearings, axles, etc to put up with those kinds of numbers on a consistent basis? Or hell, they'd even have to put 10 ply LT tires on those bad boys!

10ply tires fix everything!!! E rated !! maybe it is all that AL they use now!

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by curver900

10ply tires fix everything!!! E rated !! maybe it is all that AL they use now!

LOL!!

I could see AL being responsible for maybe a couple hundred lbs. But almost 1,000 lbs more (or even significantly more than that in some cases) than most other trucks in the class? That's just crazy!

Even with a single cab, long bed, stripped down truck, that's even high for 3/4T territory...

[jfk69]

A test course is very different than the open road. Those numbers are crazy. Could it be done? Sure. Is it wise? Not so much...

[BigRedGrandPa]

Same as the last two years running. I know because I was doing research for a new truck. I only bought my 2019 RAM because I got such a great deal, with trade-in, spent under $20,000, for the RAM Laramie with all the bells and whistles (20" rims, rear adjustable shocks for hitching the trailer, rear camera, large 9x6 touch screen, etc.). In addition they tinted the windows, clear bra, and put step runners on it for free.

[rkymntsno]

Originally Posted by jdux999

Thanks All for the help. The trailer I'm looking at is 7000 lb, GVWR. Most of the trucks I'm looking at are above 10000 lbs towing capability which gives me a comfortable buffer. Am l correct in assuming that GMC and Ram come with the towing capabilities that Ford considers option (max towing package)? Thanks again.

If you go with the Ram 1500, DO NOT GET the 321 axle ratio. It knocks off 2000 lbs towing capacity. At least the 2016 Ram did. Ask me how I know.

[Tico]

I towed a 25 ft TT while in Wisconsin with a 2016 4X4 Tundra with a equilizer weight distribution hitch, and it was very predictable very solid ride, rain, wind, steep climbs and descents , no problem , I drove it all the way to Tampa and I have nothing but good things to say, I know you asked for the domestic brands but they all are within a very similar rage Of towing capabilities,

[BigRedGrandPa]

I've not had any problems with the 3.21 Axle Ratio (2019) and I tow 6000# dry weight trailer cross country.

[stephencs601]

I have to ask, why would anyone tow with anything less than a 250 or 2500 series truck. They are light duty, can't even put a plow on them. Spend the extra money and get a heavy duty truck with a diesel. I don't care the make, they all have issues, but the higher series is made for pulling loads, not going to home depot for a few bags of wood chips.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

I hope OP is seeing the common theme in most of these responses: PAYLOAD.

When you're looking at towing a travel trailer, "towing capacity" literally means nothing. At BEST it's a vague starting point to populate a list of target vehicles. You WILL exceed your payload numbers before you get over "towing capacity".

Yes!
Our first TT was around 4,500# and the TV had a tow capacity of 9,000#, no prob, right? Not so much, the CAT Scale revealed we were below the Rear GAWR by about 300#, another couple added in the back seat plus their gear and bingo, overload. Did I do it? Yes. Was I comfortable? No.

IMHO what you should look for is a TV with about 1,000# (1,500# would be better) difference in the Rear GAW and GAWR numbers. Hopefully some readers can post CAT Scale numbers for TV’s similar to your searches.

[nynethead]

Just remember half ton trucks still have half ton brakes rear ends axles. Whether they have max payload packages

Chevy 2500hd tows 14500 off bumper and 5th wheel is 16650 with a 3600 lb payload.with gas motor

No comparison

[rewen]

Originally Posted by stephencs601

I have to ask, why would anyone tow with anything less than a 250 or 2500 series truck. They are light duty, can't even put a plow on them. Spend the extra money and get a heavy duty truck with a diesel. I don't care the make, they all have issues, but the higher series is made for pulling loads, not going to home depot for a few bags of wood chips.

We tow with a 2019 Ford Ranger. If we were pulling a bigger trailer more frequently or further distances then we would have gotten a bigger truck. But even our KIA Sorento did the job before we got the Ranger.

Our trailer is 3200lbs dry and the Ranger is rated up to 7500lbs. It tows our trailer effortlessly and comfortably, and it's a wonderful daily driver as well.

I'm assuming your comments are directed towards those with bigger trailers but even my father's F-150 from a few years ago is rated up to 12,000lbs and does it very well so he's got no reason to go 250 or Diesel.

[RichCarter]

Originally Posted by stephencs601

I have to ask, why would anyone tow with anything less than a 250 or 2500 series truck. They are light duty, can't even put a plow on them. Spend the extra money and get a heavy duty truck with a diesel. I don't care the make, they all have issues, but the higher series is made for pulling loads, not going to home depot for a few bags of wood chips.

I'm not saying you're wrong in choosing a super-duty truck, but there's a good argument for sicking with something lighter. I don't know what your experience is with newer 1/2 ton trucks. The manufacturers are upping capacity each year, with gas engines that have 400hp or more and tow capacities well over 10,000 lbs. Granted, if you tow a big 5th wheel, you need more than a 1/2 ton, but for most folks, a properly equipped 1/2 ton is more than adequate.



Sure, diesels get better fuel economy than gas but diesel is more expensive and the engine is heavier, reducing capacity. If you make your living with a truck and need a more robust vehicle than a light-duty model, go for it. If you tow a camper a half dozen times a year and otherwise daily drive the thing, why lug around an extra ton of truck you don't need?



I looked at a 3/4 ton truck when I bought my F150. They are a bit bigger and harder to park. Fuel economy stinks. And yes, you can put a plow on an F150.