Towing Question

[USAF retired cop]

Hi and welcome to the family. We have a 24BHDS (8000 GVWR) and tow with a 2018 F150, 3.5 EcoBoost with 3.55 rear, 4x4, with max tow package. Last summer completed a trip from Ca to Pa via Canada and returned. Couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable travel experience. We averaged 11.5 MPG and she maneuvered over the mtns like a true champion. Getting ready to make a similar trip next month via Canada and return on I-40. Expecting the same outstanding results.

[CalvinD49]

We have a 2018 F150 XLT with the 3.5l v6. It has the max towing package with pro-driver assist.
We tow a 2018 34RSTS. Only a couple trips to the dealer and one actual RV camping trip so far.
We have not had any issues so far.

[Dondevers]

F250 diesel 8’ bed can tow practically anything there is within reason.

[JJVDAV98]

I towed a 2017 Jay Flight 29RLDS with a 2015 F150 XLT 2.6TT. After weighing everything had 90 lbs to spare. I was comfortable towing it and had no issues but I knew this wasn't long term solution. Now have 2018 F250 gasser, I don't even know it is behind me most of the time...

[X213_2015]

2011 Ford F150 4x4 Lariat SCREW w/ 5.0L V8 - towed my 2015 X213 all around the country (12K+ miles) without a problem. No I can't tow up 13% grade (as me how I know - that was a pucker moment). And I did have some towing envy while traveling through the dakotas with a 30 MPH headwind. But it was completely adequate. I would definitely want "more truck" for anything larger than my trailer but we've been everywhere with it. Yeah we hauled a little extra junk on our trip but it was awesome. If you are only going to tow it a couple times a year for "short" distances you can get away with something bigger. But if you are planning a long road trip (with 8hr towing days) you definitely want something in the comfort zone.

[CDJOHNNY]

Hi, I tow a 2013 Jayco 28BHS with a 2016 F-150 (4x4). I also pulled the same trailer with my old 2013 F-150 (not 4x4). Both trucks have the 5.0 litre V8 engine.

When we bought our trailer, I already had the truck, so the trailer had to fit with the truck, not the other way around. I wanted a trailer that was under 6,000 dry weight.

The Trailer we bought, has a factory dry weight of 5511 lbs. and a maximum Gross weight of 7500 lbs.

Although Ford specifies that the truck can tow much more than 7500 lbs (9200 lbs I believe), you have to be aware of the "axle type" and maximum weights each axle of the truck can take.

My axle is an H9 and the "Maximum Gross Weight" they can handle is:

Truck Front Axle = 3450 is limit
Truck Rear Axle = 3800 is limit

As for the tires on the truck, each tire can take a load of 2679 lbs (or 5358 lbs per axle) so the tires are not an issue to worry about (for weight anyway).

The issue you have to be aware of is the "load" that is applied to the truck axles (and your Gross Vehicle Truck Weight) once you hook up your trailer.

I "CANNOT" tow my trailer safely without a "Weight Distribution System (WDS)". The truck & engine are strong enough, but not the axles.

I HAVE TO USE a WDS system.

You want to try an match the WDS closely to the Maximum (Gross) Vehicle Weight of your trailer, plus some extra. In my case I couldn't get an 8,000 lbs, so I took the 10,000 lbs.

Where I live we are lucky enough that we can use the roadside truck weigh stations for free (as long as it is outside business hours). The scales I use can do 5 axles and all the weights are displayed through the window so you can clearly see them.

So, in my case these are my weights:

TRUCK ALONE WEIGHT (with 1/2 tank of gas, and 2 passengers)

Total truck weight = 5798 lbs (7050 is limit)
Front axle weight = 3152 lbs (3450 is limit)
Rear axle weight = 2646 lbs (3800 is limit)

Trailer Weight Alone (both axles) = 5644 lbs (7500 is limit)

Now, when I hook up the trailer, (using the WDS System) these are my weights:

Truck & Trailer weight (with 3 passengers in the truck and full tank of gas at time of weighing):

Truck Front Axle = 2910 lbs (3450 is limit) (84% of limit reached)
Truck Rear Axle = 3540 lbs (3800 is limit) (93% of limit reached)
Trailer Weight (both axles) = 5217 lbs (7500 lbs is limit)

So, with my setup I am reaching the higher end of my truck's capacity, but am still within a safe limit. I keep my "chains" of the distributing bars at 5 links, and my sway bar at 2 1/2 turns. This gives the entire rig a nice level ride.

Note: the rear end of the truck does go down by 2 inches once the trailer is hooked up. Ideally 1/2" to an inch would be nice, but I can live with 2 inch drop; an it doesn't affect the ride or drive-ability).

I do not do "off grid" camping so I never tow the trailer with the water tank full (if you do, it adds 747 lbs of weight to the trailer).

Anyway, all this to say that (in my case) the F150 can do the job.

P.S. I installed an extra transmission cooler on the truck. Without the extra cooler, my transmission oil temperature would hit 105-110 (Celsius) when towing on a hot day....with the cooler I've never got past 100. (The normal operating temperature is 89 without the trailer).


General numbers

Gas weighs 6.2 lbs per 3.79 litres.
Truck gas tank is 136 litres (222 lbs)

[hingedthinker]

Originally Posted by Sarge1965

Does anyone tow a Jayco with a Ford F150? If so, which one? We are looking at Jayco and wondered what tow vehicle we should buy. Thanks

I tow a 28BHBE with a 2014 F150 Platinum 4x4 SCREW with 6.2l V8. I have a sway kit and it tows like it isn't there except on the 6% grade going up to Flagstaff from Phoenix. She suffers then down to 50mph...

[gilgrc]

I pull my Jayco Flight 28BHBE with my 2018 F150 XLT, 3.5 Ecoboost, FX4 and with Max Tow Package. No problem whatsoever

[robert9999]

2014 f150 ,5.0 v8, tow package , 3:31 rear gears towed a Jayfeather 25 BH (30 feet long bumper to hitch ball). Over 20,000 miles coast to coast twice. Avg 11.mpg towing 22 not towing. I wish my rear gears were 3:73 for better pick up though & I wish my gas tank was a 36 gallon capacity. Otherwise it’s fine. Just not a fast hauler. Tow load was 6,000 trailer & 6,000 lb truck loaded up for 4 month trip.

[DarrellD]

Originally Posted by Sarge1965

Does anyone tow a Jayco with a Ford F150? If so, which one? We are looking at Jayco and wondered what tow vehicle we should buy. Thanks

I tow a 2017 Jayco JayFlight RLS245 with a 2016 F-150 5.0L engine and tow package.
It is not a 5th wheel nor a 'bumper pull' trailer, but it's hooked up to a truck frame mounted hitch system capable of hauling up to 12,000 lbs. (according to Ford). The Jayco is 28 ft. long overall and dry weight is 2143 kgms. or 5355 lbs.
The two vehicles are a good combination, trailer is easily towed.
The Ford F-150 3.5 L will do it but not the greatest combo, truck gets very gas thirsty!
The tongue weight of the trailer is approx. 400-600 lbs.
Hope this helps!

[BillNofi]

We tow a Jay Flight SLX 267BHSW, about 5600lbs dry, just about 6000 with gear. We just upgraded to a 2018 F-150 XLT Lariat with all the gizmos. 3.5L EcoBoost, locking rear, the Max Tow package and integrated brake controller. Allegedly rated for 11,000lbs of towing.

Did our first trip with it last weekend. Towed like a champ.

If you're buying one, make sure you can verify it has the "Max Trailer Tow" package, not just the "Trailer Tow" or "Class IV Hitch" one.

But again, it all depends on what your trailer is. If it's pushing the 10,000lbs mark loaded out, I'd look into a bigger truck.

[Hnyctfam]

Like has been said, all depends on what kind of TT you want, and what your wallet can afford. I have a '13 F150 FX4 with the EcoBoost motor - towing is rated at 11,500 and my TT is a "16 Jayco JayFlight 32BHDS with a listed Spec weight of 7600 and Hitch weight of 910 - dry. What it all actually weighs loaded I have no clue. I live in NC and have traveled to Appalachia and to the beaches with no issues with a family of 4 plus pets and kids friends, stocked fridge, etc. I don't drive like an idiot, get passed doing 65, and thats ok; I can stop when I need to. One of the main concerns is not so much pulling - but stopping. That EcoBoost motor in the F150 is a heck of a workhorse - I was very skeptical at first, but it has made me a believer - I was a Dodge man for many years. I love the F250, but its not a practical daily driver. Dunno if this will help any, just my 2 cents, which is worth a wooden nickel. Happy trails!

[rhouthoofd]

I pull a White Hawk DSRL with a 2016 F-150 with a 5.0 V8 and tow package with no problems at all

[rhouthoofd]

I pull a White Hawk 27DSRL wit a 2016 F-150 with a 5.0 V8, with a tow package and a Equalizer hitch with no problems at all

[justlb33]

I was researching TV's since I was pulling my 28bhs with a Tundra and over 200k miles. I stopped in to a Ford dealer as I was eyeing up the F150's. I was looking at one in the showroom, and the salesman said it was a 2.7L EcoBoost. He said I would need to upgrade to the 3.5L and get the max tow package to handle ~8k lbs. of towing. Not sure if that was just a sales pitch or not, but you must have the max tow. Also, look at your gear ratio and make sure you have the correct rear end.
I ended up going with the new RAM 1500 just because of the discounts and such associated with it. I have yet to tow with it, but anxious to see how it does!

[TDaniels10]

My advice would be to get a Chevy for your tow vehicle, not a Ford. The majority of posts I’ve seen here about problems with tow vehicles were about Fords.
Then I echo the other people who say to get a tow vehicle that will meet all your needs, not just pull your travel trailer.
Good luck & enjoy!!

[LeonDawn]

I had a veteran RV'er tell me something that has has stuck with me for my years of RV'ing. You can tow just about anything with a smaller truck, but unless your truck is big enough you CAN'T stop it!! I found this out for myself. 2013 Silverado pulling 6500 lb camper had to stop hard and ended up in the middle of the intersection!!!! With a bigger truck I would have stopped in plenty of time. Thank God I didn't hit anything! I now pull a 2018 Pinnacle with a 2019 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW!! I can stop it in much less distance than my old tow rig. In short NEVER under buy! Get more than you need for everyones safety!!

[khasay]

I tow my 2018 23 MRB with a Ford F-150 Ecoboost with no problems. It has plenty of power but gas mileage drops off quite a bit with strong head winds.

[htglaser]

2016 F-150, 5.0 V8, Towing Package, pulls our new Whitehawk 28RL nicely. Traded in a 2008 Jay Flight 31RKS which was much heavier, and it was ok, but too much.

[BraveheartLeather]

I tow my Jayco 28.5rsts with a ford f150 (2011) eco boost Awesome except for quick stops. Average towing is about 10 MPG