towing with new 2018 f150 help!

mesuezee · 02-17-2018, 11:40 AM

We have a '17 28bhbe. gvwr 9250. dry weight 6510. hitch weight 685. equalizer wdh with sway bars. the truck we estimate to have 1600lbs of payload. estimating 650lbs of cargo in truck leaves us 950lbs payload. loaded total trailer weight distributed in trailer approximate 8000lbs. 13% of that is 1200lbs. Max towing package on truck, 3.55 gear. max gcwr 18,100, max towing 12,700. I know we are close to capacity but having the weight distributed correctly what are your opinions on this being a good set up? We were pulling with a 2014 f 150 with a 3.73 max towing of 11,200 but looking to change trucks since the lease is up.

mesuezee · 02-17-2018, 12:08 PM

we are going to the truck dealer today. I really need help with these numbers

ibra0078 · 02-17-2018, 01:02 PM

I have the same trailer but 2018 and I tow it with my 2017 f150 3.73 with a wdh. I honestly don't have any issues with towing it and I think I am getting close to my payload. I think if the wdh is setup correctly then you should have no issues with the payload. Yes a 250 will be much better but the way I see it is, my f150 is my daily driver and I don't tow my TT alot maybe 10-15 times a year and driving a 250 around the city is not worth the gas.

I personally think your fine with a f150 with a rear axel of 3.73. Bonus if you get the max towing as I don't have it. Good luck

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mesuezee · 02-17-2018, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibra0078

I have the same trailer but 2018 and I tow it with my 2017 f150 3.73 with a wdh. I honestly don't have any issues with towing it and I think I am getting close to my payload. I think if the wdh is setup correctly then you should have no issues with the payload. Yes a 250 will be much better but the way I see it is, my f150 is my daily driver and I don't tow my TT alot maybe 10-15 times a year and driving a 250 around the city is not worth the gas.

I personally think your fine with a f150 with a rear axel of 3.73. Bonus if you get the max towing as I don't have it. Good luck

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we have the 3.73 now but it is not available with the trim package we want on the 2018. we would have to drop to a 3.55. still with max towing package. towing rate is better now with 12,700 but we are concerned about the payload

Quantum · 02-17-2018, 01:13 PM

Your payload will be an issue. Some care about that, others don't.

I have a 2016 F150, Max Tow 3.55 Ecoboost, 6.5ft bed, 4x4, XLT 302a

My 2015 28BHKS is 6785lbs (yellow sticker) we are about 7800lbs loaded.

My tongue weight is 950lbs (weighed with a tongue scale).

My trucks payload is 1813lbs. My family weighs 550lbs (5 people).

1813 - 550 - 950 - 100 (wdh) = 213lbs for bikes or whatever I through in the box.

Quantum · 02-17-2018, 01:17 PM

If you're ordering, you could get the HEAVY DUTY PAYLOAD PACKAGE (HDPP). You can add that up to the Lariat 501a trim level I believe.

ibra0078 · 02-17-2018, 01:17 PM

With any 1/2 ton truck the payload will always be an issue. With your current setup do you feel any sway? I think your fine if you have a good wdh.

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mesuezee · 02-17-2018, 01:23 PM

right now we have a reese wdh I believe but we just bought an equalizer hitch with sway bars that I have heard is much better. We are seasonal campers and only tow once or twice a year but I still want to be safe towing when we do

Quantum · 02-17-2018, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesuezee

right now we have a reese wdh I believe but we just bought an equalizer hitch with sway bars that I have heard is much better. We are seasonal campers and only tow once or twice a year but I still want to be safe towing when we do

I use an Equal-i-zer brand hitch, 1000/10000lbs rated. It works really well on my setup.

mesuezee · 02-17-2018, 01:28 PM

we got the 12,000 one just in case

wags999 · 02-17-2018, 01:54 PM

Look at the yellow sticker on the drivers door jamb to find out cargo capacity. Then you can work from there to see where your at. Towing capacity and cargo capacity are two different ratings, typically your cargo capacity is exceeded long before towing capacity.

Good Luck.

jsallman1 · 02-17-2018, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

Look at the yellow sticker on the drivers door jamb to find out cargo capacity. Then you can work from there to see where your at. Towing capacity and cargo capacity are two different ratings, typically your cargo capacity is exceeded long before towing capacity.

Good Luck.

X2, look at your current yellow sticker which you know the experience with , then if possible look at the new yellow sticker to make sure it’s the same or more. Different trim levels can make large differences here.

The axle ratio I think will mostly be acceleration differences with the trailer more than anything else.

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Ottawasteve · 02-19-2018, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesuezee

We have a '17 28bhbe. gvwr 9250. dry weight 6510. hitch weight 685. equalizer wdh with sway bars. the truck we estimate to have 1600lbs of payload. estimating 650lbs of cargo in truck leaves us 950lbs payload. loaded total trailer weight distributed in trailer approximate 8000lbs. 13% of that is 1200lbs. Max towing package on truck, 3.55 gear. max gcwr 18,100, max towing 12,700. I know we are close to capacity but having the weight distributed correctly what are your opinions on this being a good set up? We were pulling with a 2014 f 150 with a 3.73 max towing of 11,200 but looking to change trucks since the lease is up.

The hitch-weight on our 28BHBE Eagle was also advertised in the brochure to be 660 lbs which must have involved a lot of helium balloons when Jayco got that tongue weight. The brochure weight was supposed to be 6,700 lbs but ended up being 7,200 delivered. With 1000lbs of stuff and camping gear loaded for camping our trailer weight is 8200 lbs with a 13% tongue weight of 1050 lbs. There have been forum members that have claimed hitch weights of 1400+ lbs on the 28BHBE so it can really make a difference in hitch weight depending on how you pack.

You will be close to capacity and will have to pack carefully(ie avoid heavy stuff in front pass-through) and will probably want to avoid travelling with full fresh water tanks and shift as much weight as possible from the F150 into the trailer. 200lbs taken out of the truck box/cab and placed in TT will equate to 26lbs of tongue at 13%.

You may also want to look into a high quality anti-sway WD hitch and ensure it is properly adjusted. There have been forum members that did not have good quality hitches and/or did not know how to set up their hitches that have had stability issues with that TT/TV combo. There are many forum members that have had relaxing trouble free towing with Propride/Hensley hitches. They are not inexpensive, but worth every penny when you are towing heavy.

There are some other threads regarding towing the 28BHBE. Try to ignore the uninformed opinions that insist that a "half-ton" is unsafe to tow a TT with and focus on the weights and experiences of forum members that have actually towed with similar setups to what you are contemplating.

Feel free to come back with any additional questions you have.

ibra0078 · 02-19-2018, 01:05 PM

My TT is a Jayco 28BHBE and it to says my dry-weight is 6750lbs, I am also wondering when I am fully loaded how much is my actual tongue weight. I will be measuring the tongue weight this spring using a DIY bathroom scale method to see if I am over capacity. Ottawasteve, giving your in Ottawa/Canada I am also located in Ottawa, do you have an actual tongue weight scale you use?

dee · 02-19-2018, 01:32 PM

Also, Ignore also those that try and defend their choice of using a half ton to tow a trailer that is too much. You will get all kinds of suggestions of put all stuff in trailer and avoid doing anything to add extra weight(little bit of water, etc). Too me, it makes no sense to stress yourself out and being a weight nazi in order to have a relaxing trip. If you were stuck in your current vehicle and could justify the sacrifices needed and limitations you would have, then stick with your 150. If you are looking at making a vehicle change, you should seriously consider upgrading. It will make traveling much more pleasant. Now if you plan to take it out to a local nearby lake a couple times of year and that is it, then you could stick with a 150. If you are taking longer trips or have any plans for mountains, you really should think hard about moving up to a 250. It is also not just the weight, the 28BHBE is a big trailer with a lot of surface area for the wind to knock you around. I have pulled mine with a 1500 and 2500 and the difference is night and day. Once you get hit with some crosswind, you will get what I am saying.

Hensley hitch can help a lot, but in the end, I have a family of 5 and didn't want to take any unnecessary risks.

dee · 02-19-2018, 01:41 PM

Another note is the F150 is only a little more than 5000 lbs if I recall. A non-diesel F250 is somewhere around 6400 with the diesel around 7200 lbs. More truck to control the trailer. Things like an emergency stop or maneuver may have different outcomes. Believe me, I spent a lot of time trying to convince myself a 1500 was good enough, it would have kept more money in my wallet! I personally started shopping for the SLX 26 size trailers, but the wife/kids helped drive a decision for the bigger trailer.

FeatherFam · 02-19-2018, 02:07 PM

Well-said, Dee. I totally agree. I would not use any 1/2 ton for this TT, just me. When I am at or near the margins, I move up.

Ottawasteve · 02-19-2018, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibra0078

My TT is a Jayco 28BHBE and it to says my dry-weight is 6750lbs, I am also wondering when I am fully loaded how much is my actual tongue weight. I will be measuring the tongue weight this spring using a DIY bathroom scale method to see if I am over capacity. Ottawasteve, giving your in Ottawa/Canada I am also located in Ottawa, do you have an actual tongue weight scale you use?

Yes, measured with a Sherline Tongue Weight Scale. PM me with what part of Ottawa you are in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeatherFam

Well-said, Dee. I totally agree. I would not use any 1/2 ton for this TT, just me. When I am at or near the margins, I move up.

Was wondering when the Fiat Fanboys would show up to start bashing another F150 thread discussing actual tongue weights and actual experiences with a properly equipped F150 which is not "any 1/2 ton". Ignorance is bliss, stay happy.

ibra0078 · 02-19-2018, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ottawasteve

Was wondering when the Fiat Fanboys would show up to start bashing another F150 thread discussing actual tongue weights and actual experiences with a properly equipped F150 which is not "any 1/2 ton". Ignorance is bliss, stay happy.

Hahahaha Ace

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FeatherFam · 02-19-2018, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ottawasteve

Yes, measured with a Sherline Tongue Weight Scale. PM me with what part of Ottawa you are in.

Was wondering when the Fiat Fanboys would show up to start bashing another F150 thread discussing actual tongue weights and actual experiences with a properly equipped F150 which is not "any 1/2 ton". Ignorance is bliss, stay happy.

I am not a "Fiat Fanboy," whatever that is. I love all makes and models of vehicles. Weight is weight. I view TV capabilities from a "conservative" POV that includes the TV's weight, drivetrain, suspension, and chassis. That's just me. I am glad that you believe your TV is ample for your use and enjoyment. That is wonderful! You do not have to share my POV, nor is it necessary to label or criticize those who do.

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