I have a 2013 Jayco 284BHS. TT was 8073 lbs at the CAT. The F150 EcoBoost, is maxed out for towing (special ordered straight from ford with a 157" frame) and a 3:73 axle, has no problem at all, flat or mountains. Given that, I did a friend a favor and towed his 9000+ lbs trailer 75 miles. Did not feel comfortable towing. There is a world of difference between the 8K and 9k towing with a F150.
Personally, do your family a favor, have them follow you in a car for safety sake. It is not worth it to put them in danger.
Being that you are seasonal, I would question the "empty" part. I know for a fact if we pull the TT this year, I will need to rent a storage shed for a lot of the stuff.
I do not think what we have to say will make much of a difference. Based on the posts, you already have your mind made up.
I can tow 8k with my F-150 (not HD). I’m right at max payload on the truck with careful packing. I added SumoSpring Solos to reduce sag and porpoising but it’s OK now.
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2012 Eagle Super Lite 266 RKS, 2017 F150 Lariat SuperCrew 3.5L EB
At first, I thought I knew about how to calculate the limits of towing a trailer, bought a 2009 29bhs (7500lbs). Towed with a 2015 F150 5.0 V8 3.55 ratio. Added a tonneau cover, sprayed the bed...
I hope my photos come out...
Then I did my homework.
Here is the out of book info that should be readily available.
From the inside of the door. Attachment 46930 Attachment 46931
From the Ford 2015 tow guide. Attachment 46932
So.... From the tow guide GCWR (all in) truck, trailer, gear max is 14,400 lbs. Max trailer weight 9100lbs, when truck is stock with no gear or extras. AKA curb weight.
From the stickers. Front 3450, Rear 3800, but combined GVWR 7000lbs. On the second sticker you may notice a cargo total weight limit of 1803 lbs. The tongue weight eats into this.
To make sure check we checked it on the CAT scale.
We put the truck and trailer on the scale disconnected. So the truck front and rear axles were measured independent of the trailer. The third scale measured the full weight of the trailer. Truck Front 3320, Rear 2480 (nothing in the box). Total truck weight 5800. Total trailer weight 6340.
My first concern was how much is left on the rear. 3800 minus 2480 = 1320... OK... What about the front. 3450 - 3320 = 130 what the ... Wait a second, I use a distribution hitch which transfers the weight to the front of the truck and trailer axles.
Connected the trailer and scaled again. Front 3420, Rear 3100, total 6520. Trailer 5620. Thus 720 lbs of tongue weight. ~11% (could use more weight)
In the end my Rear Has 700 lbs left. Front 30 lbs. wow.
But the total truck weight with trailer tongue is 6520, remember the truck is rated for 7000. I re-calculate my new available limit to 480lbs, noting that my front does not have much wiggle room.
I've got a 350 dually and still worry about tongue weight. Always mindful of the saying I first heard while a young man from my flight instructor - There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. You know the rest I imagine.
We have a f150 with a wh 24 mbh (6000 lbs) and 7000 lb max truck weight. We.are 25 miles from the nearest cat scale. I went by our county’s landfill scale ( busy) loaded , could not unhitch but managed to get truck and trailer weight separate, was also surprised by results. The combined weight was 12600, trailer 5980( 20 less than dry) so the truck is 6620... I put heaviest items in back under bunks and put lighter items in pass-through. I use the equalizer 4 pt hitch this is not a big trailer 24 ft ( 29 overall)) pulls great...... food for thought
For your purposes, you should be fine. I have the same truck as you do, but I wouldn't tow your trailer on a regular basis like I tow mine.
However, with one relatively round trip per year, with care you should be fine. I would not want to buy a 3/4 ton truck for just one pull per year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Truckerjt
Just to clear up any confusion. I am seasonel at a site. I only tow it 2 times a year about 300 km each way so really can not justify a new truck if this one will do. My current truck is a 2017 f150 3.5 EcoBoost 4x4 super cab with 8 ft box.
Payload 2564
Gvwr 7850
Rgaw 4800
Gcwr 17100
Max tow 11500.
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Erroll and Mary Doss and Duffy (RIP)
2018 Jayco Redhawk 22J
I read a post from a guy who just purchased a new Ram 1500 (5th Gen) and is towing a 32TSBH which is heavier than your trailer) with it. He said it tows it great and even commented that his wife forgot they were towing it at one point. He had a quad cab with the 6.4 bed. I am actually considering getting the 33RBTS and mating it with a new gen Ram 1500 CC 6.4 bed (hoping the extra wheelbase helps). I will be towing more than you, but if its once a moth I will be surprised. Plus I live in Florida, so the closest I get to mountains is a highway with a bunch of overpasses... As for the F-150, it will probably pullit no problem, but I have heard from many different places that the f150s arent as stable as some other brands. Maybe see if you can find a used Hensley or ProPride for cheap. Those would definitely help. I feel the same as you and find it hard to swallow the extra 10k for such a small portion of my use of the truck.
When folks mention the towing experience won't be fun it's a reflection of the down shifting, high engine revs and noise you're typically going to experience when towing an 8,000 pound trailer with a 1/2 ton truck. The numbers (max. tow, max. combined, max. tongue, etc.) might not be exceeded but you'll know the engine and tranny are working hard based on the high rpms and noise.
Going to a 3/4 ton is usually going to mean less in the way of downshifting, engine rpms and noise which during a long day of towing can mean a more relaxing drive and less fatigue.
If the engine is the same, the transmission and also the rear end ratio, it makes no difference between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton.
Ratings and specifications are different between 1/2 and 3/4 ton. For instance axles are heavier and have 6 bolt, while 1/2 tons use the 5 bolt. Springs are heavier, chassis etc.
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2014 Ram 1500 CrewCab 4x4 5.7 Hemi 3.92 Rear and Air Lift 1000
2005 Jayco Jay Feather LGT - 29Y GVWR-7000 lbs.
Dexter Axle Lift 4-9/16" - installed with sub-frame.
Pro Series 1200 lbs. WDH with Double Sway Bar.
Champion 3100/2800 watt Inverter/Generator-Onboard Solar Power
I have a 2014 Max Tow Ecoboost (non HD, Billstein’s all the way around, PowerStop pads and rotors, and Timbrens). Our old trailer was a 2015 Laredo LHT 25BH. It was 29’ tongue to bumper and usually about 6,500lbs loaded. We pulled it up and down almost every major pass in CO without an issue. The new trailer is a bit longer and heavier (haven’t scaled it yet) and I can absolutely feel the difference towing.
It just comes down to perception. As much as I love this truck and it’s performance I would never say, “I forget the trailer is back there.” We have never had a sway event or any close call, but I know it’s there because I can “feel” everything.
As you know, your HD F150 is almost a unicorn. I have towed with bigger trucks and a same year 3/4 or 1 ton is definitely a better tow vehicle than our 1/2 tons in my opinion. With the way we use our trailer (a few thousand miles a year) I wouldn’t even consider using your truck to tow that trailer. For one round trip a year, while taking my time and being as safe as possible, I think your truck will be up to the challenge.
I have a 2009 F150 Unicorn with 7 lug wheels, HD and Max Tow packages. I have been to the CAT scales fully loaded and I am well within limits. Last summer I towed my 9995 lb. fiver over 5K miles with no problems or concerns. That was thru NM, CO, SD, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and AZ. Up and down mountains with more wind that I wanted sometimes. Gas mileage at 70mph was 10.7 mpg with a 5.4L motor and 373 gears.
All in all, I am very satisfied how my 1/2 ton truck handles and I feel that is very safe for my wife and I.
Happy RVing,
Jeff
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2018 Eagle HT 26.5 RLDS. SOLD
2009 F150 Supercab UNICORN, 5.4L ,3.73, HD and Max Tow Packages, Timbrens, Bilstein shocks.
Wet bolt kit. Andersen Ultimate 20K hitch. TST 507RV TPMS. Hydro Life HL-200. 16" Goodyear Endurance. Progressive EMS. SteadyFast Stabilizers. Furion backup camera.
Best friend wife, Di, and dog Cooper. RETIRED
.........….Ratings and specifications are different between 1/2 and 3/4 ton. For instance axles are heavier and have 6 bolt, while 1/2 tons use the 5 bolt. Springs are heavier, chassis etc.
As I look at my F150, it has a 7 bolt pattern.
Don
If the engine is the same, the transmission and also the rear end ratio, it makes no difference between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton.
Ratings and specifications are different between 1/2 and 3/4 ton. For instance axles are heavier and have 6 bolt, while 1/2 tons use the 5 bolt. Springs are heavier, chassis etc.
3/4 ton trucks have 8 lug bolts, and there are more differences in 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton
However, with one relatively round trip per year, with care you should be fine. I would not want to buy a 3/4 ton truck for just one pull per year.
My personal opinion, and not pointing at any truck brand vs the other, I personally prefer a 3/4 ton, double cab, 8 foot bed truck over any of the 1/2 ton trucks. Regardless of towing or daily driver.
Half-tons are over hyped by the manufacturers IMHO. Our four Expeditions are kissing cousins to the F150 and I would not consider them for towing a large tt.
I noticed that the 2018 starting price for the f250 was only $2,600 more than the 150. Well worth it to me.
snip...... there are more differences in 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton
I would agree....., adding most 3/4 ton gassers have cast iron blocks, lower compression ratios, different transmissions, etc.. The 3/4 and 1 ton drivetrains tend to be designed/built for longer term usage under heavier loaded conditions.
Will be interesting to see GM's HD models with the new 6.6L V-8 gasser due out in 2020 rated at 400HP & 450 Torque...., notable upgrade from the 6.0L gasser. New tranny's coming out as well.
I miss the GM 8.1L and Ford V-10 gassers in the pickups
Ford just confirmed they are, effective with the 2020 model year, coming out with an all new 7.3L gas engine. No HP or Torque # have been given yet. It will be cast iron block, push rod design. Because of this, it will be narrower and shorter because it doesn't have the cam or cams up top over the cylinders. The 6.2L gas will remain as the base engine.
They are also introducing a new 10 speed transmission. It will be the standard transmission for both the new gasser and the 6.7 PS engine. It can be ordered with the 6.2L engine. However, the old 6.2L engine will come standard with the current 6 sp transmission.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle
I would agree....., adding most 3/4 ton gassers have cast iron blocks, lower compression ratios, different transmissions, etc.. The 3/4 and 1 ton drivetrains tend to be designed/built for longer term usage under heavier loaded conditions.
I miss the GM 8.1L and Ford V-10 gassers in the pickups
Bob
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Erroll and Mary Doss and Duffy (RIP)
2018 Jayco Redhawk 22J
I have a 2018 Platinum SC SB F150 Fx4, Tow mirrors, Max Tow (rated at 12,700lbs conventional using wdh) 3.5 Ecoboost 375HP 470ft/lbs Tq 3.55 gears 10 sp auto.
The wheels are the 20” with 6 bolts
I use a hensley Arrow hitch with 1400lbs bars
I am towing a 2018 Eagle 322RLOK 38.5’ empty weight per sticker is 10,240 GVW 11,700.
I have been getting between 9.5 and 11 mpg while towing
I attached a short video of it hooked up this past Monday before I dropped it off for some warranty work - I plan on touching up the hitch paint- it was used when I bought it 15 years ago.
I have never had any sway, taking it out of the camp grounds is a 7 degree incline - per the trucks display (not very long maybe 1/2 mile) and I’ve had no issues the truck typically runs at about 1800-2200 and when accelerating it goes upto 3500, all temps are showing good.
I only have about 300 miles towing it but Monday we had 35mph gusts (Buffalo NY area we had a blizzard last Thursday and about 2.5 - 3’ of snow depending on where and drifts, the temp went up to 60 and the roads were wet from the melting snow.
This truck is like a race car so it definitely performs differently when towing an extra 10K vs not but it tows very well.
I just bought some airlift ride control airbags and have an appointment to have them installed tomorrow - I noticed a bit more bounce in the suspension over rough roads and want to firm it up a bit.
I also will be putting about 250lbs of generator(igen4500df) and propane (60lbs-108 w tanks) on the factory installed trailer receiver.
I have a 2018 Platinum SC SB F150 Fx4, Tow mirrors, Max Tow (rated at 12,700lbs conventional using wdh) 3.5 Ecoboost 375HP 470ft/lbs Tq 3.55 gears 10 sp auto.
The wheels are the 20” with 6 bolts
I use a hensley Arrow hitch with 1400lbs bars
I am towing a 2018 Eagle 322RLOK 38.5’ empty weight per sticker is 10,240 GVW 11,700.
You're way overloaded with that truck!
I have a 2016 F150 XLT, Max tow and my payload (door sticker) says 1813lbs.
My trailer is a Jayco 28BHKS and has a GVWR of 8200lbs.
My truck is within specs when I'm loaded and ready for the road.
Your Platinum will have a payload of around 1500lbs. That trailer probably has a tongue weight of 1200lbs. Your box cover looks heavy, and the propride is probably 150lbs as well. You haven't even added occupants to the equation.
Have you taken that setup to the scales?
Nice truck...I'd like a platinum, but I don't want to give up the payload.
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2015 Jayco WhiteHawk 28BHKS Summit Edition
2021 Ford F-150, 4x4, 3.5L Ecoboost, Max Tow
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