F150 towing.

[Gizmopilot]

It looks like you are only about 20 minutes way - I work in amherst ny and live in the lancaster area.

I actually have taken it to the scales (over at pembroke).

My goal is to get the tongue weight to 1100 at most.

That is part of the reason why I’m installing my generator and propane on the trailers rear hitch, and why I have repositioned the movable island inside next to the entertainment system from the bedroom hallway - from Jayco. I also don’t travel with my tanks full, and I use Lithium batteries not Lead Acid.

The cover is all aluminum and weighs about 100lbs (per the mfg)

I personally weigh 190 (or 40lbs over the “typical driver weight of 150lbs”)

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Gizmopilot

snip...... I actually have taken it to the scales (over at pembroke)........snip

Could you share the scaled weight(s)?

Thanks,

Bob

[Gizmopilot]

I don’t know where the ticket is from the summer but I plan on weighing it again when I have the generator on the back in a few months.

[Fred_Cagedog]

Originally Posted by Gizmopilot

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.

That is a whole lot of trailer and it is great to see that can be done with the right setup. I have been considering the Hensley hitch as well.

I don't think there is any doubt from anyone here, including myself, that a 3/4 ton truck is a better option for these larger trailers. I just do not believe that as long as you stay within the limits of your vehicle and you use the correct hitch set up, a half ton truck can get the job done. I live in FL so the biggest hill I may hit would be a bridge taking me to the beach...

[Gizmopilot]

Better is subjective - I used a decision matrix and deliberately chose the F150 over the F350 and I test drove both. I didn’t discuss the F250 as it is nearly the same price and options as the F350 but with much less payload so I’m not sure why the F250 would be chosen over a F350 unless it was price only.

F150 strengths;

Better ride
Better fuel economy
Better manueverability - ie normal parking lots
Shorter (height and length) - fits in downtown parking garages
Sportier
Much lighter vehicle (faster starts and stops)
More finance options ie leasing
Less costly for similar trim and options
Better gas engine;
twin turbo maintains power at altitude
Twin turbo has more torque and is at lower RPMs
Better transmission 10 speed vs 6 spd and more driving options (snow-rain,eco, sport, etc)
Better 4x4 system adds in 4A
Slightly higher conventional towing capacity 12,700 vs 12,500 (crew cab 4x4 unless you go to 4.3 gears)

F350 strengths;
Greater payload capacity - This is very nice and provides more options ie more fifth wheel options!
Heavier - can provide more stability for heavier towing
Nicer camera options
Can be optioned for goose neck/fifth wheel from the factory
Better for snow plowing
Option for Large diesel to go very big for towing! (9000$ extra)
Easier to find on dealer lots configured (w diesel and top trim)


So overall since I already had the hensley arrow I chose the F150 ordered it and waited 10 weeks over the F350 as 90% of the time I use it as my daily vehicle which includes having to go down town or park in normal parking lots using 1 spot.

If my percent of use was 90% towing then I would have gone with the diesel F350

[Fred_Cagedog]

By better I only meant that in general, it would be easier on a 3/4 or 1 ton truck to pull most any given trailer. I am in total agreement with you on why you chose the 1/2 ton. I myself am looking at a new 5th Gen Ram. I really like the look and feel of the new model, plus I still have good contacts at a Chrysler dealer that I worked at for many years. Not to mention, the back seat of those new crew cabs is enormous. I sat in the back of one after adjusting the front seat and had to stretch to get my feet under the front seat. Since I would be like you and so many others using the truck 90% of the time for daily driving, it needs to fit those needs most.

It really helps my decision to know there are success stories using half tons. Plus, saving 10-20k on a truck means I get to put that much more into the trailer...

[Gizmopilot]

I agree My last vehicle was a dodge durango and I also love the new ram including the air ride and the new Uconnect system along with the new updates including the tailgate is released notification that none of the other trucks have - that is another story; )

At this point it unfortunately wouldn’t have enough towing capacity for my camper.

[Mgkramer963]

Originally Posted by Truckerjt

Anyone using a f150 or half ton to tow 8000lbs plus. I just purchased a 32bhds and am looking to hear from anyone towing the same. I have ran all the numbers and am sure I'll be under my limits.

I hauled a 31ft Jayco Whitehawk from Michigan to Yellowstone with a F150 Sport. No problem hauling it up the mountains. Only issue was braking on the steep declines. Make sure you calibrate the brakes on your trailer.

[MtBiker]

Shortly after we purchased our 2015 3.5 F150, we ended upon picking up a 2016 Whitehawk 29REKS. Loaded across the scales were were in the low 8,000 lb range, the advertised dry tongue weight was somewhere around 800 lbs, but once loaded across the scales it was closer to 1,100-1,200 when loaded for a 2 week trip. We were pushing right at the rear axle weight and about 120 lbs over the GVWR, but under the CVWR. I installed superspring overloads on the back end which helped handling etc. The 3.5 was a great engine and pulled well, but I always was a bit uncomfortable being at the limits or slightly over and it was challenging with any significant cross winds, and the 3.5 did not provide adequate engine braking down larger grades. We generally tow around 7,000 miles a year with a couple 2,000-3,000 mile trips per year. I ended up selling the F150 and buying a used F350 6.7 diesel. Much more comfortable towing, no grade is too steep and just feel in control. It was the right decision for our towing time, but I sure do miss the F150 for my daily driver. In my opinion, with the max payload option you have, and the limited distance you will be towing to your seasonal site you should be fine. Keep the trailer loaded lightly and take your time. Should your travels expand, you might want to rethink it in the future.

[GraftonGuns]

Truckerjt, Hi. I used to haul my 27.5 RLTS with an extended cab 2016 F-150 5.0L while it did pull the 5er pretty decent, It did lack on the mountains here in upstate NY. But, the bigger issue was the total weight distribution. I probably was very close to being on the hairy edge. I too was a long distance trucker and that may have added to my worrying every time I towed the 5er. I traded it in for my 2016 F-350 Crew Cab with the 6.2L engine. What a difference or should I say piece of mind!

[grantsoo]

Originally Posted by Truckerjt

I'm in ontario canada. A Mix of terrain but no mountain passes or anything crazy.

I towed a 26RLS with the 1/2 ton Suburban. Not fun.
Went back and forth from the Soo to TO.
Started off going to maximum pressure in the tires. Then went to Dual Cam hitch, then switched to truck tires. No change.
Finally health made me give up totally.
It said trailer was 6,800lb, truck could tow 7,200.
I never added water before towing and kept the load as low as I could.

I wish I had used this forum before investing in the vehicle and the trailer.
Hope this gives something to think about.

[Tico]

I’m in a similar situation, I’m towing a 30 RLS with my 2016 TRD4X4 Tundra, it feels a little heavy (compared to pooling a 25 ft Advanger thy I had before) crossed winds will shake you, I don’t have any sway I’m using a equalizer , slowing is another factor to take in consideration, keep a discern distance front the vehicle in front of you . I’m checking my budget, I’ll be more comfortable with a 3/4 ton that is for sure , by the way my truck gets very thirsty pooling that bad boy

[MikejK]

I towed a 37’, 8600#, North Trail travel trailer, 2 yrs. 2011 F150 crew cab, towing pkg, equalizer hitch, roadmaster leaf spring helper, 6.2l. Found that plenty of power but right at upper limit wt. on rear axle, even with only 2 adults. The rear axle wt. limit was the weak link. The crosswinds in KS caused me to replace the F150 with a F350. Wish I bought at least a 3/4 ton at first.

[rlcamdrlc]

I also have an 150 eco. You should be good for a couple times a year or short trips. Enjoy!!

[Siamese]

Originally Posted by ALJO

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.

Uh, uh. You'll almost always bump up against your maximum payload before you reach your towing ability. The 3/4 has the greater payload.

[deewaltguy]

Have you noticed that nobody ever asks the forum if they can tow their 20' TT with an F350? It's always the other way round. Suggestions like avoid the hills or wind are not too realistic. If you're halfway across a long bridge and side winds hit you, you're not going to stop on the bridge.
I had to make a the TV decision when we bought our 267BHSW. At the time I had a Ram 5.7, very sporty decent mlleage.
When loaded the truck/ trailer combo worked, just not a lot of confidence in the combo.


After 2-3 trips (none very long), I traded that pretty 1500 and a pile of money for a 2500 gasser.
For me the features on the 1500 weren't that important. When we camp, we typically have granddaughters with us. Knowing how my daughter makes us tighten the car seat straps when we pick up her daughter, I couldn't in good conscience put her in a 1500 close to or just over capacity.
My 2500 has unheated cloth seats and no sunroof, but tows the TT like a champ. My wife could tell the difference from the passenger's seat.
I miss the snazzy 1500, but better than than missing a granddaughter.
Nobody ever complains they have too much truck when towing, err on the side of safety.

[Steveii]

Sounds like you've already made your mind up just trying to justify pulling it with others that are in agreement. If you've already bought the trailer, best way to find out is hook it up and take it for a drive. Most F150's I've owned or seen only have a max rating of 9k pounds unless you get a heavy half ton. I'm not sure of those ratings but it's basically a 250 frame with a 150 body. If you have that I would say your probably fine. Most of these guys commenting have been where your at and all seem to say you need a bigger truck to pull that kind of trailer. I wouldn't go blow 90k on a brand new truck. You can pickup a used 250 for under 20k. That would be my suggestion.

[kblast523]

Originally Posted by sasiki

It may be within limits but it won't be fun. What is the payload capacity of your F150? I tow a 26bhsw and skirt just under my limits.. Maybe.. When loaded for camping.

About 10 days ago, went to Arlington, Tx for wife's Dr appointment. At campground a pair of rigs pulled in, both 5ers. The Ram didn't catch my attention, the F-150 XLT SCEB short bed (!) pulling the Eagle HT. Front of the Ford was HIGH in he air, rear bumper only about 8 inches off the gravel. I approached the driver, asked where they were from (Kansas-traveling together), going to Galveston for the month. It was his first outing with the rig, they had bought it on Craigslist - together, used.



When you put a 5er 'hitch extender' on a 5.5ft bed, it places the pin over the tailgate. No assist springs will cure your 'sag' without lifting the front wheels.



Having traveled down US287 into a headwind, and simply put, barely squeeking out 9 mpg with my 2.7 EB, I had to ask, what did your 3.5 get?
He reported 6.2 mpg, only able to make 50-55 because of steering 'response', reported lots of white knuckle passes by big rigs. Guy in the Ram reported none of the above, and even attained 8.9 mpg pulling a triple axle TT.


Back to the original question...if you try towing 'AT' TV capabilities, there is little or no room for error, driving or otherwise. If you get the biggest TV you can, you need to limit your TT size accordingly. Just my half-nickel.

[usmc616]

Originally Posted by Truckerjt

Anyone using a f150 or half ton to tow 8000lbs plus. I just purchased a 32bhds and am looking to hear from anyone towing the same. I have ran all the numbers and am sure I'll be under my limits.

All I can tell you is I have a F-150 XLT available to tow my 32BHDS with but I bought a 3/4 ton diesel to use after I got rid of my Excursion. I used the F-150 once and was not happy with the way the tow experience. Many will tell you their 1/2 tons tow just fine but I am more concerned with stopping power. Coming down a hill I felt the TT pushing the F-150, an experience I never had with my Excursion or 2500 Dodge.

[Elroy71]

I have a 2011 F150 EB 4x4 supercab pulling a 29ft. Jayco JayFlight. The trailer is 5700lbs dry and I'm thinking around 7000 loaded. I put air bags on the back, inflated to 80psi when hauling and I inflate the rear truck tires to 50psi. The truck is spot on level with the trailer hooked up. I've never had a problem traveling but I don't think I'd want to load any more on the truck. If you're seasonal only pulling twice a year, I think you'll be fine.