Towing small 5th with F150

[Rut]

Hello everyone, new member as of a month or so ago. We've been TT people for several years and truly like our 25RB. Last fall we were camping and the people who pulled in next to us had a small 24 ish size 5th wheel which they were pulling with their F150. My friend and I spoke with him about it, and he advised he's had zero issues. Both my friend and I have always heard, plus read, that you really shouldn't.

Recently I noticed, shortly after I joined this forum, someone had mention the Jayco Eagle SLE 24 MLE. It got my interest, so I've looked at it, only online, no one in my area actually has one for us to truly look at. So, for now all I've done is research the weight and such and compared to the specifications of the 24 MLE.

I'm driving a 2021 XLT F150 with the 3.5 eco, max. trailer tow package. The specs. are, for trailer towing:

GCWR - 19500
GVWR - 7050
Gross Axle - Ft. 3525
R. 4150
Max Loaded Weight: 13900
Payload: 2100
Base curb weight: Ft. 2844
R. 2604
Total - 4948

Specs on the trailer: Dry Weight 7,690 lbs.

Payload Capacity 1,610 lbs.
GVWR 9,300 lbs.
Hitch Weight 1,475 lbs.

Your thoughts, would my F150 be able to handle this? Yes, no, no way don't do it.
Thanks to whomever takes some time from their day to provide me with feed back.

 

[Electrified]

Does it work by the numbers that you posted? Yes. Would I do it? No. Will there be plenty of people that will post up and say "never had a problem"? Yes.

Based on your numbers, you only have 625 pounds of payload BEFORE you have added you and your passengers/pets (call it 350 pounds), anything you pack in your truck or the bed (call it 200 pounds), and anything you put in front of the trailer axles (no way to estimate) and you have maxed out an already light duty vehicle. If you are only weekend warriors staying close to home then it might work out for you but if you want to hit the open road it will tax you pulling a maxed out or potentially over the weight limit setup.

Also, I didn't even mention the 200+/- pound fifth wheel hitch.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

I did not see your wheel base listed. But with the 13,900, it sounds like you may have the crew cab. If your wheel base is only 145" or so inches, you are restricted in your truck bed room. While its possible for you to tow a 5th wheel, you will need to look at specific hitches and improvements to your under bed components.

 

[Rut]

Does it work by the numbers that you posted? Yes. Would I do it? No. Will there be plenty of people that will post up and say "never had a problem"? Yes.

Based on your numbers, you only have 625 pounds of payload BEFORE you have added you and your passengers/pets (call it 350 pounds), anything you pack in your truck or the bed (call it 200 pounds), and anything you put in front of the trailer axles (no way to estimate) and you have maxed out an already light duty vehicle. If you are only weekend warriors staying close to home then it might work out for you but if you want to hit the open road it will tax you pulling a maxed out or potentially over the weight limit setup.

Also, I didn't even mention the 200+/- pound fifth wheel hitch.

Thank you for confirming my suspensions'. My brain was thinking the same way when I added up just the hitch weight along with the weight of the hitch component attached to the bed. Thanks for you input.

 

[Rut]

I did not see your wheel base listed. But with the 13,900, it sounds like you may have the crew cab. If your wheel base is only 145" or so inches, you are restricted in your truck bed room. While its possible for you to tow a 5th wheel, you will need to look at specific hitches and improvements to your under bed components.

You are correct. I have the 145" super crew. The overall towing capabilities would allow for the gross weight of the 5th (9900) but I truly think the issue comes with the payload of the truck. Adding in the hitch component mounted in the bed (yes, I would have to get the special ones for this) and the weight of the 5th hitch, I'm basically maxed out already. So, my actual thought is - no. Thanks for you input.

 

[Jerry713]

You are correct. I have the 145" super crew. The overall towing capabilities would allow for the gross weight of the 5th (9900) but I truly think the issue comes with the payload of the truck. Adding in the hitch component mounted in the bed (yes, I would have to get the special ones for this) and the weight of the 5th hitch, I'm basically maxed out already. So, my actual thought is - no. Thanks for you input.

You also would have to factor in the added wear and tear on your F150.

 

[AZDIESELPIG]

This area can be a bit of a rabbit hole that people can go down and they end up always pushing the payload limits for their trucks no matter what they own.

This is by no means an endorsement for pulling that trailer with your F150, but just what I have observed over the years. I have been in the Rock Crawler crowd for many years so most of those guys are always sand car people who go to Glamis and alike all the time to ride the dunes. I saw A LOT of trucks that were no doubt over payload - some maybe even probably over the max tow capacity as well.

There are a lot of people on the road with 5th wheel trailers that are probably either close to max payload or far over their max payload etc. Probably a lot of them on this forum.

I see a lot of guys coming from the 1/2 ton gassers to Diesels on the Diesel forums, what they tend to find out that the 1/2 ton truck is fine on flat ground, short trips(3 hours or less), and maybe 2-3 times a year. Anything more and they notice that the truck is really working hard to tow these 1/2 ton pullable 5th wheels.

Here is what I would do if I was in your shoes, we started out with a small bumper pull and a half ton truck.

1. Are you in a position to trade up to a 3/4 ton truck?

If yes, then I would ask yourself if the Jayco Eagle SLE 24 MLE is the perfect size for you and your wife. If you feel with a 3/4 ton truck and that added payload/capacity you may want a slightly larger 5ver, consider getting a larger RV and save yourself some hassle of trading later - you will loose a lot of money on a trade. If the Jayco Eagle SLE 24 MLE fits the bill I would get the new 3/4 truck and enjoy!!

** Now if you can swing a SRW(single rear wheel) 3500 truck - that's the sweet spot for most 5vers and if that's an option you are winning even if you move up to a bigger 5ver later. **

This is the rabbit hole - get a bigger truck and people then decide they want more trailer!


Now, if you are not ready to trade up on the truck just yet, maybe you need a year or two, buy the Jayco Eagle SLE 24 MLE and hit the CAT scales at a truck stop etc and see exactly where you are at. Weigh the truck by itself first...then with the trailer to see what PIN weight you have. I am not sure your payload number is right according to the 2021 F150 Towing Guide, unless I am reading wrong. I thought 2100lbs was kinda low.

If that payload is really 3200 lbs I say drive it and see what you think. It also depends on the rear gear ratio and are you 4X2 or 4X4 as to your specs. Use that link below for the full PDF.

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/21Towing_Ford_F150_Dec3.pdf

 

[Jagiven]

I would verify your TV payload capacity. You note 2100 lbs, Azdieselpig notes 3200 lbs. That is a big difference.

The 24ml will have a heavy pin weight do to that front bedroom slide. It's 400 lbs more than my new Alliance 23ml that does not have a bedroom slide, otherwise basically the same 5ver. That's empty, fill that closet slide up and ot will add even more weight.

Run the numbers with a 25% pin weight. On 9300 gvwr that's 2325 lbs pin weight. That is over your tv payload rating as you noted. That does not include the 200 lbs for the 5th wheel hitch, passengers, and other stuff in the tv. I would guess you'll be way over loaded. If Azdieselpig's payload is correct, you'll be close.

Double check your payload rating, usually it's on the sticker on the driver's door frame.

 

[Jerry713]

I am not sure your payload number is right according to the 2021 F150 Towing Guide, unless I am reading wrong. I thought 2100lbs was kinda low.

If that payload is really 3200 lbs I say drive it and see what you think. It also depends on the rear gear ratio and are you 4X2 or 4X4 as to your specs. Use that link below for the full PDF.


View attachment 740745
View attachment 740748

https://www.ford.com/cmslibs/content/dam/brand_ford/en_us/brand/resources/general/pdf/guides/21Towing_Ford_F150_Dec3.pdf

That payload of 3200 lbs is really rare in a F150. I believe that’s a stripped down single cab long bed with dinky tires.

His payload of 2100 lbs is even rare for a F150. My 2017 F150 crew cab short bed XLT (not Lariat but XLT) had a payload of 1730 lbs.

In my opinion payload is not his biggest issue at least long term. That 5ver he mentioned would probably pull better with his truck than his current TT. The issue for me is wear and tear. That’s a lot of weight on the rear axle. That’s a lot of extra wind drag which is harder on the rear end and transmission as well as the engine. That’s a lot of trailer to stop. A F150 isn’t designed to pull a fifth wheel of any size.

 

[Jayhawk 29]

There is a lot of technical comments in this discussion. Towing experience across several models over the course of years has personally given me an idea of what makes things comfortable when going down the highway safely and with minimal stress. The combination of minimizing break downs and potential damaging events leans me towards not towing a 5th wheel long distances with a F 150 , 145" wheel base truck.

The point about braking is a serious consideration even with my 29rl TT. I am probably at what I feel safe with towing when fully loaded for extended trips. But towing in the Rockies requires me to consider my route. and being cautious in traffic. Its really easy to get your brakes hot. I do have a half tone version of engine exhaust brake feature on my 2023 150. So really consider your camping region if you do consider to use your 1/2 truck. I am at around 29k miles and my brakes, even being used in a smart manner is ready to be renewed.

 

[BWG-JAY]

No way. Your payload of 2100 pounds minus your DRY hitch weight of 1474 pounds equals only 625 pounds for EVERYTHING else.
Water
Propane
Food
Drinks (I’m separating that from food because liquids are heavy)
Family
Dog
Dog food
Blackstone
Barbecue
Dishes
Tools
Bottle jack
Waste water (black & gray)
Toys
Folding chairs
Firewood
I could go on and on but I think you’re getting the idea. The other problem you’ll have with a 1/2 ton is their car like ride. They can pull quite a bit, but that smooth ride works against you when it’s windy. A 5th wheel is much better than a bumper pull, but it still not fun driving with a cross wind.
Now that I’ve talked you into a Super Duty (or Ram/Chevy’s equivalent) my biggest advice is GET THE ONE TON! They’re not that much more expensive and no one ever complains about too much payload.
Safe travels