Dcumagat

So I just bought a 2016 f150 SCREW, short box, 4x4. I have the 2.7 ecoboost with 3.73 rear end. I DO NOT have the tow PACKAGE or payload package. My yellow door jam reads payload at 1408lbs.
We have the opportunity to get a 1997 Aerolite 826bhd for free. I was wondering if this is too much trailer for my truck? Here are the specs of the trailer http://www.dutchmen.com/media/5093/1...lite-eight.pdf

Thank you in advance.

smokeywren

GVWR 5,000, and you can expect the trailer to gross 4,500 when lightly loaded for camping. At 13% average tongue weight, that's 585 pounds tongue weight. Add 100 pounds for a good WD hitch, and total hitch weigh would be about 685 pounds. With payload of 1408, that leaves 723 pounds for driver, passengers, toolbox, and anything else you might want to haul in the pickup.


So if you severely limit the weight you haul in the truck and trailer, you can probably tow that trailer without exceeding the payload capacity of your pickup.


But first you have to spend some money to prepare the pickup for towing.

1] You must add the "reinforcement" center section of the rear bumper that includes the receiver hitch.


2] And you must add the wiring harness that goes to the back of the truck for the 7-pin trailer plug.


3] And you must add the auxiliary tranny cooler so you don't burn up your tranny trying to tow that trailer.


4] And you must add a good trailer brake controller. The best is the optional integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) that was available as an option for your truck. Then your Ford dealer must "flash" the drivetrain computer in the truck to tell it you now have the ITBC installed.


All the parts for the above additions are available from your Ford dealer. Or if you are a good DIYer, you can order the parts from any discount Ford parts dealer, such as www.tousleyfordparts.com


For example, click on the following link to see the schematic for the rear bumper. Then notice item #7, the "reinforcement" center section of the bumper. Three different reinforcements parts are available, one without a receiver, one with the heavy duty receiver you need, and one with the max tow receiver.
http://parts.autonationfordwhitebear...ents-rear-scat


Here is that section of the rear bumper you need:
http://parts.autonationfordwhitebear...=reinforcement


Your dealer's parts department may agree to price-match that Ford dealer's prices, but you'll need to negotiate with them to get the lower price.


By searching that website, you can find the other parts you need too. Or call them and they'll help you find the correct parts for your pickup.

Dcumagat

Thank you for your response. I forgot to mention that I do have a class IV hitch, the 7/4 pin connection and integrated brake controller. I don't think I have the transmission cooler though. I also don't have the Pro trailer back up assist.
It sounds like it can be done, but would my family and I be safe? Or should we pass on this free travel trailer?

jeffinthebag

Look at the payload sticker too. You mentioned "free". How far are you plan on traveling with it? Local, a few hours away or cross country? Smokey suggested to me a Blue Ox hitch a awhile ago and that works fine.

Dcumagat

Yes free if I want it, but again depends if the truck can handle it. I peeked in between my front grill and It looks like there is a mini radiator in front of the main radiator. Could that be an auxiliary transmission cooler? Again my payload is 1408 per the yellow sticker.

BRUTE448

BRUTE448

if u have a 4" x 12" smaller cooler in front of radiatior then you have the aux trans cooler

Steve Osborne

1408lbs??? is this a lariat or a platinum.....seems low or higher options...

Dcumagat

It's a lariat with the twin panel moonroof.

Dcumagat

I think I see it behind the grill. I'll try to remove the grill this weekend to get a better look.

Took a picture from the front. Maybe hard to see, but is this the auxiliary transmission cooler?