Woolaroc

Hi All,

The wife and I are going Travel Trailer shopping tomorrow and are looking to buy used. This is my first time purchasing a trailer and I'm kind of behind the game on researching about towing capacity. I've looked at the chart and I believe my 2012 EcoboostScrew F-150 with Trailer Tow Package, 3.73 Electronic Lock RR Axle and trailer brake controller and pull 9,600 lbs. BUT from what I've been reading on here this isn't the number I should go by.

So I ask you, what is the max weight and toung weight of aBumper Pull trailer and a 5th Wheel. We have not decide which version to get yet, but I would like to know what is safe so I can say I learned from Larks' troubles.

Thanks Guys! I've attached my door stickers if that helps.

Twisty

1363 is the payload available.
Subtract you, wife, kids, dogs, tools, tongue weight of loaded trailer (12% of trailer gross weight), bicycles, rack, etc.
My payload number is just over 1500 lbs. Loaded and ready to travel I am 200 lbs under my payload.
Some of Fords numbers don't work out very well. Most F150's will run out of payload b4 the max tow rating can be met with a 12% tongue weight.

Woolaroc

OK. And this would be the same number if it's a bumper pull or 5th wheel. I was thinking there would be a difference, but wasn't sure. Also why only 12%? Sorry I'm a newbie to this stuff. Growing up I always hauled cattle in my Dad's 250 SD Diesel. Never had to look into this before.

Twisty

9600 is the max towed weight. Some of that sits on the truck. 12 to 15% is a common number for travel trailer tongue weight. 20% is common for a 5th wheel pin weight.
Many 5th wheels will have a pin weight of 2000 lbs or more.

cosway

stay under 6,000 LBS and you'll be a happy camper.

Twisty

Generally, a tongue weight of less than 12% on a TT will lead to poor or uncomfortable handling when towing. The same for the high end. Generally, exceeding 15% of the weight will do the same.
I have about 5500 lbs on the trailer axles when on the road. I have not measured the tongue weight yet. I weighed the front axle, rear axle and then I have the trailer axle weight. The weights on the scales give me about 680 lbs tongue weight.
I take into account me, wifee, dogs, tools, canoe with rack, generator or solar panel and a few small items.
A little math and I get the tongue weight

EDIT - "stay under 6,000 LBS and you'll be a happy camper." That may not be true. 12% of 6000 is 720. 1363 minus 720 = 643. That could be gone quickly.

Woolaroc

Thanks Cosway. I'm assuming you mean 6k total trailer weight, giving a 12% tongue weight of 720lbs. I'm confident the wife, baby, dog and I are under 643 + all the gear.

cosway

EDIT.
Get an http://www.equalizerhitch.com/ and get a camper that has a dry weight of under 6,000LBS (mine is 4092)

load it with food, beer, toys, clothes, misc. and skinny wife and skinny kids it adds up

Too many 1/2 ton pulling 10,000 Lbs on my highways

cosway

wife, baby, dog fit nice into a 20' Hybrid ultra light.

Twisty

Yeah! During the last few years they've come up with some very cool designs and features.