NickR

Hi guys, first post here, lurked for a while, and a member over on Bobistheoilguy for some time. We (My parents and I) are in the process of purchasing a new 2013 F-150 XLT with the Ecoboost TT V6. It is 4WD and has the 3.31 gearing. My main questions are that in the next couple years, my parents want to buy a camper. either a travel with the normal hitch, or possibly a 5th wheel. We live in upstate NY, and most of the towing would be on flat, or hills that dont' come anywhere close to what you would see out west. The worst would be if we went into Vermont.

What is the rated towing capacity, I'm finding 8,300lb for the 3.31 gearing. In reality, with which type of trailer, what would we be able to actually tow, keeping in mind the lack of any real mountains or long, steep grades.


It will be either a camper, our our Jeep Wrangler which will be being towed, depending on what we are doing at the time, and we are pretty new to this. The last towing we did was our Jeep with our old 03 Expedition 4.6L from Maine to here in NY.

Buck50HD

Sounds to me like you should get at least a max tow for the added payload. With 3 adults, you will be limited to a TT most likely (due to payload rating). If you step up to the HD payload package, you may be able to make a 5th work legally but would be a small one. If you can get a 2WD truck, it will help some.

I would not get a base model if you plan to tow an RV with any size to it.

Also, keep in mind the advertised payload ratings are base models with no options. If you add steps, power seats, leather and so on, it reduces the available payload. And payload will be your limiting factor, not trailer tow rating.

mbopp

My EB SCAB XLT 4X4 w/ 3.55's has a payload of 1486#. I kinda wish I'd have got the 3.73 gears, not for the gear ratio but because it gives you another 500# GVW and all on the rear axle.
If you're even *thinking* about a 5th wheel go straight to the Max Tow / Max Payload SCREW. I wouldn't even think about a 5th wheel for my truck (besides, I can't haul the canoes!)
You'll need at least the Standard tow package, else you're limited to a 5,000# trailer. You'll find on a 1/2-ton you run out of payload before you run out of tow capacity.

But if you're set on the 3.31 gearing there are lightweight trailers in the 6000-6500# gross weight class. These are aluminum framed with fiberglass covering, not the heavier "stick and tin" construction.

My old trailer probably came in at 4500-5000# loaded. The EB towed it like it wasn't even there, but you could watch the gas gauge go down. I bought a bigger trailer but haven't picked it up yet. But I don't expect any issues, it's empty weight is 4500# and gross is 6900#.

HoustonRider

U may wanna decide on the camper first.

I just came from the RV show here in Houston today and didn't see alot of 5th wheels the f150 would be hauling legally.

There are plenty of ball hitch trailers out there, but the model/gear of truck will decide your GCVWR or payload/tow capacities.

If you will be towing it alot, u almost need to look at em both together.

superdave150

First of all, Download, read & followthe Ford fleet towing guide. https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...ng/default.asp

Secondly, If you load it to the max and then drive hard & fast, then you will soon have a very sick & tired truck.

superdave150

Many experienced RV trailer types recommend somewhere between 50% and 75% of max tow rating, for safety & longevity, that means for a 8000# rating you are looking at 4000# to 6000# trailer when fully loaded. In other words, steer clear of base ratings and go for the Max Tow Package!!!!

HoustonRider

I'm curious about this yesterday I saw 5th wheels in the dry weight range from 10,000 to 16,000 lbs dry. I don't think I would max out my towing but even the f350 crew 4x4 had tow max at like 15,900 and GCVRW of like 23.500 I estimated a max trailer weight of around 11,000-12,000 just to keep plenty of room for fuel, water, people and all ur stuff.

I saw the "1/2 ton truck towable" signs on a lot of hitch ball trailers in the 3,000-5,000lb range for what it's worth. It's a lot to research but worth the education you get from it.

mbopp

Well, I've never heard of a 50% rule. There's the "80%" rule, the "1,000#" rule, and even a "2,000#" rule. That is, don't go over 80% of the trucks capacity or leave a 1,000# or 2,000# cushion.
Yes there are "1/2 ton towable" 5th wheels, but you'll need a max-spec truck to do it. A standard-payload 1/2 ton won't cut it.
1/2-ton SCREWS for a family can be a problem. By the time you get all the kids, pets, bicycles, ect in the truck you're usable payload is pretty low.

HoustonRider

A 50% rule would mean nobody pulling 16-17,000lb trailers.


I'm more of a "better safe than sorry" when you are steering 20,000lbs down the road.

NickR

Well if it's a ball hitch trailer, how do you know how heavy of one you can tow in regards to payload? I mean assuming 1,000lb or more of people and gear in the truck, how much room does that leave in regards to payload for towing? I'm new to all of this so I honestly don't know. It has the Regular Tow package.