New at Towing
#12
I have a 2012 EB with 3.31 gears. I tow a TT that is approx 7200# loaded (scaled, not estimated). My cargo capacity (including tongue weight) is below the max shown for my vehicle (don't remember the exact nubmers) and I have no problem towing with my 3.31 gears. It tows better than my Armada with higher gear ratio (don't remember exactly which). As long as you stay below your cargo capacity (weight it, don't estimate), that rig will tow just fine.
#13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks,
When you say cargo weight is that the combine weight of the TT&TV?
I will give myself a 15% margin, but I think the biggest challenge will be determining the tongue weight.
Any ideas on how to accurately measure that?
When you say cargo weight is that the combine weight of the TT&TV?
I will give myself a 15% margin, but I think the biggest challenge will be determining the tongue weight.
Any ideas on how to accurately measure that?
#14
Senior Member
Take a weight with just the truck and one with the truck + trailer (w/o WDH spring bars hitched up). The diff in total truck axle weights will be your tongue weight.
I usually go back a third time with the WDH bars set up and double check the weight distribution.
There's other ways, using bathroom scales and balance beams, or even buying a scale specifically for measuring tongue weight. But CAT scales are cheap and easy and surprisingly accurate.
Last edited by brulaz; 10-19-2013 at 02:29 PM.
#15
My TT has a dry weight of 5800lbs. ( truck rated for 8800, payload 1560 )
I wouldn't want anything heavier.
I currently have Timbren SES ( similar in intent to the RAS ) and have just purchased Rancho 9000's for the rear for more control.
I run my LT tire pressure around 50 psi while towing.
A dual cam sway control or an Equalizer WDH is a very wise purchase for longer trailers.
Our trucks get squirrelly near the limits of its payload, these types of upgrades will make your towing experience safer and more enjoyable.
#16
This is quite interesting to me. I'm looking at a '13 Ecoboost with the 3.31axles and tow a flat car trailer with a Jeep on it over the Rockies on I70 several times each year. The trailer weighs 7100 lbs loaded and a WD hitch. The tongue weight is easily adjusted moving the Jeep. I just can't decide if I should hold out for a 3.55:1 truck.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
#17
This is quite interesting to me. I'm looking at a '13 Ecoboost with the 3.31axles and tow a flat car trailer with a Jeep on it over the Rockies on I70 several times each year. The trailer weighs 7100 lbs loaded and a WD hitch. The tongue weight is easily adjusted moving the Jeep. I just can't decide if I should hold out for a 3.55:1 truck.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
#18
This is quite interesting to me. I'm looking at a '13 Ecoboost with the 3.31axles and tow a flat car trailer with a Jeep on it over the Rockies on I70 several times each year. The trailer weighs 7100 lbs loaded and a WD hitch. The tongue weight is easily adjusted moving the Jeep. I just can't decide if I should hold out for a 3.55:1 truck.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Ecoboost has plenty of grunt to get it moving in first.
A flatbed car hauler has a pretty small frontal area so while on hills you may run 1 gear lower than 3.55's or 3.73's on the flats you'll sit in 6th like they do.
While not towing you'll reap the mpg benefits.
I've gone to larger tires, 33's vs stock 32's which puts me at an equivalent 3.44 rear end, and have not had any issues towing about 8000+ lbs with an 8'x10' frontal area at highway speeds at 10,000' elevation/
Last edited by frieed; 10-22-2013 at 10:07 PM.
#19
I just picked-up my new 2013 STX 4x4 in early October and so far it's awesome. I do have a question on the front tow hooks, I have read other sites that claim that you should NEVER recover another vehicle (from snow, mud, etc) by using the front tow hooks and pulling out the stranded vehicle while in reverse, is this legitimate advise ? Thoughts appreciatted and if anyone wants to throw out the best types of straps to use for vehicle revocery, I'll take that too.
#20
Senior Member
Hi Folks, I'm a newcomer and i'm learning more about my truck by just reading some of the treads.
I have a 2012 F150 4x4 lariat screw EB 3.31 ratio regular axle. We found Travel Trailer that meets our needs> UVW of 6880, and a GAWR of 8300lbs.
overall length 32'2", retiring soon and we plan to travel out west , the trailer will not be over 7500lbs. while being towed. am I within the safe limit of the TV and the TT?
Any Opinion, suggestion or comments is much appreciated.
I have a 2012 F150 4x4 lariat screw EB 3.31 ratio regular axle. We found Travel Trailer that meets our needs> UVW of 6880, and a GAWR of 8300lbs.
overall length 32'2", retiring soon and we plan to travel out west , the trailer will not be over 7500lbs. while being towed. am I within the safe limit of the TV and the TT?
Any Opinion, suggestion or comments is much appreciated.
I've been towing for 20 years now, everything from TT's and fifth wheels to car haulers and large enclosed race car trailers.
For my money, I would hook up and tow that unit with your truck no problem. Drvie safe and get used to towing. You appear to be under the max for your truck. The margin idea is nice but more of an old wives tale. You have a max capacity for a reason, cause thats the max, not 15 or 20 % less.
I've put many miles on some of my trucks while towing very near to the max with no issues what so ever. My 98 1500 Silverado so many hard miles towing my fifth wheel trailer and I sold that with 250 000 miles on it. It was under tow capacity but over cargo capacity with pin weight.
Our F150's are well built and the best towing/hauling 1/2 ton I have ever owned, and I've had plenty.
Set it up right, drive careful and minimize extra weight in the truck and trailer and you will be fine with the unit you are talking about.