Mayberry

I'm in the market for a new truck and, after trst driving, want a 4wd F-150 Crew cab. I've driven a 2009 Nissan Titan for 7 yrs and love it. It's just time for a new truck nd I want more than my 9,500 lbs towing capacity, because I'm about to buy a 32-34' bunkhouse travel trailer, too...gross weight will be around 9,000 lbs. Looking at 2016's and tow capacities, everything points me to the V-6 3.5l Ecoboost for towing. Can that engine really handle a full 30+ ft travel trailer that weighs 9,000 lbs? I may just be a skeptic, but it doesn't seem possible for a v-6 with turbochargers to pull better over mountains and long distances than a V-8 with lower geared rear end. I know what the ratings say, but I want opinions from people who have actually towed with the trucks to help me decide which to get. I will use as a regular work commuter and will pull 9,000 lb trailer 1-2x per month for weekend trips with wife and kids. Also, what is real workd gas mileage and performance difference between the two? Any help you can provide is appreciated. Thanks.

frieed

The 3.5 eco is a beast for towing.
That said, 32-34 ft trailer is Superduty territory.
You may come in under the weight max, but I'd bet you will exceed payload.
A trailer that size will be the tail wagging the dog with a half ton truck.
Can you do it? yep, but you'd be much more comfortable with more truck.

Mayberry

In case it matters, I'm looking at a few ultralite styles, like below. They all have listed hitch weights of 800-900 lbs. Not trying to Argue with your reply. I appreciate any advice. Just wanted to provide more information.

https://www.granddesignrv.com/imagine2800-floor.php

http://winnebagoind.com/products/tow...ite/floorplans

http://www.dutchmen.com/aerolite/flo...?modelId=22695

Steve Osborne

the eco can and will.....but for my 16 I went with the 5.0....dealer says 10100lbs....looked in my manual. said 14500lbs....so either one is good for me....your big killer will be payload.....anything above an xlt .....the options rob the payload...

trailer has a better mattress..was full water/food/extras---beer.....atv/fuel/generator in bed and 14ft with 9.5. two full tanks..

Jason 2015

I am currently towing a 36 foot trailer from California to Alabama (and back again). Tounge weight is about 1000 lbs and gross weight is around 8500. I have a 2015 king ranch SCREW with the 3.5 Ecoboost. I can tell you there is no lack of power at any altitude and braking is not a problem. The only issue I have run into is trouble with sway when the winds pick up. On windy days it can be a real beast to drive. I bought the trailer used and it came with a relatively cheap WDH hitch. I am going to buy an equalizer hitch for the return trip and hope it improves the situation. As far as power is concerned though, it has no problem towing that heavy of trailer.

Jason 2015

This is us at our halfway point (about 1800 miles) in Alabama.

mark waller

Personally I would not tow a trailer more than 30' overall length which would be around a 26' trailer. A 32' bunkhouse will be closer to 36' and with what was said above the sway is the issue. Going is one thing, stopping and comfortable driving another. I would go to a 250 but if your heart is set on a 150 get the best WDH you can. I would look into a ProPride.
Bottom line you need more payload because of tongue weight and your family in the truck. Also you need to get E load tires.

Steve Osborne

it's sad, but I say your overloaded as well.....I looked at a lariat in the showroom.....so I know the payload goes down from there.....

Mayberry

Because of sway, I've been looking at a few 28 model bunkhouses: 30-32' trailers. We have 3 small kids:6,3 and 1. There isn't a trailer under 29' that will fit us all comfortably.

Mayberry

I'm also only looking at XLT trim packages