MemphisHog

I have a 2011 FX4 crew cab with 3.55 gears. I will be towing a car and trailer that weigh about 5,000 lbs total. My trip will be about 1,600 miles round trip. I will drive the 800 miles one day there, and one day back. I have not towed with this truck (old truck was 2001 Chevy HD 2500) I know that the weight I am pulling is well under the max it can. However I know real world is different. Should I have any issues with this (trailer has brakes as well)? Also, anyone have any idea what kind of mpg's I can expect to get?

Thanks

Watt-maker

You should be good to go. Check your tire psi especially if using the p-metric OEM tires.

93Cobra#2771

iTrader: (2)

Air your tires up to max psi. Keep speeds under 65 (trailer tires only speed rated to 65mph).

Expect 9-11mpg according to terrain and how you drive.

MemphisHog

Thanks. I have load range E tires

PHX 150

Load range E for the trailer tires? How old are the trailer tires? Is the trailer a tandem?
You have the luxury of easily changing your tongue weight by repositioning the vehicle. Should be easy to set up to pull nice.

93Cobra#2771

iTrader: (2)

An LT tire or ST? If an ST then it is still limited to 65

MemphisHog

No I have LT load range E on my truck. I run those at about 45 PSI normally. Should I put more air in them for this tow, and just in back or all(max is 80)? Also, it is a tandem axle trailer. I agree I should be able to adjust the tongue weight by moving the car, but how do I measure what the tongue weight is, do I have to go to a scale or is there another way?

93Cobra#2771

iTrader: (2)

Wouldn't hurt to throw 65 or so psi in them, will firm the rear up since you aren't using a WDH.

There is a shortcut on how to measure tongue weight using a bathroom scale. But if you don't know total weight of trailer combo it won't do you much good.

zx12-iowa

Any engine in the f150 will be fine but the eco should mirror your hd trucks towing behavior - powerwise.

brulaz

I run mine at 50psi. Michelin told me that 48psi matched the original weight rating of the P metric tires. Never tried higher pressures as squirm doesn't seem that bad.

With a WDH you measure the truck's front end lift (before minus after attaching the trailer). And try to reduce that lift by 50 upto 100% by adjusting the hitch's tension bars.

You could do something similar by moving the car around so the truck's front end lift is reduced to zero (same height as without the trailer) or slightly above.