Spendrak28

Hi guys, I am new to towing a TT and am wondering if this is to much trailer for my truck. Just bought a 2012 5.0L FX4 with Tow Package and wondering if I can safely tow this TT. The trailer UVW is around 6500 pounds and Dry tounge weight is 855. And advice on this is greatly appreciated! Thanks

jcain

look on your drivers door jam and read the bright yellow sticker labeled "payload", and report back with that number that's between 1,100 and 1,750. We can further assist you after we know that critical number.

jcain

I'll go out on a limb before you report that number.

Likely your "payload" will be ~1400lbs.

Since you are inquiring of a bunkhouse TT, I'll also assume you have a family along for the ride.

Avg male, 200, avg female 130, couple of kids ~150 = ~500lbs.

~1400 - ~500 = ~900lbs.

~900 - ~855 = ~45lbs of weight left, but that 855 is an EMPTY trailer. the ~45lbs available is also assuming you put NOTHING else in the truck, like the WDH you will HAVE to have with that trailer.

So, in short, w/o knowing real world numbers I'll say it's too much trailer. That there is my conjecture.

ecobeest

Without more information on your specific truck the full picture can't been seen.

I will say that this TT is heavy, at 6650 unloaded with a GVWR of 9000. Also consider that this is a very long bumper pull rig for your truck.

Spendrak28

Sticker says 1414 lbs

EcoboostKev

I tow a Outback 292Bh that is 6500lbs dry and has a 850lb dry hitch weight. My trucks GVWR is 7700lbs and when i weighed my setup (loaded)at my local Cat Scale my truck weighed in at 7540lbs with the trailer hooked up and the trailer weighed 7500lbs.. I'm just 160lbs under my trucks GVWR. I'm guessing your truck has a 7200lb GVWR because i know you cant get the Max tow pkg with the 5.0 engine.Unfortunately that trailer is going to put your truck over it's max ratings..

jcain

Then my conjecture seems more probable than not at this point. Too much trailer to tow legally.

5.0-FX4

Spendrak,

I have the same truck as you...2012 5.0 FX4 loaded. Your towing capacity with the 3.73 rear end is 9,300lbs. What you have to watch out for, as others have mentioned, is payload. Mine is rated at 1,450lbs and I assume yours will be right around there as well.

That said, I tow a '28 KZ Jag with a unloaded weight of 6,000lbs and a max GVW of 10,000lbs. Fully loaded I am right at 7,100lbs per the cat scales. My hitch weight is around 820lbs. With 2 adult and 2 kids, I will admit I am right at the limit of my stickered payload. I have foregone several things on my truck to keep the weight down (ie, bedliners, bedcovers, ect.)

However, I have made some modifications that pertain to towing. While these do not increase my payload, I do feel more comfortable with them in place. The first thing I did was replace the P metric tires with 10 ply LT's. This helped out but I still felt the rear end was a bit spongy for my liking. I then added Super Spring to the rear and replaced all 4 factory shocks with Bilstein 5100's. While these additions added some additional weight to the truck, the benefits well exceeded the weight added. I am very confident in my setup and have no worries as it tows great.

Several things to keep in mind. When loading for a trip we put everything in the trailer (only people go in truck). I specifically load it over the axles to keep hitch weight down. It can be a balancing act but after a few trips you will figure out what works for you. Remember that you don't want to offset the tongue weight by loading the rear of the trailer as this can cause issues with sway.

I also purchased a good weight distributing hitch (required!). I use a brand called "the equalizer" that incorporates weight distribution and sway control into one hitch and I can highly recommend it.

Can your truck handle the trailer...maybe, but you have to be cautious in your loading and make adequate upgrades where necessary.

Best of luck!

Spendrak28

My GVWR is 7350

jerrybizzle

Do you already have the trailer? If not look into something else, if so you will be close, but should be doable.