What truck to buy to tow a 25' Airstream trailer
03-20-2014, 03:56 PM
#11
Wildbill,
I think you should be fine with the Ecoboost. That's pretty much the setup I have and my 5.0 works well. But my tongue weight is actually more than what Airstream says it should be (all depends on how much stuff you put in your trailer). Have fun....getting a new truck is fun. I don't think you could go wrong with either truck. I used to own a King Ranch, but I hated using it for work around the ranch because it was such a beautiful truck. The FX4 with the black leather interior seems to wear better than that beautiful KR interior.
I think you should be fine with the Ecoboost. That's pretty much the setup I have and my 5.0 works well. But my tongue weight is actually more than what Airstream says it should be (all depends on how much stuff you put in your trailer). Have fun....getting a new truck is fun. I don't think you could go wrong with either truck. I used to own a King Ranch, but I hated using it for work around the ranch because it was such a beautiful truck. The FX4 with the black leather interior seems to wear better than that beautiful KR interior.
03-20-2014, 05:07 PM
#12
I tow a Flying Cloud 25FB with my 5.0 F150 and I can tell you that I'm at my max comfort level with this setup. I can't comment on the Ecoboost because I know nothing about it, but the frame is the same so I would think you would still be over your GVWR. I'm sure the motor could handle it, but you would have NO payload capability. With that being said there are a lots folks on AIRforums that believe GVWR is a load of crap (mostly Canadians towing with minivans or cars.......crazy IMO). Nothing's worse than getting behind some knucklehead who is overloaded and climbing a grade @ 35 mph.........very frustrating and irresponsible IMO (sorry for the editorial).
You have a "classic" and it's 25'? I thought the classic was a 30' trailer. If I were towing that big of a trailer I wouldn't go any less than the F250.
My tongue weight on my 25' is at least 1000#! The truck tows well but it is working hard going up mountain grades in Idaho/Oregon (55-60 mph @ 4000+ rpm)). If I were to do it again I would definitely get the F250. Not sure I would go diesel though........I would have to research that one more thoroughly.
You have a "classic" and it's 25'? I thought the classic was a 30' trailer. If I were towing that big of a trailer I wouldn't go any less than the F250.
My tongue weight on my 25' is at least 1000#! The truck tows well but it is working hard going up mountain grades in Idaho/Oregon (55-60 mph @ 4000+ rpm)). If I were to do it again I would definitely get the F250. Not sure I would go diesel though........I would have to research that one more thoroughly.
03-20-2014, 06:32 PM
#13
Senior Member
Yes, that sounds a lot better. I'm towing a loaded 7500# trailer with an ECO wth the MaxTow option and as long as your truck has the payload for the tongue weight and all, you are good to go.
The King Ranch's tend to be option heavy and have low payloads so be careful there. Check out what the yellow door sticker says about payload, figure your tongue weight could be up to 1000# when the trailer is loaded, subtract that from the yellow sticker payload and see if that leaves you enough for everything and everybody in the truck.
The King Ranch's tend to be option heavy and have low payloads so be careful there. Check out what the yellow door sticker says about payload, figure your tongue weight could be up to 1000# when the trailer is loaded, subtract that from the yellow sticker payload and see if that leaves you enough for everything and everybody in the truck.
03-20-2014, 07:14 PM
#14
Thank you for the information. I have learned more in the last 2 days on this forum, then all the sales people that I have talked to. (Most don't have a clue) I found myself schooling them on my limited knowledge.
03-20-2014, 07:19 PM
#15
Thanks idahobi! I found out the local Airstream dealer here in Nor Calif will rent you the F-150 Eco for under $100 a day. I think I'll do it and take a jaunt up to Lake Tahoe to get a first hand experience on how she handles the steep grades.
03-20-2014, 08:15 PM
#16
Senior Member
What's funny, is that the customer I've talked to was very satisfied with their Airstream sales and service. He told me he just ignored the tow vehicle advice.
03-20-2014, 08:35 PM
#19
Senior Member
buddy of mine has a 2013 hd scab 8ft bed... its payload maxed at 2400lbs...
Last edited by Steve Osborne; 03-20-2014 at 08:38 PM.