I'm sure this question has been answered every where but I'm new to towing, and would just like confirmation! I have a 2018 F150 2.7L Lariat Super Crew 4x4 (3.55 axle) and am looking to purchase a boat + trailer that weighs about 6000 with gear and gas. Under Ford's guidelines, my towing capacity is 7,600, my GCWR is 12,900 and GCWR is 6,600. I should be okay then, right? I'm just a bit worried about backing the truck up down steeper boat launches and don't want to risk a slip if the trailer is too heavy!

Thank you in advanced for putting my mind at ease.

 

Launching boats is in its own realm. This very much depends on individual ramp conditions. Driving slowly, having extra weight in the truck bed (or people on the bumper) and using 4x4 all go a long way towards getting off the boat ramp when recovering your boat. Best thing is PRACTICE and know when your boat trailer is far enough into the water to launch and to recover. Once the ramp and your wheels are wet, it is hard not to spin. Watch other vehicles and note what problems they have. For the first time, pick a time when the ramp is not busy. People waiting for you is going to really amp up your senses and could cause you to make mistakes.

Don't forget the drain plug!!!

 

But as far as the weight that I listed, you don't think towing the boat should be a problem?

 

Towing a 6,000 pound boat and trailer will not be an issue. Make sure you know how the trailer's brakes work, and whether you need to do anything to backup and not have the brakes kick in.

When launching, FordGate provided great information. I'll add some:

Park your boat and trailer in the prep area. Now, take a walk down to the ramp. In addition to watching others, note the unique features of the ramp. Does it have a dropoff at the end, and if you go over that you're in big trouble? Does it have sides that you can drop off? Do the sides have "curbs" (some ramps do) that again you don't want to go over? Is the ramp slick?

I always put the truck in 4x4 when launching and retrieving. If it's real slick, when retrieving you can even put it in 4Lo, shifting out of it when you are part way up the ramp. Set the parking brake when getting out, use wheel chocks on the truck, etc.

Also, take your time. Don't let people rush you. If you're not expert at launching, go when the ramp is not busy and practice.

 

Thanks, Ricktwuhk! The trailer is equipped with surge brakes and has a solenoid that disengages them when the truck is backing up. I had read online that utilizing 4X4 and 4Lo when launching/picking up a boat is ideal but your information has great insight.

I'm sure people have towed more with less, I just wanted the confidence of seasoned towers!

 

6k boat is no problem. I have launched bigger boats down very steep ramps with 2wd trucks countless times.

I find a rear locker very useful and prefer that over 4wd for launching and recovering boats. If you have a locker, use it before 4wd. The components of any 1/2 ton 4wd system dont like shock loads and arent meant for work beyond just moving the truck. They are not robust, and there is no shortage of stories here showing just how easily they have problems.
If I plan to launch on a slick and very steep ramp, I might consider ballast weight in the bed. Combined with good tires and a locker, there isnt a ramp I have had a problem at.
I have never needed 4wd on a boat ramp towing even huge boats that certainly overloaded at least the factory hitch of a 1/2 ton truck.

 

I just found this on another thread, does this mean towing my boat isn't advised?

 

you should be able to verify if the truck has the heavy duty towing package

 

After some research I discovered I have the 53B towing package. Although I have the optional 36gal tank, I do not have the upgraded components.

 

6,000 lbs rating for you then.