Cmd1v3r

Hi Everyone,

New to the forum, although I have obtained a lot of info from here over the last month. I just hope I can contribute at some point. I do not have nearly the knowledge most of you have, thus the primary reason for being here.

I am preparing to purchase a new travel trailer and need to determine the best TV to accommodate it. I know some folks are going to direct me to an F 250, but for a number of reasons the 250 will not work. I am going to have to go with an F150 and wish to go with the Platinum. Why not? This "might" be the last vehicle I own. (Although hopefully not).

I am torn between 2 TT's. One with a GVWR of about 7400 lbs/580 tongue weight ( no problem there), and another with GVWR just under 9000 lbs/780 tongue weight. I live at 5000' and tow up to 8000' or a little higher at times. I might tow about 10%-15% of the time, although I can see that increasing to 20%-35% of the time in a couple of years. Possibly at lower altitudes though.

Although I was leaning toward the 5.0L V8 based on a friends recommendation, all of the research I've done is pointing me to the 3.5L Ecoboost/10 speed trans. Note that the 10 speed will be available with the 5.0L in 2018, and will probably wind up ordering a 2018.

My questions are: all personal biases aside, can I accommodate a 9000 lb TT with the Ecoboost and max towing package? I know the tow capacity is adequate, but what is your gut feel, or experience? Would I be better of with the 5.0L?
How does the new 10 speed transmission with the 5.0L impact my decision (available in 2018)?
I was planning on going with the 5.0L and the 3.73 axle ratio. If I go with the 3.5 Ecoboost, should I go with the standard 3.55 axle, or should I upgrade to the 3.73 for mountain towing, or is that overkill?

Hope this all makes sense. I might sound like I know what I'm talking about, and have learned a lot lately, but am still a novice.

Thanks for any input.

David E

SteveLord

There's no overkill when it comes to the gearing options. Get the most you can find with the options you want.

robertsunrus

Hi, most, if not all, Platinum's have a low payload. I would be concerned with that. And that is just one reason that I bought an XLT.

brwarrior

I'm new hear and to a truck (she's got about 70 miles on a '17 3.5EB Supercab short bed) so you can take my musings with the venerable 50 lb bag of salt.

Much like car salesmen and literature, travel trailer info is a bit misleading. The tongue weights listed are probably only useful to the guy towing it to the dealership. Use 10-13% of the GVWR. Before I decided to jump in (turned in a '14 Edge early) I've been looking at some kind of a TT or PopUP. The Edge was really limited in towing (never thought about towing with it) so I was down in the bottom of weights on TTs (like around 14' with aluminum sides) or looking at popups. I would laugh at sites that would list an empty weight, a dry tongue and a cargo carrying capacity but would have "TBD" for the GVWR. (Yes Forest River, I'm calling you out!)

If you're going to order, order yourself a Unicorn. Get the HD Payload Package and the Max Tow. Mine doesn't have the HDPP, but it does have Max Tow. That way you should have a couple thousand in payload. You'll eat 1,000 up for tongue weight and leave you another thousand for occupants and stuff in the truck. Don't forget that WD hitch will also be hitting the scales at 100lb give or take.

SteveLord

For the HDPP, you may want to consider a custom order. Especially if you have some some other things on your must have list. That package alone is harder to find.


EDIT-Can't get leather in XLT anymore apparently.

acdii

I don't think HDPP is available on a platinum due to the amount of options that come standard. To get HDPP in a Lariat, you have to order a 500A.

Unless you get the HDPP, chances are you will not have enough payload in a Lariat 502a even with Max Tow package for either trailer weight posted. You wont have it in the Platinum line. I have a 16 Lariat 502a with tow package and have just enough payload to tow a 7000# GVWR trailer, any higher than that and I would exceed payload. It might tow the 7400# GVWR if I don't have passengers or gear in the truck.

My suggestion is to visit a few lots and look at inventories of trucks that interest you, and after looking at the options, open the drivers door and look for the Tire chart, it is the yellow sticker, and has the payload rating. You will want at least 1600 pounds payload for the lower GVWR trailer, and 1900 for the heavier one, anything less than that is asking for trouble.

jwanck11

A couple of thoughts for you:

If towing in the mountains, you will want the torque of an EB - especially if there is moderate to significant elevation from sea level involved. Turbos combat decreasing air density.

9K is quite heavy. At 12-15% on the hitch, you are left with not a lot of payload - which is the sum of everything in the cab and bed (including passengers, gear, WDH, etc.) plus the weight on the hitch. A Platinum usually has low payload ratings given the normal options and add ons. I am not sure you can pair a Platinum to the TTs you are looking at and being within the rawr and gvwr.

I am not sure how even the 7400 trailer is 540 hitch weight? 7400 * .12 is 888 and *.15 is in excess of 1K lbs. It's early though and I have not yet had coffee, so perhaps my math is off.

In this case, the engine is less the consideration than the payload to tow safely and comfortably.

Lastly, the 3.55 and 3.73 with the EB would be fine. The 3.73 will get off the line a little more smoothly and perhaps hold a higher gear a little longer. The 3.55 would get slightly better mpg over long flat runs.

Good Luck!

chimmike

I agree with the folks above. Platty will limit your payload significantly...though it has great creature comforts.

I also recommend the 3.5EB especially if in the mountains. Torque as broad and flat as the great plains themselves...and 3.55 gears should do just fine for you...3.73s aren't necessary.

shoot. I have 3.31s and they're just fine for me towing. The 10sp auto makes all the difference in the world.

Wanted33

Sorry, I don't know a thing about towing, but from the main page there is a "towing/hauling/plowing" section that may help. There is a ton of experience there. Welcome to the forum David.

Ricktwuhk

Why not a Platinum? Answered - options are too heavy.

As noted, your tongue weights are off big time. Should be 10 - 15%, and use 13% average. You won't be towing 9,000 pounds safely with most F-150s as noted.

And, as noted, the Towing section of the forum discusses this day in and day out. Nothing unique about your situation except the altitude.