ncc1701e

We are considering a travel trailer. My 2010 F150 4x4 is equiped with a 5.4L, 355 gears, extended cab, 145"wb, 7200# tow package, factory brake controller, trailer mirrors, GVW (full of fuel) 5880#. The TT we are considering is: dry weight of 6095#, 33'6" Lenght, hitch weight 625#. When I do the calculations the numbers all come in (slightly) under the tow package of the truck. I'm really concerned about the lenght of the trailer and how the truck will handle, how the 355 gears will let the truck perform on the road, and any other advice some older hands might have for a newbe. The trailer is a Freedom Express 295RLDS. Is the trailer lenght a bad match? Does the trailer push the truck limits too closely?

F150 GVWR 7200#
F150 GCVWR 15,100#
F150 Curb Weight 5880#

TT Dry Weight 6095#
TT Hitch Weight 625#
TT Capacity 1200#
Lenght 33'7" (hitch to bumper)

lasttruck

Trailer is too heavy. Length is not much of a factor. Personally, I would like to see a max., wet trailer weight of 6500# with your 7200# capacity. The 3.55 axles really limit your tow capacity. Shop around, you should be able to find a lightweight 28' that will tow nicely.

ncc1701e

While I may have concerns about the weight, I'd like to see what you are using as a base for your recommendation. Using the formula's from the owner's manual the trailer is ok. That really doesn't mean I'm all that comfortable with the numbers.

jeli

I have to agree with last truck. I haul a Wildwood 26' with a dry weight of 5880#(i figure loaded around #7200). I'm using a '06 F150 Supercrew with the 5.4L with tow package and 3.73 gears.
The truck pulls it along and fells stable but it feels like the truck is working to hard. I'm constantly thinking that something is going to break or over heat.

srn

I've got an 08' with 5.4 and 3.73's ... Having the 18" rims my tow max is 8700 lbs. We just got into a light weight toy hauler with a dry weight of 4900lbs and while we never have nor will fully load it, with what we do use, it comes in around 6500lbs. I can tell you that the truck will "pull" whatever you put behind it, but it works it pretty good on hills and long uphill grades. I'd recommend trying to find something with a fully loaded wet weight of atleast 10-15% back of your max tow and combined weight rating... Especially if you're pulling more than a few times a year. Our's pulls good but I wouldn't want anything heavier or longer, ours is around 25 ft...and whatever you get make sure you get the best weight dist. hitch and brake cont. you can buy.

lasttruck

While max tow ratings work great at sea level on flat ground, things change in the mountains. Engine power is lost with the increase in elevation. As you climb hills, the transmission slips, creating additional heat. In May we took a trip to Utah via Death Valley. Heading east and climbing out of the first valley (signs to turn off A/C) at 40 mph, the tranny temp was up to 216 degrees for a short period. That is towing a 3000# folding a-frame trailer (low profile) with a 500# tongue weight.

My tow is a 2007 Supercab, 5.4, 4 speed auto, 3.73 LS, 17" wheels, tow package and a Scangauge. Ambient temperature in Death Valley was 90 degrees per the trucks thermometer that day. Kept my speed at 40 mph and in 2nd gear for most of the hill.

Have had similar results during other climbs. Rockies, coming out of the Grand Ronde river valley (15 mph due to the curves and grade).

We did a lot of research before we made our purchases and went with the 5.4 and tow package in anticipation of going to a larger trailer in the future. Am glad that we did after seeing how much slippage occurs during the hill climbs. I hate abusing the engine more than necessary.

Check out Trailer Lifes articles on towing. They are very informative.

Besides, the last thing you want to rely on is the trailer manufactures weight ratings. Our trailer is listed at 320# tongue and 2240# axle weight.
After you add propane, batteries and water, things change quickly. Also, do not trust the sales person. Get it weighed yourself.

Old_Skl_Raptr

if it was me it would be fine. i would go ahead and do it. the ratings on the truck arent the max rating, the factory uses furmulas to determine what the max trailer weight should be to maintain safe pulling, so as long as your at least one pound under the trucks rating, your gonna have no problem. ive had my truck over the factory rating many times with minimal struggle. i wouldnt do it if you are gonna be driving through mountain ranges and such though. and you can order progressive weight helper springs for like 30 or 40 dollars that add quite a bit to your max. they only function while your truck is under a load. if your just daily driving you cant tell theyre on there

ncc1701e

Thanks guys and keep the feedback coming. Purchasing a travel trailer and doing some traveling is something we really want to do. We're just trying not to make a hugh mistake with the size of the trailer. I have pulled a test load of the same size length and weight. The trucked pulled it fine, but something in the overall setup did seem like a heavy or strained.

ABN Panzer

Maybe I've been doing it all wrong (Which is a posibility)

But even looking at the Manual for the truck (2010 F150 -Pg 255)

Engine: 5.4
Axle: 3.55
Max GCWR: 15,400 lbs
Max Trailer Weight: 9,700

also found here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...2010/F-150.pdf


Your Dry weight of 6095 is well under your max (I conceed the fact that altitude, etc play a role) gives you 3600 to play with as far as additional cargo in the truck etc up to the GCWR weight.

Am I really reading to much into those numbers or reading them wrong? If so I need to reconsider the towing that I have been doing in the past.

lasttruck

Those above numbers look good. Unless you have larger wheels (reduce capacity) or do not have a class 3 hitch or tranny cooler you should be good up to 9700#.

Where did you get your numbers?