Towing camper with 5.0
11-08-2012, 10:54 AM
#2
Senior Member
I did add Timbren load helpers, but I love the way it tows our camper. I switched from a 4th gen Ram 1500 to the Ford, and using coils in the Ram just ruined it's towing capability. The 5.0 also holds it's own when compared to the Hemi. I'm very happy with the setup.
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11-08-2012, 12:21 PM
#7
Better OUT then IN
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Mine tows great.
I have a 20' Toy Hauler that - with the toys inside and all tanks full, all gear inside - I'm at around 8,000 pounds. Truck is rated for 9,500 pounds.
I have a weight distribution system and Road Master Active Suspension (RAS) in the back and Bilstein 5100's all around with Terras 305-55-20 on all corners with the front set to 1.95" to level the truck.
I got the RAS to help alleviate the "Wheel hop" and the "Shudder" from the F150's soft springs. The other reason was, because I didn't want the rear to sag when I towed the camper after I leveled the front with the 5100's.
I did tow this weight BEFORE I made all these upgrades and it towed fine but after these upgrades, it definitely tows better now.
With all that - it's a beautiful thing man - just B E A U T I F U L !
Been towing this for almost two years now and here's what I've learned:
On the highway, I NEVER tow faster then 65 EVER and mostly, closer to 60-62. It's just a lot of weight and I'm worried that someone will do something stupid that will cause me to react to avoid them. Understand that the setup I describe above is awesome for a quick reaction but I'd rather be safe and not have to test it.
I NEVER tailgate (draft) anyone - for the same reasons.
Because of the torque numbers the 5.0 has, compared to the Ecoboost, I ALWAYS lock out 6th gear and keep the truck in Tow/Haul mode. Locking out 6th, keeps the engine in the optimal 5.0 torque band and the speed stays around 63-65 mph. I get around 8-9 mpg at this speed.
When not on the highway, my favorite gear is 4th (Lock out 5th and 6th) and the speed stays at 53 mph. I get around 12 mpg at this speed. Again, great torque range for that speed/gear.
Lastly, I'm getting too old to worry about getting somewhere too quickly. No need for me to race there - even though 5.0 can most certainly get you there quickly. If I need to be there at a specific time, I just leave earlier and still take my time.
Remember that this is the MOST weight I will ever tow with this setup - everything is full and fully loaded.
I do tow without the toys and much less gear and of course, the mpg's go up and the towing experience is obviously better.
If I wanted to tow faster and "jack rabbit" start on a regular basis, I would have gotten the Ecoboost - but I couldn't be happier with my 5.0!
I have a 20' Toy Hauler that - with the toys inside and all tanks full, all gear inside - I'm at around 8,000 pounds. Truck is rated for 9,500 pounds.
I have a weight distribution system and Road Master Active Suspension (RAS) in the back and Bilstein 5100's all around with Terras 305-55-20 on all corners with the front set to 1.95" to level the truck.
I got the RAS to help alleviate the "Wheel hop" and the "Shudder" from the F150's soft springs. The other reason was, because I didn't want the rear to sag when I towed the camper after I leveled the front with the 5100's.
I did tow this weight BEFORE I made all these upgrades and it towed fine but after these upgrades, it definitely tows better now.
With all that - it's a beautiful thing man - just B E A U T I F U L !
Been towing this for almost two years now and here's what I've learned:
On the highway, I NEVER tow faster then 65 EVER and mostly, closer to 60-62. It's just a lot of weight and I'm worried that someone will do something stupid that will cause me to react to avoid them. Understand that the setup I describe above is awesome for a quick reaction but I'd rather be safe and not have to test it.
I NEVER tailgate (draft) anyone - for the same reasons.
Because of the torque numbers the 5.0 has, compared to the Ecoboost, I ALWAYS lock out 6th gear and keep the truck in Tow/Haul mode. Locking out 6th, keeps the engine in the optimal 5.0 torque band and the speed stays around 63-65 mph. I get around 8-9 mpg at this speed.
When not on the highway, my favorite gear is 4th (Lock out 5th and 6th) and the speed stays at 53 mph. I get around 12 mpg at this speed. Again, great torque range for that speed/gear.
Lastly, I'm getting too old to worry about getting somewhere too quickly. No need for me to race there - even though 5.0 can most certainly get you there quickly. If I need to be there at a specific time, I just leave earlier and still take my time.
Remember that this is the MOST weight I will ever tow with this setup - everything is full and fully loaded.
I do tow without the toys and much less gear and of course, the mpg's go up and the towing experience is obviously better.
If I wanted to tow faster and "jack rabbit" start on a regular basis, I would have gotten the Ecoboost - but I couldn't be happier with my 5.0!
Last edited by justjimmy; 11-08-2012 at 12:48 PM.
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11-08-2012, 12:23 PM
#8
11-08-2012, 12:54 PM
#9
Retired and loving it!
If you have a truck scale handy, get your TT loaded up the way you are going to go camping, and go get it weighed. If you are going to dry camp, do NOT haul the water tanks full any further than you need to....don't fill them at home unless you absolutely have to.....
