I have a 1999 Ford F150 Lariat with the 5.4 Triton motor. I want to tow the Grand design Imagine 2250RK travel trailer its GVW is 7495 and dry weight is 5040 lbs. Some calculators online say its ok others do not say its ok. I asked a mechanic at just answer.com and he said I would need a 3/4 ton to pull this trailer. Its 27 feet 11 inches.
What does the community with their experience think I can safely and easily pull with a 1/2 ton truck?

 

Regular cab or super cab?
Long bed or short bed?
RWD or 4x4?
What rear axle ratio do you have?
Those do make a difference in towing capacity.

Regardless, the answer will probably be:
Can you, yes.
Should you, probably not. It would not be fun doing so for long distances for sure.
I know my brother in law sold his 2017 F150 Supercrew with the 3.5 Ecoboost and got a 2019 F250 diesel to tow his 26' travel trailer (no idea on weight). He said he just did not feel safe towing with the F150, even though it was well within the tow limit (even with a weight distribution hitch).
Plus you have to add that the stresses of towing with a 21 year old vehicle will increase wear and tear on it, and you need to make sure everything is in tip-top shape before you tow.

 

If you pack light and that dry weight isn’t way off (as in close to the loaded weight), you will be okay. Part of that GVWR is occupants. My travel trailer sleeps nine with dry weight of 4400 and loaded of 7400. I’ll never hit that while pulling as it’s only got me and I’m in the driver’s seat.

Payload for a ‘99 2WD SCSB Lariat from what I’m seeing is about 1840 and 8000 towing. 4x4s chime in at 1725/7700, respectively.

Once again, if the truck isn’t loaded down with heavy asf bumpers and toolboxes, you’re looking good as long as you’re not packing the house and several kids to kill payload.

blupupher’s mention of an aluminum F150 isn’t all that relevant since that body truck is so light in the loafers as it is and Ford cheaped out on shocks, springs and tires for any semblance of serious towing. It’s a common fuss about the 13th Gens that’s not as prevalent on the steel bodies.

 

Wind drag is a huge factor with travel trailers, not just weight. I have a 4500 pound dry / 20 ft TT. I only tow it to my hunting camp.

I would never plan on towing it anywhere routinely with my 5.4 f150. It's not nearly enough truck. Especially not loaded down with people and camping gear.

A 5000 lb boat....no problem. Much easier

 

Well I've successfully towed 16,000 pounds with my previous 4.6 f150 without any problems. So can you tow that travel trailer with your truck? Of course, but there is a few things you'll consider. One, how far will you be going, 2, how fast, 3, how busy of a road. But I'm pretty sure the numbers in that trailer are within your trucks ratings, but barely if you fully loaded it. You'll want a good brake controller and the truck in good working order

 

to add to this, boats are only on average about 6% payload. Travel trailers are more like 16%- 18% payload

 

Just remember if you do tow with this truck, and you can, that you will need the receiver style hitch. The bumper will not handle that kind of load.

 

My load distributing hitch probably weighs 80 lbs by itself

 

I routinely towed a 6000 pound boat/trailer with no issues. I grabbed a 3500 pound single axle boxy camper and struggled to do 60.