2018 2.7 EB Class IV Hitch Towing
05-04-2021, 11:24 AM
#21
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Tow capacities are more of a guidance than anything else. Theres nothing stopping you from towing 8k, just dont bust the truck payload.
As far as the upgraded stabilizer, no it wont make a big difference. And it might be there anyways.
As far as the upgraded stabilizer, no it wont make a big difference. And it might be there anyways.
05-05-2021, 10:32 AM
#22
Junior Member
For what it’s worth... I tow a 26 ‘ TT scaled at 6480, with my 2015 F150 SC 2.7EB 3.73 rearend. I added Roadmaster Active Suspension and left the end of January from Fla., to enjoy a round the country trip. I’m currently in Utah and this truck has towed fantastic. 6% long pulls are no issue for the 6 speed tranny. I’ve stayed close to my payloads and limits and feel very secure on the road. Usually run 62-65 on the highway and like some have said the only two handed rides have been in 20-30 mph crosswinds in Texas and Arizona. These Ecoboost motors are no joke. Just my 2cents. Tow safe!!
05-05-2021, 12:45 PM
#23
Senior Member
Boomerweps, I read your post as saying the first numbers I referenced (6k and 7k) are the generic ones. This makes sense; certainly rear axle ratio should have at least as much effect on towing as the style of front sway bar, and I also understand that the solid front sway bar has to has to add some value to towing. Where I am still fuzzy is: what is a 2.7 53A, 3.73 owner to make of the 8k limits in the towing guide? Can he add the thousand pounds to his owner's manual 7k limit? And, if so, could not a 2.7 53B 3.73 owner not also add 1k lbs and tow 7k vice 6k? If the 53B owner slapped on the solid front sway do I get to add 2k lbs? (Payload Package trucks have the 9.75 axle, but there is a specific foot note for those in the towing guide, and anyway, lots of 5.0 trucks have the 8.8 and are not limited in the way the 2.7s are, so I discount any connection between the 8.8 and towing numbers, at least as fart as the 2.7 is concerned.)
I realize as I write this that the answer is probably "do what you feel is safe" and payload is likely the limiting factor, except for big boats or similar light tongue loads. I have been puzzled by Ford's cryptic writing on the subject since well before I ordered my truck.
I realize as I write this that the answer is probably "do what you feel is safe" and payload is likely the limiting factor, except for big boats or similar light tongue loads. I have been puzzled by Ford's cryptic writing on the subject since well before I ordered my truck.
Recent owners manuals have more towing info. In the previous owners manuals, generic towing limit based on engine alone set those 6000# & 7000# values, for a minimum rating.
To figure out towing guide vehicle limits, you need a lot of data. Engine, 4x4?, axle, wheelbase, cab type, all results in a line data that fits, also giving you their estimated GCWR.
06-10-2022, 01:17 AM
#24
Reviving this thread to get some feedback. I'm in the market for a trailer and I'm looking at options. Given my specs in my original post, would you feel comfortable towing the following trailer? I'll likely only camp at full/partial hook up sites, so no need to tow with full fresh water tank. Assume I don't bust the truck payload, and only pack ~500 lbs of trailer cargo. Is this an acceptable combo? Or is this just too much trailer for my truck? Thanks for any help.
Truck:
2018 4x2 2.7 EB Supercrew 5.5ft bed
10-Speed Auto w/Tow Mo
6360# GVWR package
Payload of 1667 LB
Rear GAWR 3350 LB
3.15 Ratio Regular Axle
145" Wheelbase
Class IV Trailer Hitch
Trailer Sway Control
Tow Capacity 7700 lbs
GCWR 12,700
Trailer:
2022 Highland Ridge RV Open Range Conventional OT26BH
Dry Hitch Weight 580
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 4,640
Cargo Carrying Capacity 1,860
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 6,500
Exterior Length (overall) 29' 6"
Exterior Height 9' 11"
Exterior Height (with A/C) 10' 5"
Exterior Width 8' 0"
Truck:
2018 4x2 2.7 EB Supercrew 5.5ft bed
10-Speed Auto w/Tow Mo
6360# GVWR package
Payload of 1667 LB
Rear GAWR 3350 LB
3.15 Ratio Regular Axle
145" Wheelbase
Class IV Trailer Hitch
Trailer Sway Control
Tow Capacity 7700 lbs
GCWR 12,700
Trailer:
2022 Highland Ridge RV Open Range Conventional OT26BH
Dry Hitch Weight 580
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 4,640
Cargo Carrying Capacity 1,860
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 6,500
Exterior Length (overall) 29' 6"
Exterior Height 9' 11"
Exterior Height (with A/C) 10' 5"
Exterior Width 8' 0"
06-10-2022, 06:17 AM
#25
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Yes, thats doable. Over the rated tow capacity though. But not by a whole lot. Shouldnt have any payload problems.
Dont forget your weight distribution hitch and integrated trailer brake controller.
Dont forget your weight distribution hitch and integrated trailer brake controller.
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epaplia (06-10-2022)
06-10-2022, 11:29 AM
#26
I was actually more concerned about going over my payload first. Here's my math, let me know if I'm off here....580 lb dry hitch weight is 12.5% of the 4640 lb dry trailer weight. Assume I fill the trailer to its capacity of 6500 lbs, 12.5% of 6500 lbs comes out to around 812 lbs. So I'm looking at a 812 lb tongue weight, plus the weight of the WDH? If so, that would only leave me with 855 lbs or less to work with. With me, my wife, and 2 small kids, I'm looking at 400 lbs right there. 455 lbs or less left for gear & a tank of gas.
I'm also looking at the little single axle bunkhouse trailers that are roughly 21' in total length, and weigh 3000-4000 lbs wet. I'm just afraid my family would out-grow the trailer fairly quickly.
I'm also curious on how a smaller single axle will tow compared to a larger dual axle. Are they at all comparable? If I understand correctly, the general consensus is that dual axle trailers are more stable, or tow "better".
Thoughts?
06-10-2022, 02:12 PM
#27
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You said your trailer came with the class 4 hitch. Thats the 53B package. 53A would get you the full 7700lbs rating.
Its borderline impossible to get the actual rating of a 2.7L, 53B truck, but I can tell you when that information was available it was about 6,000 lbs.
Advertised rated tow capacity is not a number that would hold me back from anything. The real limiter is payload. What you tow is 100% your responsibilty and liability, thats why tow capacity is a useless number, its a guidance. Its also why you can adhere to a "tow capacity" but still be wrong in so many other ways.
The perfect example, my truck. Rated for 5,000 lbs towing. Even if it had no tow package, still 5,000 lbs towing. With 53A tow package, still 5,000 lbs.
But in the legality of things, I can actually tow a bigger trailer than you, because my payload will accomodate a much heavier tongue weight.
With you truck, not only would I tow your trailer, I would tow a bigger one.
Its borderline impossible to get the actual rating of a 2.7L, 53B truck, but I can tell you when that information was available it was about 6,000 lbs.
Advertised rated tow capacity is not a number that would hold me back from anything. The real limiter is payload. What you tow is 100% your responsibilty and liability, thats why tow capacity is a useless number, its a guidance. Its also why you can adhere to a "tow capacity" but still be wrong in so many other ways.
The perfect example, my truck. Rated for 5,000 lbs towing. Even if it had no tow package, still 5,000 lbs towing. With 53A tow package, still 5,000 lbs.
But in the legality of things, I can actually tow a bigger trailer than you, because my payload will accomodate a much heavier tongue weight.
With you truck, not only would I tow your trailer, I would tow a bigger one.
Last edited by JaseBosto; 06-10-2022 at 02:15 PM.
06-10-2022, 02:40 PM
#28
You said your trailer came with the class 4 hitch. Thats the 53B package. 53A would get you the full 7700lbs rating.
Its borderline impossible to get the actual rating of a 2.7L, 53B truck, but I can tell you when that information was available it was about 6,000 lbs.
Advertised rated tow capacity is not a number that would hold me back from anything. The real limiter is payload. What you tow is 100% your responsibilty and liability, thats why tow capacity is a useless number, its a guidance. Its also why you can adhere to a "tow capacity" but still be wrong in so many other ways.
The perfect example, my truck. Rated for 5,000 lbs towing. Even if it had no tow package, still 5,000 lbs towing. With 53A tow package, still 5,000 lbs.
But in the legality of things, I can actually tow a bigger trailer than you, because my payload will accomodate a much heavier tongue weight.
With you truck, not only would I tow your trailer, I would tow a bigger one.
Its borderline impossible to get the actual rating of a 2.7L, 53B truck, but I can tell you when that information was available it was about 6,000 lbs.
Advertised rated tow capacity is not a number that would hold me back from anything. The real limiter is payload. What you tow is 100% your responsibilty and liability, thats why tow capacity is a useless number, its a guidance. Its also why you can adhere to a "tow capacity" but still be wrong in so many other ways.
The perfect example, my truck. Rated for 5,000 lbs towing. Even if it had no tow package, still 5,000 lbs towing. With 53A tow package, still 5,000 lbs.
But in the legality of things, I can actually tow a bigger trailer than you, because my payload will accomodate a much heavier tongue weight.
With you truck, not only would I tow your trailer, I would tow a bigger one.
Would you happen to have any comments on my other questions?
Last edited by epaplia; 06-10-2022 at 06:01 PM.
06-10-2022, 06:15 PM
#29
My opinion is you can do more than 5000lbs and tow similar to a 53a 2.7L truck but that's just my opinion and it could be incorrect. Just make sure you have a HD frame. To do this look under your driver-side door at the frame and you'll see a sticker that will say LD, HD, or HPP on it. Yours should say HD. Should it say LD then I think you should stick to 5000 or less but this should not be the case. HD frame 145WB F150s exist up to 7000lbs GVWR, so your 6360 GVWR truck will not be weak in the frame department and have capacity to spare. The other items to look at are your rear axle, springs, brakes, and parking brake. My XLT 2020 2.7L 53a truck with 1600lbs payload has PPAA springs (the softest of all spring codes), has the 8.8HD axle in 3.73 gearset, and unknown brakes and parking brake stats. I am rated for 8100 lbs max towing and I pull a travel trailer very close to this weight with no issues in regards to powertrain, heat, or braking performance. My issue was the soft springs in the back causing excessive squat which I alleviated by greatly increasing the tension of the spring bars on my WDH (my RV dealer set it up originally and definitely didn't do it right), and I bought HD RAS (roadmaster active suspension) to strengthen my rear suspension. My tow experience is very solid now.
06-10-2022, 06:59 PM
#30
See https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/d...VTTowGuide.pdf, page 15 under Required Equipment: "F-150 For trailers over 5,000 pounds – Trailer Tow Package or Max Trailer Tow Package". This statement means your 53b truck, not having a tow package (53a) or max trailer tow package (53c) is exempted from all the towing capcity figures and the only sanctioned towing from Ford is 5000 pounds or less. Ford does not provide any explanation for why this is so. When you compare 53b versus 53a on page 16 you don't see any difference that would impact tow ratings except "Upgraded Front Stabilizer Bar". Does that thicker bar really make your vehicle suddenly capable of 2,700 more pounds of trailer? Is Ford not telling us important parts information about the 53a package? Or maybe Ford can't be bothered to administer a "SAE J2807" test on non tow-package trucks and this is just their baseline.
My opinion is you can do more than 5000lbs and tow similar to a 53a 2.7L truck but that's just my opinion and it could be incorrect. Just make sure you have a HD frame. To do this look under your driver-side door at the frame and you'll see a sticker that will say LD, HD, or HPP on it. Yours should say HD. Should it say LD then I think you should stick to 5000 or less but this should not be the case. HD frame 145WB F150s exist up to 7000lbs GVWR, so your 6360 GVWR truck will not be weak in the frame department and have capacity to spare. The other items to look at are your rear axle, springs, brakes, and parking brake. My XLT 2020 2.7L 53a truck with 1600lbs payload has PPAA springs (the softest of all spring codes), has the 8.8HD axle in 3.73 gearset, and unknown brakes and parking brake stats. I am rated for 8100 lbs max towing and I pull a travel trailer very close to this weight with no issues in regards to powertrain, heat, or braking performance. My issue was the soft springs in the back causing excessive squat which I alleviated by greatly increasing the tension of the spring bars on my WDH (my RV dealer set it up originally and definitely didn't do it right), and I bought HD RAS (roadmaster active suspension) to strengthen my rear suspension. My tow experience is very solid now.
My opinion is you can do more than 5000lbs and tow similar to a 53a 2.7L truck but that's just my opinion and it could be incorrect. Just make sure you have a HD frame. To do this look under your driver-side door at the frame and you'll see a sticker that will say LD, HD, or HPP on it. Yours should say HD. Should it say LD then I think you should stick to 5000 or less but this should not be the case. HD frame 145WB F150s exist up to 7000lbs GVWR, so your 6360 GVWR truck will not be weak in the frame department and have capacity to spare. The other items to look at are your rear axle, springs, brakes, and parking brake. My XLT 2020 2.7L 53a truck with 1600lbs payload has PPAA springs (the softest of all spring codes), has the 8.8HD axle in 3.73 gearset, and unknown brakes and parking brake stats. I am rated for 8100 lbs max towing and I pull a travel trailer very close to this weight with no issues in regards to powertrain, heat, or braking performance. My issue was the soft springs in the back causing excessive squat which I alleviated by greatly increasing the tension of the spring bars on my WDH (my RV dealer set it up originally and definitely didn't do it right), and I bought HD RAS (roadmaster active suspension) to strengthen my rear suspension. My tow experience is very solid now.
Even if all the numbers check out, since this will be my first TT, I'm wondering if I should stick with a lighter trailer, get familiar with towing, then maybe later down the road upgrade to something larger. Maybe by then, I'll be in a 3/4 ton.