Hey guys. If I fully load the SD truck we are buying and the travel trailer we own, after doing all the ciphering, I figured that I could be close to these limits. Should I stay 10-15% under for safety sake ? Thanks.
Rusty

 

According to Ford, you should be able to go right up to the limits and be reasonably safe. But it just makes sense, that the further under those limits, the safer you will be.

Some people like to haul a 3000# trailer with an F350. Others think you can go way over Ford's limits because the engineers have built in some unknown safety factor.

Nobody really knows. It's up to you to decide what you feel comfortable with.

 

I've come to think the old "stay under 10% of your tow capacity" is somewhat of an old wife's tale to compensate for basically ignoring payload. However, like brulaz said, I'm sure no trailer is safer than any trailer and a lighter trailer will pull easier than a heavier trailer.

I tow slightly over payload currently, I am sure it would be safer and less wear to be under it, but i don't feel unsafe. I am unsatisfied with the power i have; however, I put larger tires and before the tires with a similar load, I had no power complaints. (and hopefully re-gearing will make it feel closer to stock)

 

There is a safety factor built into those ratings, so even if you are exactly at the posted rating, you should be safe.

It's not like everything is going to fall apart if you tow 10 lbs more than the truck is rated for

 

Amen.

Safety is measured differently with each user. On one side of the spectrum, the absolute "safest" approach would be not to tow a trailer at all but obviously that's not realistic. On the other hand many are comfortable towing up to and/or over the manufacture specifications without issue. My only recommendation is that if you're going to tow close to or even beyond the limits, to ensure you have the rig setup to handle this additional load accordingly. This could include additional upgrades with suspension, tires, proper weight distribution, improved brakes, power-adders, etc. The fact of the matter is the F150 will pull anything down the road and those recommended upgrades simply add to the stability, comfort, safety.

 

Absolutely some great thoughts, thanks everyone.
Being conscious of where you are within suggested limits is just
common sense. (not that there's a lot of that around nowadays)
Rusty.

 

There is also what I would call "towing satisfaction"; in other words, how happy are you when you are pulling your load. The higher the percentage of your capacity you are using, the less likely you are to be happy with your towing experience. This is particularly true as the distances get longer and the wind and terrain get tougher.

 

Thx 4 the opinions.
8^)

 

I never believed in the 10 or 20% rule some people follow. The truck was designed to pull/haul up to its rating so have at it.

 

If you are towing a lot and have the extra money to spend I'd suggest getting LT tires on the F150. The stock tires squirm a bit above 55mph when towing, I've noticed it even with a smallish trailer.