Hi, I would like to buy a F150 extended cab with 6ft bed to tow my new 21ft trailer. It's gross loaded weight is 7,000 lbs. I have looked at the truck specs but I just can't figure out which truck, and tow package I need to pull the trailer and carry stuff in the truck bed. I don't want to get more truck than I need because if I get a different trailer it will be smaller. I want to use a broker so I have to tell him the exact specs for him to search out the vehicle. Thanks for any help.

 

You need to look at the payload of the truck. For a 7000lb GVWR trailer, you are looking at 900lbs on the tongue for a proper minimum 13%. You need a truck that has enough payload for that 900lb and everything you are going to place in the truck, including people.

If the 7000lb is not the GVWR but is instead just the weight you figure you are loading it to, your numbers will be different. Check the GVWR on the trailer if you have not.

Different trim levels will have different payloads. As you go up in trim and add more goodies, payload goes down. There's not a whole lot of difference in the ride of the various packages, including max tow. Really it's the HDPP trucks that will have a harsher ride when unloaded, but it's not like an unloaded F250.

 

Forgot to mention, you do need to get a tow package equipment truck. The non-tow equipped does not have a receiver under the bumper and is limited to 5,000lb. It also does not have the 7-pin connector you will need. Try to find a truck that has the integrated brake controller module (ITBC) installed, but that is not a deal breaker as you can install one after the fact easily if the truck came with the 7-pin connector.

 

most all the new f150's can handle that except 3.3 and trucks without a factory tow package. i would definitely go with a 3.55 rear end

 

And for these reasons I recommend looking for "Max-Tow"/Heavy Duty towing Package.
Class IV receiver - check
7 Pin wiring Harness - check
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) - Check
all the cooling extras - check
larger fuel tank - check

It has everythng you'll need to get setup for towing.

It's nice to say you'll never have a trailer bigger than you have now but the truth changes regularly and the trend is to go bigger with trailers over time once you get comfortable dragging them around.
Is there really such thing as "Too much truck"?

 

Any XLT model or 501a Lariat with either the 3.5 with Max Tow, or the 5.0 with HD Tow package and integrated brake controller should have more than enough payload and the equipment required for towing something of that size/weight. Do they make a Scab 501a?

 

I am not sure I understand. but here is the weights on the trailer.
Hitch Weight 380 lbs

Gross Weight 7000 lbs

Dry Weight 3960 lbs

Cargo Weight 3000 lbs

 

What kind of trailer? That hitch wright is dry, so let's use the loaded 7k at 13%(assuming TT or horse?). 910lb hitch weight. Depending what's in your truck, payload would really be your main concern. Personally I'd go 3.5. A 5.0 would work, and probably even a 2.7. Tow package at the least. Max tow if you're already looking at the 3.5. When you decide the payload you want, make sure your broker knows you mean ACTUAL payload, and not advertising numbers. Big difference, and unless you specify it, theyll find you the wrong truck and probably still bill you for it.

 

Have the broker send you a picture of the TALI tag on the perspective truck. You want to have at least 1800 pounds payload if not more for that trailer. The tag looks like this, but will have the actual payload of the specific truck, this one is just an example.

 

Sounds like that trailer have very large holding tanks, or is a toy hauler, or it just have higher rateed axles.

If that isn't a toy hauler, and you aren't full timing, you probably won't add 800lbs to that trailer on top of the 125lbs for two two 20bls tanks and a standard battery...think less that ~600lbs or less with some weight in the tanks.

If you get the HD tow package, 3.55 rear end and any of the optional engine, you will be fine. I would want the extented range gas tank with 36 gallons,

If that is the hitch weight, put as much in the cargo compartment to add tongue weight,

I know the feeling of not wanting a tow vehicle larger than I really needed, just as long as it's tows and handle safely within its ratings.