John Hamilton

I'm afraid to ask the question, but because it's kinda in the gray area, I want to ask the question and see what y'all think.

My F150 has (per the sticker) a 1774 lb payload capacity. (2016 XLT with standard Tow Package, Super Crew Cab, 3.5L Ecoboost). We're considering buying the following trailer: https://www.nadaguides.com/RVs/2009/.../4114412/Specs Short version, it's GVWR is 7500 lbs. The spec says the "Hitch Weight" is 749 lbs, but that doesn't match the "13%" rule, and I'm not exactly sure what to do with it.

It will be 6 of us in the cab (estimate of 650 lbs now, but with 4 kids, that number will likely go up). Want to load 6 bicycles and a small single kayak in the bed. Those are about 30 lbs each, so 210 lbs cargo there. So, with some extra stuff in the cab (food, games, whatever), I figure our payload will be 910 lbs.

I don't know where the WDH fits into the weight calculation, but I think we're already over payload based on what I can tell.

Appreciate your thoughts and inputs.
John

Ricktwuhk

First, ignore the hitch weight they gave you.

If the trailer has a GVWR of 7,500 pounds, then at 13%, it's hitch weight will be 975 pounds, if you properly load the trailer.

Assuming your 2016 has had no additions since you bought it (same tires, no mudflaps, tonneau cover, bedliner added), then here's the math:

1,774 - 975 - 100 for wdh = 699 pounds remaining.

Subtract the 910 pounds of family, bikes and stuff, and you're 211 pounds over payload. As the kids grow, it just gets worse.

llr

That trailer has a higher then typical payload rating so you may want to use empty plus 1-1.5K for calculations unless you plan on loading heavy. Most trailer I have looked at only 1-1.5K payload so using GVWR works well.

Also I would plan on 13-15% tongue weight, you will never see the as left the factory TW and it would probably be unstable if you did.

You will be pushing it and possibly overloaded some. What is your experience level towing? My current TT is well over this and I would not recommend it with an F150. The one I am downsizing to is just slightly larger then the and I am ok with that. Of course I general only have 2 people and never over 4.

How far do you generally go? Is a 2nd car a possibility?

MikeD134

X2!! what he said. My own trailer dry weight was 5400lbs GVWR is 7700lbs but the wife and I have never had it heavier than 6300lbs. Like he said unless you bring 2 of everything "just in case" 1000-1500 will work fine to calculate trailer weight. Trailers pull really well the heavier you make the tongue (if the WDH is adjusted properly) I run 15-16%.
Don't be worried about running the truck right at it's GVWR if the Ford lawyers thought it was unsafe they would have put a lower rating on your F150. They have several F150s they only rate at 6500 GVWR.

Safe travels

John Hamilton

Some towing experience - mostly towing a popup with a Toyota Highlander. Distance wise, it's not local. We're in Colorado, looking to go up in the mountains, and as far as CA, AZ, NM, MT, WY, ... So, a 2nd car is not really a possibility...

clarkbre

Your own math already puts you over.
1774 - 650 - 210 = 914

914 - 100(WDH) = 814

The dry trailer tongue weight is 749 and that will be heavier if you put battery on the tongue and items in the pass through storage.

Also, 4 kids. They eat and they grow. Mathematically, you may be ok today but that will change as the years progress.

I was in the same position as you a couple years ago. 7500 lbs trailer, F150 at maximum capacity and a kid #3 on the way. With 1529 payload, it just wasn't going to work. Traded up to a F250 gasser that has 2766 payload and couldn't be happier.

If that is an avenue you're willing to take, that will open the door for a bit larger trailer as well.

Johnny Paycheck

With all that gear and passengers, just go get you a one-ton. Gasser is fine.

You’re facing the classic dilemma with a half-ton. You can pull quite a bit or you can load the truck itself up quite a bit. You can’t do both well, just because it’s a half-ton.

John Hamilton

Yeah, have only had this truck for 9 months. Hadn't necessarily planned to get a camper this big, but looking at the options... It's tough to find something that will sleep 6 comfortably without re-arranging the interior (folding table down)... Wife is going from "happy with the truck" to "disappointed with the truck". Just don't know if there's a light enough trailer to make it go.

FerdinandF150

You could get a tongue weight scale and get the actual tongue weight with propane and batteries and see if it's possible.

Based on your math you should be able to haul 6,300 ish lbs, but that trailer does have a high tongue weight.

Boomerweps

You will be pushing your limits on a long trip but I expect you’ll be fine for weekend trips. You should watch your loads at first until you find what you really need and use, and what is seldom used but must have items are for you (just in case stuff). The more you can carry in the trailer, the better, for a 10-15% weight return to the truck. The trailer, IMO, is in the truck’s sweet spot for towing, large but still “nimble”, with a bit of extra left in the engine. You might even want to put the small bikes in the trailer.