Pete86

I am planning on getting a new 2015 later this year. I have test driven 4 so far, one of them having the 6.5' bed. I had originally planned on the 5.5' bed since I didnt know the offered the 6.5'. When I told one dealer I tow a 30' TT (loaded wgt. of about 6500#) he said I probably shouldnt get this as I will hear a grinding sound at times due to the split drive shaft. When my current f150 was in for rear diff. repairs (have fun finding diff. bearings for a 7700 series) he said you wil hear a slight grind when towing, usually only at very low speeds due to the rear or second part of the shaft angling due to the weight. He said it is normal and not an issue. I use an Equalizer hitch now so my truck really doesnt move much and I will use this on the new one. Any comments/thoughts/ideas out there? Thanks!

acadianbob

I've towed 10's of thousands of miles pulling a 5,500 pound RV trailer; 25 feet. We have a 6.5 bed; never hear a sound.

I would advise the 6.5 bed because you are pulling a fairly long trailer. The extra foot of wheelbase will be an advantage pulling a longer trailer; more stability of the tow vehicle. You don't want the tail wagging the dog.

Good luck. Have fun. Be safe.

P.S. I would think that a longer wheelbase (6.5 bed) would reduce the angle of the drive shaft. If the longer bed is what the salesperson recommended, this is probably why.

Velosprout

Only the 6.5 bed is available when opting for the HD payload package, the current equivalent of your 7700.

Norotso

The Max tow should come in at 7700# where the HD should be a 8200GVWR.

We've towed lots and my TT weighs in at 6200# loaded, no problems.

Wally186

I was always under the impression that the 157 wheel base is better for towing longer trailers

Norotso

The longer the wheelbase the most stability but you lose payload for having a longer truck...

Pete86

Thanks for the replies. I agree the longer WB is a bit better for towing but I'd really like to keep the truck in my garage. Even with the 145"WB I am stretching my WB by about 7" compared to my supercab. Was mainly curious if anyone noticed the noise/grinding sounds.

Velosprout

As per the Ford 2015 specs:
http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/payload/


With the HD payload package 18" wheels SCrew GVWR is 7850.
With the HD payload package 17" wheels Screw GVWR is 7600.


With max tow only it is 7050.


The GVWR is the same whether it is 3.5 Eco or 5.0.


Since I don't have the truck yet, no experience with any sounds.

Pete86

I will likely get the Max tow and not the HD payload. I really like the xlt with the 302 chrome package but you can't get that with the HD for some reason. in the 2015 that still gives me 2000# in payload.

Velosprout

http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/specifications/payload/


In the 2015 Ford Specs the 6.5' bed SCrew has higher payload that the 5.5' bed Screw