Bar01

Hi - I've posted this in a couple of RV/Airstream specific forums but would also like to get opinions on a Ford F150 specific forum. Any advice would be greatly appreciated... I recently purchased a new 2016 Ford F150 2.7 Ecoboost Lariat with tow package and 3.55 gearing. The majority of the time would be 2 average sized adults using the camper. The yellow sticker says combined weight of occupants/cargo shouldn't exceed 1443 pounds. The other sticker says GVWR is 6,500 pds. The tongue weight is 550 pds. The Airstream dealer said it would not be an issue for the truck to tow this camper but of course their goal is to sell an AS.

Would this truck be able to tow a 23' FB Flying Cloud? Or is it getting into the danger zone. Specs are:
Unit weight w/LP and Batteries: 4,806
GVWR: 6,000
Net carrying capacity: 1,194
Hitch weight: 457


Or would the 22' FB Sport be a better option:
Unit weight w/LP and Batteries: 3,634
GVWR: 4,500
Net carrying capacity: 866
Hitch weight: 393

I do prefer the Flying Cloud but don't want to overtax the truck. Wasn't sure if there were any mods that could be made to make safely towing the Flying Cloud work.

Many thanks for your input!

acdii

Your truck should easily handle the first one. The key factor is the trailer GVWR. It is well under the tow capacity of the package installed, which I believe falls in the 7500 pound range.

Fully loaded at the most at 15% TW you are only at 900 pounds, and since you would want to be more at 12-13% TW, with a WDH, your truck will handle it just fine.

FrozenTundraGuy

It should tow it OK, but you'll probably have the turbo working hard most of the time-so don't expect high gas mileage. I'm guessing 8-10 mpg will probably be your average.

acdii

Since it is an Airstream, he might do better than that towing it than a regular TT with a huge frontal area. Wouldn't be surprised if he got 12.

tcp2

Get the Airstream. Your truck will pull it without issue.

NC F150

I have a 23D AS travel trailer. Replaced a 19 Flying cloud with it.

For me, the dual axles offered more confidence on the highway. I also believe it rides smoother.

Tow mine with a 2007 5.4 screw. While my capacities are a bit higher than yours, the motor performance numbers aren't as good. You'll have plenty of motor.

For what it's worth. I can't even tell mine is back there, until I hit a hill. Then I really have to get into it.

Spend some time adjusting your WDH properly. That's critics for good towing.

Enjoy the new AS. Check it carefully for manufacturing defects before accepting delivery. I've had a few issues with mine that I didn't feel like should have been there.

NC F150

Also, My lifetime MPG average towing the 23 is 11.5.