Towing question
10-23-2012, 05:02 PM
#1
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Towing question
I just bought a 2012 4x2 supercab 145 wheelbase, 3.7 L V6. Came with a towing package, 6700 GVWR package and a 3.73 limited slip axle. Can't figure out what I can actually tow with that. Can somebody help?
Off topic, I want to load a snowmobile in the back via ramp. Is the tailgate strong enough to load it up on it? It's about 550 pounds.
Off topic, I want to load a snowmobile in the back via ramp. Is the tailgate strong enough to load it up on it? It's about 550 pounds.
10-23-2012, 05:52 PM
#2
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1st the Sled: I support the sled on something other than the tailgate. If I am correct you will have a good bit hanging out the *** of the truck with only a 6.5ft bed.
2nd tow rating: Ford states F150 scab 145 wb with 3.7 and 3.73 axle 4x2 can tow up to 5800 lbs. That does not mean you can actually tow a 5800lb trailer. Your max towing capacity is always a calculation of your GCWR (gross combine weight rating) which for your setup is 11,100, lbs, from that you subtract truck wieght, which would be 5043lb from the factory, plus any add ons (tonnuea cover, cap, after market tires, WD hitch, etc), then subtract people and gear you put in the truck (wife, kids, dog, etc) 700 to 1000lbs or better so at this point you have 5043 truck + 257 add-ons + 900 people & gearand you get 6200lbs which leaves you 4900lbs of trailer weight correct? Not quite, properly balanced trailer has at least 10% tongue weight, most travel trailers start at 12% and go up. So 12% OF 4900lbs = 588lbs which gets added to your truck and now your trucks weight is at 6788lbs. Which is not a killer but it puts your truck 88 lbs over its gross weight rating of 6700 and your already 900 lbs under what was list as you Max tow capacity. The long ans short is in most cases your best bet if your looking at buying a travel trailer is to subtract your max payload of 1600 lbs from your max trailer of 5800, which leaves you at 4200lbs and look at trailers with a DRY weighing at or under 4200lbs. This will give you room for camping gear (water hose, awning, sewer line) water, food, propane, etc, that takes up the trailers load cap which is usually 700 to 1000 lbs on a travel trailer.
2nd tow rating: Ford states F150 scab 145 wb with 3.7 and 3.73 axle 4x2 can tow up to 5800 lbs. That does not mean you can actually tow a 5800lb trailer. Your max towing capacity is always a calculation of your GCWR (gross combine weight rating) which for your setup is 11,100, lbs, from that you subtract truck wieght, which would be 5043lb from the factory, plus any add ons (tonnuea cover, cap, after market tires, WD hitch, etc), then subtract people and gear you put in the truck (wife, kids, dog, etc) 700 to 1000lbs or better so at this point you have 5043 truck + 257 add-ons + 900 people & gearand you get 6200lbs which leaves you 4900lbs of trailer weight correct? Not quite, properly balanced trailer has at least 10% tongue weight, most travel trailers start at 12% and go up. So 12% OF 4900lbs = 588lbs which gets added to your truck and now your trucks weight is at 6788lbs. Which is not a killer but it puts your truck 88 lbs over its gross weight rating of 6700 and your already 900 lbs under what was list as you Max tow capacity. The long ans short is in most cases your best bet if your looking at buying a travel trailer is to subtract your max payload of 1600 lbs from your max trailer of 5800, which leaves you at 4200lbs and look at trailers with a DRY weighing at or under 4200lbs. This will give you room for camping gear (water hose, awning, sewer line) water, food, propane, etc, that takes up the trailers load cap which is usually 700 to 1000 lbs on a travel trailer.
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Cemguy (11-13-2012)
10-23-2012, 07:04 PM
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Thanks for the quick reply, Tomb 1269. I now understand exactly what you are talking about. As for the sled, it is a touring, nearly 9 feet long. Believe it or not I had it in my 07 Ranger.
10-23-2012, 07:08 PM
#4
Senior Member
Lay down a sheet of 3/4" plywood to cover the bed and the tailgate, and you should be good to haul the sled.
As for the Tow capability, I think Tomb1269 nailed it with: "The long ans short is in most cases your best bet if your looking at buying a travel trailer is to subtract your max payload of 1600 lbs from your max trailer of 5800, which leaves you at 4200lbs and look at trailers with a DRY weighing at or under 4200lbs. This will give you room for camping gear (water hose, awning, sewer line) water, food, propane, etc, that takes up the trailers load cap which is usually 700 to 1000 lbs on a travel trailer."
There are exceptions to every rule, but for most people what he/she said is a very good guideline.
As for the Tow capability, I think Tomb1269 nailed it with: "The long ans short is in most cases your best bet if your looking at buying a travel trailer is to subtract your max payload of 1600 lbs from your max trailer of 5800, which leaves you at 4200lbs and look at trailers with a DRY weighing at or under 4200lbs. This will give you room for camping gear (water hose, awning, sewer line) water, food, propane, etc, that takes up the trailers load cap which is usually 700 to 1000 lbs on a travel trailer."
There are exceptions to every rule, but for most people what he/she said is a very good guideline.
The following users liked this post:
Cemguy (11-13-2012)