moynihan1129

Unexpectedly, my wife and I bought a new TT yesterday. We have a truck on order, but the question is do I cancel the order and buy a F250 or Ram 2500 instead for 7-8 camping trips a year.

The Camper - 2018 32-BHKS - 868 Tongue, 8,823 dry, 10,600 Gross, 11'1" high, 36'5" (with hitch) long

The truck - 157" WB Crew cab, 3.5 Eco, 4X4, HDPP, Max Tow, 3.73. Payload should be 2,600 and towing at 11,400.

I would be good from a pure spec and capability point of view, but how much wear and tear would I put on this motor straining it this much? I know I am likely to get some responses on sway, but with a sail that big, anything is going to sway in the wind. You would have to slow down just as much with a 250 as a 150. I am open to comments either way. The other consideration is overall fuel cost when not driving as this is my daily driver. A 250 isn't really air port parking garage friendly. I will be picking up the new TT with my existing truck and be at about 95% payload and 85% towing (based on empty weight) just to get it home. Again, I know the 250 will do it, I just don't want to get the F-150 home and be disappointed after the first trip.

Appreciate the comments in advance.

BlackBoost

It will do it, but maybe not very well. If it were me in your shoes, I would do a change for the F250 simply because I'd rather not be pushing anywhere near to the truck's limits. But that's my personal opinion. My towing limit is 8300 and I'm very happy with my 5k TT, and wouldn't want anything bigger with my current truck. The only heavier towing I ever did was with my boat twice a year @7500 lbs.

As I said, the truck will pull it, it will be harder on the truck, but it will still do it safely provided you double-check all the numbers (payload, tongue weight) and use a WD hitch.

WestOGuy

That's a mighty big TT. If you're set on the TV (as a daily driver and such), just be sure to double check all limits. Personally, even if you decide to go 250, I wouldn't pull a TT near that size without a Hensley or P3 hitch.

RickC137

Without even looking at the towing capacity of YOUR F-150, that is a monstrous trailer for ANY F-150. The guy who commented about the high end trailer hitch is right. Short of a 1-ton dually, you really want a great hitch like the Hensley Arrow or similar.

I have towed large 5th wheels (35') and TT's (30'+) with an F-250 and was getting close to maximum weight allowed. Not in my wildest dreams would I think that a light duty, aluminum F-150 is up to the task (safely). Good luck.

8100hd

moynihan1129

Thanks all. I called the dealer to explore the option of canceling my order (production date of next week) and he said it is not possible. He had the sales manager tell me I have to take the truck. I only signed a build sheet agreeing on price and options – no sales contract. I put no money down. Can I just walk if I choose to go the 250 route?

5.0GN tow

Yep if no money down and no sales contract signed, tell them to pound sand.

Irfman2000@yahoo.com

You're under no obligation to take the truck especially if it doesn't fit your needs. If that dealer is cool enough to understand your situation, they'll just put it in the inventory as dealer stock like the rest of the trucks. If they give you a really hard time about it and making you take that truck, walk and go to another dealer. Especially if you didn't put down a deposit. Besides if you order an F250, you're looking at a shorter wait time than an F150 since it's a lower volume truck and you'll get it on an average of 4-6 weeks but closer to 4 than 6-8 weeks on an F150.

jag1886

That trailer is to big unless you live in the flatlands of Nebraska and aren't going to go any where but Nebraska. I have a 25' trailer that weighs half as much, my truck pulls it just fine in the mountains as long as it's not to hot outside. I believe you would be wise to get a $60K diesel to pull that much trailer.

moynihan1129

I tow an 8,000LB (loaded) 29' camper now with my 2015 3.5 eco and 3.31 gears. I have it setup with a WD hitch and have driven it cross country. I have never had "white knuckles" though I did encounter some wind, so I slowed down. No issues with hills or having to keep up with traffic. I don't believe I need a 60K diesel duelly as some have suggested... I was more concerned with the wear and tear on the truck with the HDPP vs. me being comfortable. I have been towing trailers for a long time. I can't justify that much truck for 365 days when I tow about 16 days a year (to and form the campsite).