Upgrading a 2010 F150 Tow Package
08-08-2018, 01:51 AM
#1
Upgrading a 2010 F150 Tow Package
As requested. Thanks!
In 2010, I bought a F150, XLT screw cab, 5.4 3V, 6 spd, 18" wheels; 3.55 axle; 7350 GVWR trailer tow package (507A package).. I want to tow a 7500-8800 GVWR 25-30' Airstream. I have factory trailer brakes.
- Can I tow such trailers with a Class IV equalizer hitch? I am confused on what is on the door compared to what is on the towing guide. See attached.
- What upgrades should I look at first? Radiator; alternator, springs?
- How much should I allot for upgrades?
As much as a F250 diesel would be nice, I can't justify the fortune for a new truck.
Thanks in advance!
Beetle5
Last edited by Beetle5; 08-08-2018 at 01:16 PM. Reason: Additional info requested.
08-08-2018, 05:21 AM
#2
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post a pic of the Tires and Loading yellow/white sticker. it'll have the payload capacity for your truck.
what do you mean by "i have factory trailer brakes"? do you mean you have a brake controller installed?
what do you mean by "i have factory trailer brakes"? do you mean you have a brake controller installed?
08-08-2018, 11:35 AM
#3
I'm going to let the experts here answer your question but as for that Airstream length, IMHO, I wouldn't pull a 30 footer, maybe a 28, but even that is pushing it for me based on the spec you provided of your truck. I'd pick a 25-27, but that is me 
08-08-2018, 01:22 PM
#4
08-08-2018, 05:13 PM
#7
Senior Member
Understand, it does not matter what you add to your truck, you can't change the numbers on the Manufacturer's Certificate (The white sticker with GVWR and Axle Weight Ratings.)
Technically you can but you have to find a shop to do the engineering, and paperwork and assume liability by issuing an updated Certificate for said engineering. (you can buy a new truck cheaper)
Personally, I would not do those weights with that truck.
7500 GVWR * 13% = 975 Tongue weight
add WDH 100 pounds = 1075 lbs hitch weight
payload = 1361 - 1075 hitch weight = 286 for you, family and everything else in your truck. (It may be doable, I don't know you or your family.)
Ultimately it's your call though.
Personally, I would not go longer than 25 feet on any tag trailer behind any class 2a vehicle regardless of the payload or manufacturer numbers. It's a question of mass of the tow vehicle against side forces from wind, passing trucks, or whatever. I have done 24 ft car trailers and it got sketchy when it got windy or the trucks doing 80 blow past you.
If you really want to do a 30 ft Airstream, I recommend an F-350 SRW. F-350 and 250 are very close price wise but the payload increase is significant with the 350. (your buying the numbers, engineering and mfg certificate) the 350 gives you room to grow payload wise and additional mass in the TV.
Technically you can but you have to find a shop to do the engineering, and paperwork and assume liability by issuing an updated Certificate for said engineering. (you can buy a new truck cheaper)
Personally, I would not do those weights with that truck.
7500 GVWR * 13% = 975 Tongue weight
add WDH 100 pounds = 1075 lbs hitch weight
payload = 1361 - 1075 hitch weight = 286 for you, family and everything else in your truck. (It may be doable, I don't know you or your family.)
Ultimately it's your call though.
Personally, I would not go longer than 25 feet on any tag trailer behind any class 2a vehicle regardless of the payload or manufacturer numbers. It's a question of mass of the tow vehicle against side forces from wind, passing trucks, or whatever. I have done 24 ft car trailers and it got sketchy when it got windy or the trucks doing 80 blow past you.
If you really want to do a 30 ft Airstream, I recommend an F-350 SRW. F-350 and 250 are very close price wise but the payload increase is significant with the 350. (your buying the numbers, engineering and mfg certificate) the 350 gives you room to grow payload wise and additional mass in the TV.
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08-08-2018, 05:21 PM
#8
Senile member
You're not going to have enough payload for that trailer weight and tongue weight, period. Once you bust thru payload, you've exceeded the tow vehicle's GVWR. Once ya do that, all bets are off.
Figure travel trailer tongue weight is 13-15% of the LOADED trailer weight. Always figure on the higher end, too, so 15%.
15% of 8000lbs (assuming loaded) is 1,200lbs tongue weight. That doesn't include 100lbs for the WDH, and right there you're at 1300lbs.....not even including occupants and cargo in the tow vehicle.
Figure travel trailer tongue weight is 13-15% of the LOADED trailer weight. Always figure on the higher end, too, so 15%.
15% of 8000lbs (assuming loaded) is 1,200lbs tongue weight. That doesn't include 100lbs for the WDH, and right there you're at 1300lbs.....not even including occupants and cargo in the tow vehicle.
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08-08-2018, 08:09 PM
#10
Thanks to all for all the "sobering" comments. Lots to think about. Glad I've got time to think about it. Looks like I'll have to downsize on the trailer to make it work.
I can't justify buying a new truck. I'd like diesel, but DEF is a perfect example of the extra nickel and dimeing on top of $10K for diesel. I like owning my truck outright. I'll get killed on depreciation (for trade) even with 45K miles..and TLC isn't appreciated.
Sigh! So much for early retirement. ;7(
Beetle5
I can't justify buying a new truck. I'd like diesel, but DEF is a perfect example of the extra nickel and dimeing on top of $10K for diesel. I like owning my truck outright. I'll get killed on depreciation (for trade) even with 45K miles..and TLC isn't appreciated.
Sigh! So much for early retirement. ;7(
Beetle5
Last edited by Beetle5; 08-08-2018 at 08:19 PM. Reason: Appropriate tone.