Upgrading a 2010 F150 Tow Package
08-09-2018, 12:34 PM
#11
Senior Member
08-09-2018, 05:01 PM
#12
Senile member
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
08-16-2018, 07:51 PM
#13
Back in the day (When Half-Tons had 4700 GVWR and a Base F350 Dually had a 4400 lb Curb Weight) my Grandad had a rule of thumb. Conventional Trailer Weight should be no more than truck GVWR. I've found this still works pretty well as long as you don't run out of payload. I may stretch it a little with an old 8800 GVWR Cummins (9200 lb trailer) or a 6500 GVWR F150 (7050 lb trailer) but not by much. I do tend to ignore it on "Paper Derate" Trucks that have an artificially low Optional GVWR Cert for registration reasons.
Last edited by Gene K; 08-16-2018 at 07:54 PM.
08-19-2018, 10:05 AM
#14
A resource that I used to decide on which travel trailer to buy that my F150 could tow safely is the towing calculator at Husky towing website.
https://www.huskytow.com/towing-calculator/
You plug in the specs for your truck and the travel trailer. Add the weight for water, propane, batteries, cargo, people, tools, etc and the calculator will let you know where you stand weight wise if your truck is rated to tow it.
As far as control-ability, the right hitch setup will go the distance to minimize sway. A weight distributing hitch is required. Some offer a friction control sway bar. I highly recommend a 4 point anit-sway hitch like the Husky TS center-line that I installed.
With the right setup including a 4 point anti-sway weight distributing hitch, proportional brake controller, and ride-rite airbags to help the ride quality, I felt perfectly fine towing my 33' Crossroads Sunset Trail 291RK for 3,700 miles from Texas to Canada and back 2 weeks ago. At no time in our travels did the truck get pushed around. That includes passing semis, a couple thunderstorms or wet roads.
Last edited by Oxlander; 08-20-2018 at 09:03 AM.