12voltman

Hi guys,

I am new to the forum and have some towing concerns. I have a 2013 F150 crew cab, 5.5' box, 4x4, ecoboost, with 3.55 electronic axle. I do not have the max tow package. The truck says I should be able to pull 9600lbs and yellow door sticker says combined weight should not exceed 1361lbs. I am shopping for a travel trailer and I'm looking at a Jayco 28DSBH. It has a hitch weight of 590lbs and a dry weight of 5700lbs. I'm worried that this is too much trailer for the truck. I have never pulled a camper before and I don't want to set myself up to fail. Does anyone pull something equal to this load with a similar truck?

Thanks

jayandsam09

With the proper sway bars you should be fine. What I've noticed towing with these new f150's is that the engines are capable of pulling a lot more weight than the truck is. Cross winds will push the truck around when you're pulling that camper a lot more than with a 3/4 or one ton truck. Just make sure that they help you with the sway bars and trailer brakes. You should be ok

huntin

I would also recommend sway bars and rear airbags, both will help keep the trailer level. I like the rear airbags since I pull multiple trailers and different weight carried in the bed you can keep the truck level without compromising the ride. The sway bars work very well pulling camper trailers.
I recently pulled a mini excavator and trailer weighing around 12,000 lbs absolutely no problem.
2013 platinum Ruby Red, 4x4 screw, 6 1/2 box, ecoboost 3:31 gears with 260 75 R 20's and lift level kit.

12voltman

Thanks guys. I think what I'm really concerned about is the trailer man-handling the truck more so than the engine not being able to pull the weight. I'm wondering if I should be looking at a smaller trailer. Although the weight won't change all that much, the length might make for a better towing experience. I've pulled a flat utility trailer before, but never anything with a box. I'm just worried about being "pushed around".

jayandsam09

I wouldn't worry about it but I've towed a lot. If you get into a lot of traffic or windy weather just slow down. That's going to be the case though with any travel trailer regardless of the weight.

jollyroger331

You will be fine with that trailer, just get a good WDH like an equal-I-zer and don't daydream at the wheel. I've pulled a 32 jayco dsbh 550 mi with a 11yr old f150 with no problems.

SkiSmuggs

This!!!
Of course, loaded weight is your real concern and the trailer you are looking at should be under all the load and towing specs.

PHX 150

I just pulled an 8 X 20 enclosed trailer, full at 7000 lbs., 2300 miles, with no problem.
I used the Equalizer hitch, and it's an awesome hitch. Get the 1000/10000, and it helps getting tongue weight back on the trailer and steer axle of the truck, along with eliminating sway.
You'll likely be in the mid-6000 lb. range once your camper is loaded up.
You don't need bags or springs. Setting the hitch up right is all you need. My set up worked best with 5 washers, which you won't relate to unless you get the Equalizer hitch.

EcoboostKev

You should be fine with that trailer. If you are that concerned about sway and the trailer man handling the truck then I recommend looking into a Hensley or Prorpide hitch. They are a little pricey compared to the others but they guarantee no sway or your $$ back!

I personally use the Equal-i-zer with 4way sway control on my 32' trailer and have had "0" issues..

12voltman

Wow, thanks for all the replies! It looks like the Equal-i-zer hitch is the way to go no matter what trailer I decide on. I started looking at expandable campers, and well, these things tend to escalate! From what everyone has said here, it seems that my truck will handle the trailer I'm looking without a problem. I guess I'm just being a little paranoid about it. There's an RV show coming up in September... We'll see what happens!