Forum Discussion

supercub's avatar
supercub
Explorer
May 15, 2017

Ford 150 ??

I'm just looking into possibly buying a small 5th trailer, under 25' in length. I know weight is a major consideration. Will a Ford 150 tow a small 5th wheel? if so, any recommendation on engine size (gas). Thanks
Brian

28 Replies

  • If your sticking with a F150/1500 pickup, you can tow a bigger TT than 5th wheel with any given truck.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    supercub wrote:
    I'm just looking into possibly buying a small 5th trailer, under 25' in length. I know weight is a major consideration. Will a Ford 150 tow a small 5th wheel? if so, any recommendation on engine size (gas). Thanks
    Brian


    OP, looking at your current profile, you don't currently own the F150, so that is a plus.

    There are several advertised 1/2 ton 5er's out there, that can't be carried by all 1/2 tons, but can be carried by some.

    If you first shop for the 5er and find one with a GVWR less than 10,000# and a dry weight in the 7,500# range, you could fit within the numbers of a Max/Max F150 with EcoBoost engine.

    The sad part is due to the size and empty weight of F250, that they don't have a whole bunch more payload than the Max/Max F150.

    Most that I have seen look quite stable and the 5er they were carrying was a reasonable size.

    Carrying/pull a 5er with an F150, is better then pulling a long TT, as the tail can't wag the dog as easily.
  • Back to the OP. They do make smaller lightweight 5th wheels you just need to find one that works for you. Keystone has one called the Couger Half-Ton that will work depending on your truck.


    Most people here will tell you to get a new truck. That's fine if you are able to but if you want to keep your truck, you need to know what your trucks towing capacities are and then look for a trailer that will fit that. Since you didn't post anything about your truck there is no way of knowing what you can handle.

    Another thing to be aware of is your bed length. If you have a short bed you will get close to the cab with the front cap of the camper when you turn tight.

    Good luck.
  • The average F150 will be severely limited to handle the 5th wheel pin weight.
    If you're serious about towing a small 5th wheel look for lightly loaded models like an XL or XLT Super Cab with the 6.5" bed.
    Try and find one with at least 1800lbs for payload cargo rating. A 25' 5th wheel will be hard to find. JMO but if you already own or are adamantly set on an F150 I'd look for a travel trailer near that length.
  • Follow 1jeep's recommendation....buy or select the camper first. Then you can properly size the TV.
  • find the trailer you want first, then buy the truck. Most likely once you start looking youll find something that might require a 1 ton truck for the cargo capacity.
  • Most have enough engine to "tow" it but more importantly you need the payload rating and axles to "carry" it. You need enough payload to handle the loaded pin weight, hitch weight, gear and all passengers added to the truck. You will likely need the rare max tow, max payload package F150 to do it within the numbers.

    Usually better off going straight to an F250.