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Sgeorge's avatar
Sgeorge
Explorer
Sep 20, 2017

Moving from a bumper pull to a fifth wheel ?'s

I asked this question in the tow vehicles section, but thought I would ask here. So I am looking for some advice, hopefully from people who have done the same thing. Here are the truck details, 2016 Ford F250, 4X4, SBCC, 6.2, 4.30. I am currently towing a trailer with a max weight of 6,000lbs; I am looking at moving up to a fifth wheel that will max out at 9,000lbs. I am happy with how the truck pulls the current trailer, but concerned that I might not like the heavier fifth wheel. I am not worried about pin weight and issues like that; the truck can more than handle the weights. The question I have is how much will I feel the increased weight in actual pulling. Will the truck slow down significantly? Will the 3,000lbs increase cause a large difference in pulling hills? Also what will moving from a bumper pull to a fifth wheel effect pulling in head winds, concerned about wind resistance. Thanks for any help you might give.

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  • xtech's avatar
    xtech
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2017
    We pull a 10000 pound 30 ft 5th wheel with a 2011 F250 super cab with 6.2 and 4.30 axle. Pulled from Alberta Canada last winter to Arizona and California, pull this summer out to coast through BC rocky mountains and all over prairies. Just back yesterday from 500 mile trip. Understanding its not a diesel it pulls very well. If no headwind and level road it will pull all day in 6th gear at 1800 rpm. yesterday for instance coming home we had strong NW wind gusting to 30 mph so I pull in 5th gear no problem. We get anywhere from 8-10 mpg on US gallon. You will have no problem at all with that weight and having pulled a travel trailer before (been towing for over 40 yrs) a 5th wheel is so much more stable and unaffected by side winds or passing trucks you will love it.
  • garyp4951's avatar
    garyp4951
    Explorer III
    Sep 20, 2017
    I've been looking at Fords with the 6.2, and hear great reviews, especially with the 4.30 gears.
    That truck should be good up to a 10k rv easy.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Sep 20, 2017
    It will be a non-issue with with the 6.2 & 4.30s. Ford rates that truck/drive train to tow a 15K FW. It may pull a little harder up a steep grade, than your TT, but still plenty of reserve power.

    Jerry
  • jkwilson's avatar
    jkwilson
    Explorer III
    Sep 20, 2017
    I pull a heavier, 11,300lb loaded, 5er with a 2014 F250 4X4 SBCC 6.2 3.73.

    I'm not in love with the performance, but it's not bad. On moderate hilly interstates I get passed more than I pass, but part of that is that I don't drive it like it's on fire which is the same way I'd drive a Diesel. I keep up with the semi traffic for sure, and pass some of it. No burning urge to fork over the money to go Diesel, but everybody has different driving environments. We don't have many mountains close, so that could be an issue.

    With the 4.30 and lighter trailer you should be happy, and just from personal preference I think you'll like what the 5er gives you in room and towing behavior.

    I pull a gooseneck cattle trailer with the truck that generally runs 8,000 pounds or so. Smaller frontal area, but it handles that much better than the 5er at highway speeds.
  • Paul_Clancy's avatar
    Paul_Clancy
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2017
    3000lbs. You'll notice it. Truck will work harder. No free lunch towing. Plus is the trailer will tow better (no sway from semis ,gusts etc. ) wind resistance will be similar.

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