Tow vehicle question
I am purchasing a new Wildwood fifth wheeler and plan on towing with an F-150 Ford. Please advise as to pros and cons, and also how to outfit the tow rig as to powertrain, suspension (factory and aft...
Forum Discussion
OK, as one who just completed 4000 miles pulling something similar:
2012 F150, EcoBoost, MaxPayload, Max Towing package. Pulling a Jayco Eagle 26.5. That is pretty close to the 26 Wildcat. Sticker weight of the Jayco is 7,400. Have not weighed it, but we loaded it lightly, so was probably around 8,400 on the road. 10.4 to 11 mpg. (Higher when we stayed below the speed limit, lower when we went 5 mph higher than....) Never any issues with 4-5% grades (nothing steeper on our trip). Passed everyone that was in the passing lane. No squat. No airbags needed. Did have to have the fifth modified to raise it on the axels, so it would travel level and clear the tailgate/sides more than stock would do it. Hitch is Reese R16K, with Sidewinder pinbox from Jayco, so do not need a slider with the 6.5 bed.
Make SURE you verify what the pin weight percent is for your trailer, and make sure you do not exceed what the truck can carry - that eliminated many of the "1/2 ton" 5ths we looked at. We did not look at Wildcat.
Max payload package for the Ford is mandatory. Many tales of dealers not knowing about it. Ours had to reorder because they promised it to us, but they assumed it was part of the Max Tow package. It is not. They therefore had an extra truck to sell. This option forces you to get the SuperCrew.
For us, this is a great combination. I have a commuter vehicle most of the year (at 18 mpg city), but can go camping with a 5th also. Yep, close to the wire, but inside of it in all respects, and none of the bigger expenses that come with bigger vehicles.....
Not "too much truck" and definately not "too little truck" It is "just right".
2012 F150, EcoBoost, MaxPayload, Max Towing package. Pulling a Jayco Eagle 26.5. That is pretty close to the 26 Wildcat. Sticker weight of the Jayco is 7,400. Have not weighed it, but we loaded it lightly, so was probably around 8,400 on the road. 10.4 to 11 mpg. (Higher when we stayed below the speed limit, lower when we went 5 mph higher than....) Never any issues with 4-5% grades (nothing steeper on our trip). Passed everyone that was in the passing lane. No squat. No airbags needed. Did have to have the fifth modified to raise it on the axels, so it would travel level and clear the tailgate/sides more than stock would do it. Hitch is Reese R16K, with Sidewinder pinbox from Jayco, so do not need a slider with the 6.5 bed.
Make SURE you verify what the pin weight percent is for your trailer, and make sure you do not exceed what the truck can carry - that eliminated many of the "1/2 ton" 5ths we looked at. We did not look at Wildcat.
Max payload package for the Ford is mandatory. Many tales of dealers not knowing about it. Ours had to reorder because they promised it to us, but they assumed it was part of the Max Tow package. It is not. They therefore had an extra truck to sell. This option forces you to get the SuperCrew.
For us, this is a great combination. I have a commuter vehicle most of the year (at 18 mpg city), but can go camping with a 5th also. Yep, close to the wire, but inside of it in all respects, and none of the bigger expenses that come with bigger vehicles.....
Not "too much truck" and definately not "too little truck" It is "just right".
