Tow vehicle question

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".

http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/13flrv&tt_f150.pdf

Francesca Knowles wrote:
Except for the squat and the water container moved back a bit, those two pics look identical to me. What/where did the extra 700 pounds come from???

Landscaping blocks (you can see one up high, in the middle) and scrap steel. I started running out of room and had to resort to items with higher density.

Also, it was 2500 in the bed but was centered behind the rear axle and lifted the front about 3/8" so I guessed at least 200 lb transferred to the rear axle. The 2000 lb load was still fairly centered.

Buck50HD wrote:


here's how my Stock F150HD handles weight in the bed. We have nearly the identical truck.

2000 lbs


~2700 lbs

:h

Except for the squat and the water container moved back a bit, those two pics look identical to me. What/where did the extra 700 pounds come from???

I'm not reluctant to post picture. When I reinstall my hitch and hook up I'll definably post the picture. As I stated on other posts I drop about 2 to 2 1/2 inches.

rhagfo wrote:

mark5w wrote:
Picture says it all. nuff said.

That is right lets look at the real picture of your 5er/F150 combination with the landing gear DOWN, heck I could do that with my 2500 and 40' DVR also!!

Well, since he's reluctant to post a pic, here's how my Stock F150HD handles weight in the bed. We have nearly the identical truck.

2000 lbs


~2700 lbs


So, if you ever see an F150HD sitting lower than level, he is severely overloaded! When at or below 8200GVWR/4800RAWR, it handles and looks great. No air bags or helpers. The first pic would be a few hundred under RAWR and right at GVWR with just a driver on my truck.

I have to chuckle when I think back to my 08 GMC sitting level with an 800 lb Sportsman 500 in the back and roll all over. Not all 1/2 tons are created equal.

valhalla360 wrote:
By the time you upgrade a bunch of stuff, it would be cheaper to sell and buy a 3/4 ton and it will do a better job int he long run compared to a cobbled together system. And don't forget the things that will break sooner because they are being over stressed.

On a side note: I have come across a few 30-35' 5th wheels towed by full semi-tractors, so yes, you can go overkill.

You might want to go to the HDT thread on the Escapee forum and get a little insight on why some prefer to tow with a TRUCK, just saying.

Jim

By the time you upgrade a bunch of stuff, it would be cheaper to sell and buy a 3/4 ton and it will do a better job int he long run compared to a cobbled together system. And don't forget the things that will break sooner because they are being over stressed.

On a side note: I have come across a few 30-35' 5th wheels towed by full semi-tractors, so yes, you can go overkill.

Buck50HD wrote:

hammer21661 wrote:

Ed9824v wrote:
MY boy has the F150 ecoboost and we are setting it up for a 10K 5er. is this the ecoboost motor??

You two are both nuts but good luck.

Usually, I'd try to stick up for the 1/2 tonners, but I have to agree. No HD payload package and a 10k 5th? I really hope that's GVWR, not dry.

I would haveto agree we are happy with what we have but would not excede where are know with any weight.

45Ricochet wrote:
Why is it the pavement is always wet in your photos Russ :W

well that picture was from January 1st for a short weekend trip. At least this time it didn't snow on the way home!