I have a 2011 ecoboost with the 7700 GVWR with payload of 1825lbs and a rear axle rating of 4050lbs. Max tow package with 3:73 ratio. I'm looking at a 2015 Puma 253 FBS 5th wheel that is 27 feet long and has a dry pin weight of 1026 lbs. The dry weight is about 6950lbs and the GVWR is around 11,000lbs (which I'm sure I will never get to). My truck with a full tank of gas and myself and my dad (sitting in for my wife) weighed 6415lbs in total and the front axle weighed 3638lbs and the rear axle weighed 2778 lbs. That leaves me 1285lbs for the hitch and trailer. I did replace the P tires with E load tires. Any thoughts or advice, I'm a little nervous about being over weight. I looked at a 8200 model today, but that's another 22K, and I don't really want a 3/4 ton. We really like this 5th wheel, but are still looking at TT's.

Swagging here, you have about 1900 lbs of cargo, this includes any "options" on the RV ("options aren't included in the factory dry weight, this often includes things like the A/C, awnings)1900 is a little lower then I would feel comfortable with. Unless you were doing weekend camping at campgrounds where you could attach to water/sewer. Boon docking would probably not be something I would recommend.

just to keep it simple, you have 259 pounds to allow for the 5th wheel hitch, clothes, and bedding. A half ton truck is simply not strong enough to pull a 5th wheel with any kind of safety. I have seen many 3/4 ton trucks pulling 5th wheels and their nose is in the air because they are over loaded. with a trailer the size you are talking an 3/4 ton is necessary. Your only alternative is to get a regular travel trailer and use an equalizer hitch that will force the weight to be distributed over the entire vehicle or bite the bullet and get a 3/4 ton truck in addition to the 5er.

A 11,000 GVWR 5th wheel will have a pin weight of 2000# when loaded for campingYour payload of 1285# would be closer to 1000# after installation of 5th wheel hitch.1000# of payload doesn't leave much in the way of 5th wheels due to pin weights.But your truck is quite capable of towing a very nice travel trailer.I applaud you on going and weighing truck so that you know how much capacity you have for weight.I had a 2001 F150 7700 GVWR.Ran out of payload quickly.......19' 5th wheelBUT it towed my big heavy boat just fine

Please don't for everyones safty,Try this link it may help: http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-fw.shtml

The fifth wheel in my sig has a GVWR just under 9,500lbs.I personally would not be very comfortable hauling/towing much more with my truck.

5th Wheels and F150's | Good Sam Community

53 Replies

MFL
Nomad II
Apr 23, 2018
Hey Palinduff, that looks like a nice matchup with your rig! I tow a motorcycle trailer behind my FW sometimes. It really tows well back there, surprising how tru the second trailer tracks! Hope you got by the mud in first pic, and I like your campsite!

Happy towing,
Jerry
Allworth
Explorer II
Apr 22, 2018
Oh yeah! Just ask the truck salesman.
Palinduff
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
time2roll wrote:
I can't believe it has been almost four years since the start.
Enjoy that trailer. Sounds like you have the right stuff :B

I actually bought the truck a year ago, but it took me this long to find this post. I think I'm set good now, but I may have to lower the front of the unit a little to level it off, or raise it at the axles.
Palinduff
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
Palinduff
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 22, 2018
I can't believe it has been almost four years since the start.
Enjoy that trailer. Sounds like you have the right stuff :B
Palinduff
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
I did shop for 3/4 tons, but I did not like the 6.2 power compared with the low end torque of the ecoboost, and I did not want or require a diesel. This truck pulls my unit comfortably with no problems. Loade at 8500 lbs is 73% of my max tow and I am 500 ibs below my payload, so I'm well within my capabilities.
Palinduff
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
MFL
Nomad II
Apr 22, 2018
Palinduff wrote:
How do I post pictures?

Just google rv.net photo posting, when when you get to photo post page, follow easy instruction.

Jerry
Palinduff
Explorer
Apr 22, 2018
How do I post pictures?

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5th Wheels and F150's

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