Weight and Truck

Actually I had my eye on a 1990 7.3l v8 deisel. rear drive.

Follow your own good advice.

Depending on the cab configuration, trim, and package Ford F150 1/2-tons can have a payload from 800# to 2200#.
On the door jamb there's a yellow sticker that lists the payload for that particular truck. Ignore the manufacturers brochure payload weights, they're for stripped-down models.

@downtheroad: I was told that by someone. I don't understand how the tonnage related to the rv weight. Like they say 1/2 ton. That would be 1000 1bs. Is that where tongue weight comes in. I think that means the truck can carry 1000 1bs of dirt, etc?

@seattle..:see above. Now your adding deisel. Actually I had my eye on a 1990 7.3l v8 deisel. rear drive.


@mbopp: Lets say we won't travel light....thats for sure. Well...I try to...but that never happens. So I guess 1/2 ton (see above - cause it confuses me) is minimal...and seems like 3/4 is more idea. I am all for overkill....within reason. so 3/4 tone are 350/3500?

One thing for sure...is in 1989 there was a good match for this rig. I am looking for something between 90-2000ish for like 5K max. I see plenty out there....just not sure what I should go with. Sounds like 3/4 at this point. Keep in mind...this will be used primarily for camping trips somewhat local only. May want to take a 10 hour (one way) trip in the fall.:)

Another question - How many people & how much gear are you hauling? Crew cab 1/2-tons run out of payload real quick with an S.O., 3 kids, a dog, and bikes / firewood in the bed.

3/4 ton diesel at the minimum

cs2kplus wrote:
Ok....answers for 3 comments:

1. yes that is the dry weight. It is on the camper label.

2. I agree....minimum is really a bad choice of words for me. Let me say I'd like the minimum x 1.5 or 2.

3. Oh...did not know there was a section for towing. Good point.


Thanks all. Any follows ups are appreciated.:B

OK in that case, to answer #2 ...go at least 2500/250 for the truck, since you are starting with 6500 dry.

Ok....answers for 3 comments:

1. yes that is the dry weight. It is on the camper label.

2. I agree....minimum is really a bad choice of words for me. Let me say I'd like the minimum x 1.5 or 2.

3. Oh...did not know there was a section for towing. Good point.


Thanks all. Any follows ups are appreciated.:B

I'd post this in the tow vehicles section as you might get better answers.

You don't want to look for the MINIMUM! You want to look for the most truck you can afford, new or used. You will never (?) buy a smaller, lighter, trailer in the future and buying a little "extra" truck now saves a lot of grief then.



//The question mark is to head off the one person who will jump in saying,"Oh yes; we bought a smaller trailer." Go away!//

Welcome to the Forum...
You said you couldn't get it weighed.
How do you know it weighs 6500? Is that the dry weight?

Knowing the weight (GVWR - gross vehicle weight rating) of the trailer is the starting point for deciding what truck will work best.