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jim_summers's avatar
jim_summers
Explorer
Oct 08, 2013

Apr 2013 "Tow Test"

Just to muddy up the water some more, here's a puzzler. Reading the Apr 2013 Trailer Life, I read a review on a 9000lb (wet/loaded weight) TT being pulled by a new F-150, V-6 turbochg'ed, 3.5 L. The F-150 had a "towing rating" of 9600 lbs. The F-150 itself weighs 6500 lbs I think. TL did not publish the GVWR. But after reading the towing advise on this website, I was surprised. It looks like to me they were probably towing within about 96% of their GVWR. The article extolled the V-6, no problems accelerating or stopping, etc. etc. No tongue droop, no swaying. Don't know what hitch they used. (a WD hitch I hope) I was surprised to see Trailer Life promoting this "perfect" towing combination. I thought from my reading that this is way too heavy a TT for this truck. Maybe there is something I missed. Any thoughts on it ? I wondered if any of this site's "experts" had seen it also. Thnx in advance.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2013
    It's a reoccurring theme at TL. Been getting the mag for a couple years and they always report on some combo that's close to it's limit.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Oct 08, 2013
    jim summers wrote:
    Correction to my first post. I said " TL did not publish the GVWR. But after reading the towing advise on this website, I was surprised. It looks like to me they were probably towing within about 96% of their GVWR."
    I meant GCVWR- Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. I'm betting this truck/trailer combo is too close to the GCVWR. Sorry-should've proof read better.


    If it's not OVER, it's not too close. Good to go. Never be afraid to tow what the engineers that designed the truck say you can.
    The 80% you hear so much about on here is nothing more than a myth. Something made up, so folks don't have to do math.
  • jim_summers's avatar
    jim_summers
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2013
    Correction to my first post. I said " TL did not publish the GVWR. But after reading the towing advise on this website, I was surprised. It looks like to me they were probably towing within about 96% of their GVWR."
    I meant GCVWR- Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating. I'm betting this truck/trailer combo is too close to the GCVWR. Sorry-should've proof read better.

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