I have a 2006 Ford F150 FX4 Supercrew with the following specs.5.4L V8 Engine3.73 gearing139" wheel base5509 curb weight7200 GVWR9200 TowingWith passengers, bikes, wood, etc. I would say that we have about 1000 pounds in the truck. Mainly because typically my wife and kids come later in a different vehicle. It could be more if we all ride together.The trailer I am looking at has the following specs2019 Heartland Pioneer 270BH7700 GVWR680 Hitch weight32'-3" long back to tongueThe way I have it calculated is that I have combined trailer weight of 14189 with a GCWR of 16400. So, I have a reserved of 2211 pounds. So, numbers wise I should be fine. With a good WDH. I know the truck is capable. We have a 19 foot camper that it pulls fantastic. I have pulled a 24' camper with half ton trucks in the past without an issue. I am just wondering if it will pull it without damaging a 13 year old truck.Opinions are welcome, please let me know what you think.

I would not worry IF you have made sure all components are OK. Ignition, trans service (maybe bigger oil pan on trans?), differential (s) serviced good universals all that type of stuff. I have an 04 F350 and that is our travel vehicle of choice when not out in RV. I have had all services done and just go for it. My son has an 04 f150 4x4 like you and had over 150000 on it and has no issues except some fair wear and tear items. So get a clean bill of helath and go for it, why spend $50-60K on a new truck?

Depending on how far your trips are it may be doable. I mean that because the 2006 5.4 is a big dog even with the 3.73 gears. BTDT. I had an 08 5.4, 3.73 gears and towed a loaded 7200 lb 31' TT. The 4sp is not your best friend when towing. I'm guessing you'll be as heavy as I was since the TT's dry weight is around 6400 lbs. If you're short hoping to nearby campgrounds then I suppose the shortcomings of the tuck will be tolerable. However if you're looking to put a full days worth of towing in then I would imagine you'll hate it. Also your 139" WB is going to give you fits with that 32' 7000+ lb TT.If you've kept it in tip top shape and are short hoping to CG's then it should be fine. You don't say how many miles are on the truck.

Right now our longest trips are typically 60 miles. Because I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Anywhere I go, typically requires me to go over a decent hill or mountain. We have thought of taking it towards the coast. That would definitely require us to have 5 mile climb.

It's gonna suck. That's an old truck. Technology and truck capabilities have improved vastly in the last 13 years. I wouldn't do it with my wife and kids in that truck. You will be borderline for safety.Mike

I think the biggest concern would be the 1300lb CCC! That’ll be eaten up fast. It’s one thing to run a vehicle at it’s capacity, but it’s quite another with a trailer as everyone knows how well (not) they are built. You’ll be maxed out on every trip. And with the 5.4 of that vintage they weren’t the most powerful. But a good tune from 5 star tuning really wakes up the hidden potential in these motors. The drive by wire in factory tune doesn’t give you the full potential. A good time will give you real time throttle opening. Knowing how it works I would say with a good tune it will be good, but a maxed out trailer will not.

F150 with a new Travel Trailer | Good Sam Community

1320Fastback
Explorer
Feb 15, 2019
We're gearing up to do this years trip of 2,100 miles each way in my 26 year old truck and I have zero doubts it will be fine.

Do your regular maintenance, make sure all your fluid coolers are cleaned and not jambed full of leaves and dirt, make sure your brake pads are above 50% and have fun!
Terryallan
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2019
After having towed a 30' 7400 GVWR TT with a 04 5.4 with 3.55 rears in the mountains of NC. I REALLY do not see a problem. You should have no trouble towing that TT as long as the truck is in good shape.

Yes I hauled wood, and bikes. The 04, 5.4, 3.55. towed it like a champ. Super steady, and no sway at all. Would not hesitate to take it across country.
bikendan
Explorer
Feb 14, 2019
Yep, hopefully the OP has a payload sticker, so we have a number to start with.
But I agree that he'll easily be over payload, with the loaded tongue weight and a WDH.
twodownzero
Explorer
Feb 14, 2019
You are out of payload before even getting in the truck. 5500 curb weight + 1000 pounds of stuff + 700 pounds of tongue weight on your unloaded trailer and you'll have no GVWR left for passengers. If your 1k estimate is right and includes passengers, even a few pound increase in hitch weight puts you over GVWR.

I think it'd be suicide to try to hitch these two together. Anything over 28-30 feet with a 1/2 ton is pushing it. On a heavy 4 door 1/2 ton, especially so.
Merrykalia
Explorer
Feb 14, 2019
Will it tow it? Yes.
Will it be safe? Probably, but until you are ready to tow and can check all your weights, it might be over your specs.
Do you need new tires on your truck? If they are "iffy", change them out before you attempt to tow.
Will it be an easy tow? Maybe, depending on the terrain.
Will you be over your weights? Maybe, maybe not, depending on what you have in/on your truck.

I would probably be comfortable towing it to the coast and back AFTER I changed out the tires on my truck. Does it have a transmission cooler on the truck? You may need that when you start climbing a mountain. If not, you may be sitting on the side of the road with a hot transmission.
Bobbo
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2019
You say you have about 1,000# in the truck already. A 7700# trailer will have about 1,100# of hitch weight, bringing you to 2,100# on the truck. What does the door sticker say your payload rating is?

Personally, I want about a 15% cushion when towing for unexpected emergencies. If that were my truck, I would not be comfortable unless the door sticker says your payload rating is 2,100#/85% = 2,500#.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2019
Hitch weight will be closer to 1000 lbs. Add another 100 lbs for the WDH. Got LT tires? Good luck.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Feb 14, 2019
I think the biggest concern would be the 1300lb CCC! That’ll be eaten up fast. It’s one thing to run a vehicle at it’s capacity, but it’s quite another with a trailer as everyone knows how well (not) they are built. You’ll be maxed out on every trip. And with the 5.4 of that vintage they weren’t the most powerful. But a good tune from 5 star tuning really wakes up the hidden potential in these motors. The drive by wire in factory tune doesn’t give you the full potential. A good time will give you real time throttle opening.
Knowing how it works I would say with a good tune it will be good, but a maxed out trailer will not.
mhamershock
Explorer
Feb 14, 2019
It's gonna suck. That's an old truck. Technology and truck capabilities have improved vastly in the last 13 years. I wouldn't do it with my wife and kids in that truck. You will be borderline for safety.

Mike
VA_Camper1
Explorer
Feb 14, 2019
Right now our longest trips are typically 60 miles. Because I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Anywhere I go, typically requires me to go over a decent hill or mountain. We have thought of taking it towards the coast. That would definitely require us to have 5 mile climb.

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