Forum Discussion

mikenannie's avatar
mikenannie
Explorer
Jun 01, 2017

New Trailer - F150 Ecoboost Towable?

We just made a verbal confirmation to buy a new Sunset Trail, Grand Reserve, SS26SI trailer. I want to get some feedback on our truck / camper combo.

Our tow vehicle.

We have a 2012 Ford F150, XLT, Super-Crew, Ecoboost and the Max Tow package. The door sticker shows we have 1788 lb payload. GCWR 17,100, and max trailer weight is 11,200 lbs. It's just me and my wife, so our weight is about 450 lbs. We normally carry 2 bicycles, a portable grill, box of tools, 2 zero gravity chairs, and a case of water in the bed.

Our New Trailer

Overall length 30'. GVWR 7600 lbs. (dry 5986). Tongue wt: 740 lbs

Our current trailer. (2013 Sunset Trail Reserve, ST20CK)

Overall length is about 24'. GVWR 5500 lbs.

We currently use a weight distribution hitch and have never had any issues. However, this new trailer is considerably heavier, and about 6 feet longer. So I'm wondering -

1. Is this a safe load?
2. How much difference will I notice behind the wheel?

Thanks... Mike
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2017
    mikenannie wrote:
    downtheroad wrote:
    Off topic...sorry, but make sure you can access the bathroom with the slide in.....if that is a concern.


    Interesting, hadn't thought about that.


    Well, it can be a deal breaker. If you pull in to have a snack or to use the bathroom and have a rest, it's nice not to have to put out slides. Certainly in mine the slide seals only work when the unit is fully out, or fully in, and in between the weather and bugs get full access.
  • sgip2000's avatar
    sgip2000
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2017
    Store as much as possible in the trailer to minimize truck payload.
  • mikenannie's avatar
    mikenannie
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2017
    downtheroad wrote:
    Off topic...sorry, but make sure you can access the bathroom with the slide in.....if that is a concern.


    Interesting, hadn't thought about that.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2017
    Off topic...sorry, but make sure you can access the bathroom with the slide in.....if that is a concern.
  • mikenannie's avatar
    mikenannie
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2017
    mbopp wrote:
    I'm towing a similar trailer with my non-Max Tow Ecoboost. Just my wife and I, but we haul a canoe instead of 2 bikes. Power isn't an issue, and all I did was upgrade the weight distribution bars on the Reese Dual Cam and inflate the "P" rear truck tires up to 40PSI.


    Nice trailer by the way!

    I normally inflate the rear tires to about 44 psi when pulling the trailer. Thanks.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2017
    I'm towing a similar trailer with my non-Max Tow Ecoboost. Just my wife and I, but we haul a canoe instead of 2 bikes. Power isn't an issue, and all I did was upgrade the weight distribution bars on the Reese Dual Cam and inflate the "P" rear truck tires up to 40PSI.
    Our last trailer as 1000# lighter. You will notice it when accelerating and going uphill but it's manageable.
    Some of the tongue weight will be transferred to the front truck axle and trailer axles when you hitch up.
    I'd say go for it.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2017
    You are going to have about a 1000 lbs of tongue weight against your payload....also have to consider the weight of your hitch (subtracted from the truck's payload.)

    Looks close. Doesn't leave much for you, the wife and all your stuff. Pack light and good luck with your decision. It looks like a nice trailer.

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