Excuse my ignorance, but I got the go ahead from my better half to start researching a camper for us! I have a 2007 F150 and got the specs from the link below:http://www.fordf150.net/2007/2007-ford-f150-specifications.phpIt says my max GCWR is 14,000lbs and that my max loaded trailer weight is 8600lbs. I saw something in my owners manual that's said if you do not have the towing package that the max loaded trailer weight is 5000lbs. Which is right?Thanks!

I would look at the VIN plate on the driver's door jam for the vehicle info.The owner's manual is generic and won't give exact specs for your vehicle.More info here

They're all right. None of the information you gave contradicts anything else. Do you have the towing package or not? Sounds like 5,000 if you don't, 8,600 if you do. I would have to assume that your truck weighs about 14,000 - 8,600 = 5,400 empty. Of course, any weight added to the truck must be subtracted from the tow weight. So, that 8,600 number will come down some as you add passengers and gear to your truck.

Vin tag doesn't have anything as far as towing capacities, just the max weight for the truck

And there's no towing package installed

Well - Do you have the towing package?It includes a larger than stock transmission cooler, and normal things like a hitch, wiring harness, and might have a brake controller.You probably are not under the factory warranty, so not much to worry about there. Check your curb weight and the GVWR for your truck. Remember that you can only tow what will fit within those limits. So say you are not going on the trip alone, and have passengers (The manufactures never consider any passenger weight when they write the specs). Your curb weight might be say 7,500 pounds, and with passengers closer to 8,000. Subtract what is left over from the GVWR, and you will get what is left for hitch weight.(Your curb weight will be less). You really need to find a scale to determine your curb weight, and can go from there, once you know your GVWR, it is on the Drivers door.Fred.

Question about my F150's specs | Good Sam Community

dnmccoy
Explorer
Jul 23, 2013
Ok...so light weight is going to be the key :)
bikendan
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
dnmccoy wrote:
Ok..so lets just say I'm stuck at the 5000lb weight limit, are there many options when it comes to travel trailers or hybrids for beginners?

i tow a 5000lbs. 25' HTT with my '07 Avalanche which has a tow capacity of 7200lbs.
but i live in the West and have numerous mountain ranges to get over, so i need that 2000lbs. cushion.

sure there's lots of trailers that will have a GVWR under 5000lbs. but they'll usually be in the 20' and under range.
it all has to do with what you're willing to do without.
APT
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
IMHO, you still need these for any high walled RV:

Larger trans cooler
7-pin wiring harness
Class 3/4 receiver
Proportional brake controller

Towing any high walled RV is hard work. Not only are you asking the engine/trans to move twice the weight it normally does, it also has to pull the parachute through the air at 60-65mph. You have a 4-spd trans, 3 usable towing gears. B6 axle code means 3.73 (limited slip), as good as if gets for the 2007 F-150. You can argue against the trans cooler, but that's the cheapest part under $100.
TomG2
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
rfryer beat me to the point. "If" you are only towing short distances on flat ground, then things like the transmission cooler are not as important as if you are planning on towing from coast to coast every year. Having said that, there are lots of lightweight trailers on the market.
rfryer
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
There’s a good selection out there, they’ll be on the small side for the most part. Some posters may offer some suggestions but I’d also just go on the net and look at what’s offered by the different manufactures. And hit some RV shows in the area. Check dealers, too, but be wary of what they tell you can pull, they’re job is to sell trailers not advise you what may be best for you.

An afterthought, keep in mind that on flat land you can pull a heavier TT, if you do much mountain driving a lighter one will be more desirable.
dnmccoy
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Ok..so lets just say I'm stuck at the 5000lb weight limit, are there many options when it comes to travel trailers or hybrids for beginners?
bikendan
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
your VIN will tell you if your truck came with the FACTORY tow package. if it didn't, then the tow capacity is 5000lbs. and what you have installed is aftermarket stuff.

and you probably don't have a rear end ratio spec'd for towing.
so, unless you match the factory tow package, item for item, you still won't have the 8600lbs. towing capacity. having a hitch receiver and 7-pin plug isn't enough.
APT
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Looks like you have the towing package then. Stay under 6000 pounds dry and you should be pleased. Change all the fluids before you start towing.
skipnchar
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
dnmccoy wrote:
Excuse my ignorance, but I got the go ahead from my better half to start researching a camper for us! I have a 2007 F150 and got the specs from the link below:

http://www.fordf150.net/2007/2007-ford-f150-specifications.php

It says my max GCWR is 14,000lbs and that my max loaded trailer weight is 8600lbs. I saw something in my owners manual that's said if you do not have the towing package that the max loaded trailer weight is 5000lbs. Which is right?

Thanks!

Both are correct. WITH the towing package you have the higher rating and without it the rating is 5,000 lb. The REAL number is ALWAYS dependent on the details.
Good luck / Skip
dnmccoy
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Here are pics of the pins,hitch and vin sticker for reference

Ideally were looking for a travel trailer, hybrid or fully equipped pop up for 2 adults and eventual child or two. Plus 2 furry kids