Towing/Truck Newbie Trying to Understand
I've been reading on this, and other sites, about towing as I need to figure out what I can safely tow with my truck (2003 F150 4.6L V8; automatic transmission; 3.55 differential). Here are the fig...
Forum Discussion
Triton318 wrote:
...Ford says the maximum loaded trailer weight is 7,100. But 11,500 - 6,050 = 5,450. Shouldn't the maximum loaded trailer weight be 5,450?
You are counting tongue weight twice. Tongue weight will be part of the weight on the truck's axles, or GVW. If you load the truck up with GVWR including TW, then 5450 by your calculation should be about 85-90% of the trailer weight max, or closer to 6500 pounds loaded. That's the theory. Now reality.
Towing a high walled RV is hard work. You have to pull two sheets of plywood through the air at 60-65mph plus have power to accelerate and climb hills. I towed my TT with a 2003 F-150 Supercrew 4WD 5.4L/3.73 which did fine for two seasons. I would not be as happy with the 4.6L/3.55 combo. I recommend sticking to near 4k dry. Replace all your truck's fluids. Make sure it has a good transmission cooler. You may want to consider finding a more capable truck before the RV.
